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The site of Muntain Nemrut was built by
Antiochus I who
is so proud about his royalty and power. He was overthrown in 38 BC
by the Romans after 26 years of sovereignty. He believed that he was
the descendant of Apollo so he made a statue of himself along with
those of Apollo son of the leader of gods, Zeus leader of the gods,
Fortuna god of luck and abundance and Hercules god of power and
might sided by a lion which represents power of the world and an
eagle symbolizes the power of celestial.
Some suspect that the tomb
of Antiochus is underneath the artificial mountain peak of rock
which is 50 meters high piled between the two ledges of the gods.
The colossal heads of gods are now scattered in the summit of Mt. Nemrut making an impressive picture of the sunset. The best time to
visit Mt. Nemrut is on dawn because you will have the opportunity to
experience sunrise that is breathtaking. Striking contrast is formed
between the ruins and natural beauty with the gleam of the sun.
Turkish students, dawn, on 7200 ft. Mount Nemrut
No
doubt, it is considered as the 8th wonder of the world. The major
attractions of Mt. Nemrut are the East and West Terraces, tumulus,
statues and the reliefs. On the peak of Mount Nemrut, rests the
Hierothesion a sacred resting place built by Antiochus for himself.
The structure consists of tumulus and three terraces. The tumulus is
a structure built by piling up pieces of stone reached 50 meters
high and 150 meter in diameter. Many discoveries imply that the
Hierothesion was the burial ground of Antiochus but scientific
research proves that there is an absence of any sort of chamber in
the tumulus. The three terraces flank Hierothesion on the east, west
and north side.
The east and west side contains similar rows of
statues and three rows of reliefs. The terrace has a large altar for
sacrifices and offerings. The north terrace is empty of any statues
or relief. Mt Nemrut is empty with flora but you can find trees of
birch and oak groves in the south. The most excellent season for
voyage in Mt. Nemrut is summer during the month of June to
September. Mountaineers who reach the crater and summit from the
southeast or eastern side of the mountain will be rewarded with the
magnificent view of the Lake Van.
Adiyaman has excellent lodging
facilities where you can take the leisure of touring in Mt. Nemrut.
Here are some of the hotels where you can stay:
• Hans Bardakci Hotel is a cotemporary hotel located close to Mt. Nemrut. It offers its guest marvelous views of the nearby landscape.
• Zeus Hotel is bounded with stunning gardens and natural scenery of
the mountain. Dedicated hotel staff provides a wonderful service
during your stay at the hotel.
• Eupherate Hotel is not very far from Mt. Nemrut which provides a
panoramic view of the scenery.
• Bozdogan Hotel is a newly established hotel located in the heart
of Adiyaman.
The most recommended route to travel to Adiyaman is by road. And
from Adiyaman the Mt. Nemrut summit is 84 kilometers and it will
take two hours to arrive. Don’t forget to take a mule and a guide
with you before you start the climb. Mt. Nemrut can also be reached
from Malatya but it is nearer to Adiyaman. Mt. Nemrut is indeed an
incredible place to visit in Turkey.
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Transportation by
Road
Because of its remote location, there are many private bus tours
operating from the nearby towns of Malatya (100km), Adiyaman (80km)
and Kahta (43km), all of which are well connected with the rest of
Turkey. The road approaching the summit is very steep and rough and
not easy to drive, so most people prefer to take an organized bus
tour which will visit the site in a day trip, or perhaps an
overnight to see the ruins at sunset/sunrise.
Transportation by Air
The nearest domestic airports to the site are at Malatya and
Sanliurfa, from where buses can be arranged.
Sanliurfa Airport Tel: (+90 414) 247 02 78
Malatya Airport Tel: (+90 422) 322 34 34 |
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