AREA: 7.614 km2

POPULATION: 513.131 (1990)

TRAFFIC CODE: 02

Districts

Adiyaman (center), Besni, Celikhan, Gerger, Golbasi, Kahta, Samsat, Sincik, Tut.

Sites Of Interest

Adiyaman, Kahta and Besni castles, Adiyaman Museum, Cendere Bridge, Ruins at Mt.Nemrut, Karakus Hill, Pirin (Perre) and Gumuskaya caves, Golbasi Lakes. Historical Sites and Ruins

Mt. Nemrut Ruins - Kahda/Karadut Aresemeia Ruins - Kahda/Kocahisar Old Besnil - Old Beni/Center Pirin Ruins - Adiyaman/Center Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Adiyaman

Nemrut Mountain

At the junction of the East and West civilisations, Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nemrut) is one of the most astounding sites in Turkey: A collection of colossal statues on a remote mountain 2150m high, adorning the temple and tomb of King Antiochus. Unknown until 1881 when an Ottoman geologist discovered these 10 metre-high stone heads, archaeological work began in 1953 to uncover their history. Nemrut Dagi has since been a significant attraction, with thousands coming at sunrise and sunset to see the stones in the best possible light. It has been designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, and is one of the most important National Parks in the country. In addition to the statues, the entire site includes art from the Commagene civilisation, the Eskikale (Old Castle), Yenikale (New Castle), Karakus Hill and Cendere Bridge. Most people use the nearby towns of Malatya, Kahta or Ad?yaman as a base, and the road to the summit is only open from mid-April to mid-October because of heavy snow the rest of the year. Karakus Tumulus (Women's Monument Tomb)

Located at Adiyaman-Kahta enterance in south-west of the National Park ,the Monumental Tomb was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II and was dedicated to his mother Isas. Because of the symbol of eagle on the top of the columns, it was named as Karakus (black bird) Tumulus. There were four columns in each east, west and south directions, however today only two at east, one at west and one at south remain. On the east columns are ruins of lion and eagle statues, on the west columns ,on the other hand, grounds a relief of 'shaking hands' and on the ground remain pieces of lion statue. Karakus Tumulus determined as the entrance of Mt Nemrut is also located in the National Park.

Sofraz Tumulus

45 km to the city centre and 15 km to Besni country. Placed at Ucgoz (Sofraz) village. The Tomb having 15 m height was covered by shattered stones and debris.

Sesonk (Obelisk)

The Monumental tomb is located at 33 km south-east of Besni district and was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II on Kizildag Mountain.The tomb was surrounded by 3 columns, each having 10 meters height. On these columns are embossed figures of women, men and lions .

Karadag Tumulus

5 km from Adiyaman, Karadag Tumulus lies on the slope of Karadag Mountain . It has a rock tomb consisting of two sections.

Bestepeler

25 km from Adiyaman, inside the Ilicak village borders are 6 tumulus tombs that are covered by hoarded stones. It is estimated that these tombs were built for royal family members of Commagene Kingdom.

Malpinari Rock Inscription

Located approximately 35 kilometres from Adiyaman at the Malpinar locality. There is a hieroglyph inscription engraved on natural rock and settlements carved on rocks, which are all dated at Late Hittite Period.