Nemrut Mountain National Park, Adıyaman province; It is a national park and archaeological site located in the district of Kahta and containing an ancient city of the Kingdom of Commagene. In the city center of Adıyaman, transportation is provided by the highway connecting Kahta, and the National Park area is 9 km from Kahta and 43 km from Adıyaman.

Nemrut Mountain and Tumulus and sacred areas belonging to Commagene King Antiochos constitute the main feature of the National Park.

The tumulus and giant sculptures of Antiochos, Arsameia (Eskikale), Yenikale, Karakuş Tepe and Cendere Bridge are cultural values ​​remaining in the National Park. In this region, which was known as Commagene in ancient times, an independent kingdom was established by Mithradates I, and the kingdom gained importance during the years when his son Antiochus I (62-32 BC) ruled. The independence of the kingdom came to an end with the war against Rome and lost in the year 72 AD.

The ruins on the summit of Mount Nemrut are not a settlement, but the Tumulus of Antiochos and sacred areas. The tumulus is located at an altitude of 2150 meters, on the hill overlooking the Euphrates River passages and plains. It is believed that the bones or ashes of the king were placed in the room carved into the bedrock and covered by a tumulus 50 meters high and 150 meters in diameter. The entrance is from the north and there are terrace-shaped courtyards in the east and west where religious ceremonies are held.

On both terraces, giant statues of sitting, reaching a height of 7 meters, are lined between lion and eagle sculptures, and these are surrounded by orthostad (large stone blocks placed vertically) with inscriptions and reliefs. The capital city of Commagene, Arsameia, is located near the Old Kahta Village. Here, Mithridates’ sanctuary is located.

Again, near Eski Kahta, around Kocahisar Village is Yenikale built on steep rocks. Although the castle has medieval influences, it belongs to the late period. There are water tanks, bath, mosque and a secret waterway going down to Kahta Stream.

In the place where the Cendere Stream, which is a branch of the Kahta Stream, shrinks, there is the Cendere Bridge built as a single arch on two main rocks. According to the inscription on the pillars of the bridge, it was built by the cities of Commagene in honor of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus (AD 193-211) and his wife and sons. 10 km southwest of Arsameia is Karakuş Tepe Tumulus, where the women of the kingdoms are buried at a height of 21 meters.

Where is Nemrut Mountain