Area: 7.614 km²
Population: 623.811 (2000)
 Traffic Code: 02
Located at the west of Southeastern Anatolia Region, taking ıts stage in history rather early dating back to the existence of first man and hosting various different cultures ,Adıyaman is an important culture and tourism center. Along with this, Adıyaman is known to be one of the oldest settlements on Earth; discoveries from every human phase are found on the region. Adıyaman also fascinates its visitors with the ruins of Mt. Nemrut known as the 8th Wonder of World, the ruins of Commagene, Atatürk Dam ,the fourth biggest dam in the world, Çamgazi Dam, Winter Camping Organisation and finally with the world champion local folk dances.
Districts: Besni, Çelikhan, Gerger, Gölbaşı, Kahta, Samsat, Sincık and Tut.
How to Get
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Highway: Adıyaman can be reached through the five different directions by highway from Gaziantep,
Şanlıurfa, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş and Diyarbakır.
Ancient Cities
 Arsameia Ruins (Nymphaios Arsameia): It is understood from the Inscriptions of King Antiochos I, that Arsameia was built in the first quarter of the Second Century BC, by the order of Arsemez (ancestor of Commagene) at the east of Kahta River, facing the Old Kahta Castle . It was the summer capital and the administrative centre of the Kingdom. On the east ceremony way an embossed relief of Mithradates, above the rite platform , displays Herakles shaking hands with Mithradates. In front of the rite platform is an inscription in Greek known as the biggest inscription found in Anatolia. A tunnel beginning at the front of the inscription deep in to 158 meter and also at the west of the inscription a similar rocky vestibule exists. Tomb temple and Palace of Mithradates Callinichos take place on the platform. Arsameia ruins are 60 km to Adıyaman.  New Castle: New Castle is located nearby Kocahisar Village which is 60 km to Adıyaman. New Castle was built by the Commagenes and used together with Arsemeia. Romans and Mamluks restored the Castle and finally in 1970's the castle was partly repaired. In the castle are a bazaar, a Mosque, a dungeon, water canals, ruins of pigeon loft and inscriptions . A water canal flawing from the castle down through to Nymphois was bound to Arsameia by a tunnel. It is still possible to reach the water through the water canal which has an 80 meter length.
 Derik Castle: It was built on a hill of 1400 m altitude near the Datgeli village on the Sincik Highway. Estimated to be built by Roman Empire in 70 AC, and used by them till 300 AC, the castle, houses a huge temple and is known as the holy place of the region. Besides, the ruins of Temenos which were built during the period of Commagenes, are placed nearby the castle. Gerger Castle (Arsameia of Euphrates): The castle is located in the west shore of Euphrates (Fırat) , 85 km to Adıyaman's Kahta County, can even be dated to Late Hittite Period. The castle was constructed by Arsames, the ancestor of Commagenes. Being built on precipitous rocks,the Gerger Castle is divided into two sections as the lower castle and upper castle and at the west walls of the castle is an embossed relief of King Samos.In the Castle which is also used during Islamic period are shops, a Mosque and water cisterns. Perre Antique City: The ruins of Perre Antique City are located 5 kilometres to Adıyaman city centre. The ruins are remained in Pirin Village, include approximately 200 cave tombs and a settlement place. This necropolis and its vicinity dated at Antique Age, was an important settlement place of the Commagene period, however especially during Roman Period it became a developed city. The ruins consist of gates decorated with embossed reliefs and tomb rooms that are engraved in rocks and connected to each other .
Nemrut Dağı
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. It was unknown until 1881 when an Ottoman geologist discovered these 10 metre-high stone heads, archaeological work began in 1953 to uncover their history.
Nemrut Dağı 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 Adıyaman 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.
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Mound Tumulus and Monuments
 Karakuş Tumulus (Women's Monument Tomb): Located at Adıyaman-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 Karakuş(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. Karakuş 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 Üçgöz (Sofraz) village. The Tomb having 15 m height was covered by shattered stones and debris.
Sesönk (Obelisk): The Monumental tomb is located at 33 km south-east of Besni district and was built by Commagene's King Mithradates II on Kızıldağ Mountain.The tomb was surrounded by 3 columns, each having 10 meters height. On these columns are embossed figures of women, men and lions .
Karadağ Tumulus: 5 km from Adıyaman ,Karadağ Tumulus lies on the slope of Karadağ Mountain . It has a rock tomb consisting of two sections.
Beştepeler: 25 km from Adıyaman, inside the Ilıcak 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 .
Malpınarı Rock Inscription: Located approximately 35 kilometres from Adıyaman at the Malpınar locality. There is a hieroglyph inscription engraved on natural rock and settlements carved on rocks, which are all dated to the late Hittite Period.
Bridges
 Cendere Bridge: It is located at the north-east of Karakuş Tumulus , 55 kilometres from Adıyaman. Cendere Bridge consists of a big arch built with 92 large shattered stones on two main rocks at the most narrow place of Kahta river and a secondary arch at the east side of the bridge.
The columns of the bridge were constructed with elasticity to make the bridge resistable to the earthquakes. Below this bridge placed another bridge that has 5 arches and was built at Commagene Antiochos Theos Period.However, it was destroyed by the Romans.
Göksu - Kızılin Bridge: The bridge dated back to Roman period, was built on a rocky place between Gümüşkaya and Ağcin villages. Except for the middle arch the bridge in general is in good condition.
Golden Bridge: Bridge has a big arch and tree other arches getting smaller each after another. The stones of the Bridge were put together with compress method without using a plaster. There are 63 lines of stone at the west side and 70 lines of stone at east side of the arch. In total nineteen line of stones were used.
Rock Tombs
 Haydaran Rock Tombs: Located 17 kilometres from Adıyaman, in Taşgedik village. There are rock tombs and embossed relief of God of Sun Hellias shaking hands with King Antiochos .
Turuş Rock Tombs: Turuş Rock Tombs dated at Roman Period are placed 40 kilometres from Adıyaman city centre and one kilometre west of Adıyaman-Şanlıurfa Highway. Since the tombs were built through engraving the main rock from the surface to the underground, one can reach the entrance of the tombs through 10-13 steps. In some tombs there are various figures embossed on the walls and entrences of gates. Dolmen's: There are Dolmen type tombs at the rocky places in the west of the Obelisk, near Hozişi village. These tombs were erected through stacking two huge rocks resebling a raft.These tombs were thought to be remainig from Stone Age. Zey: Located 7 kilometres to Adıyaman, near Zey village. Zey consists of settlement units used by the people of Early Christian Period. Moreover, in the village tomb of Sheikh Abdurrahman Erzincani and a mosque take place.
Caves
Göksu Caves: Across the Göksu river are natural caves on a 40 - 50 meter high precipitous rocks. Caves are concentrated around Kızılin and Sarıkaya villages on Besni side, Gümüş Kaya and Mal Pınarı on Adıyaman side.
Palanlı Cave: Placed in Palanlı village, 10 kilometres west of Adıyaman, on Adıyaman - Çelikhan - Malatya Highway. It is a natural cave that was used in 40.000 BC. On the wall of the cave a deer motive, which is made by simple counter lines, is still noticeable.Especially the deep valley where the cave takes place is a unique part of nature.
Kitap (Book) Cave: In Book Cave are settlement units having two floors built through carving the rocks.They are named as (iron castle 1) and known to be used by the people of Early Christian Period. Caves can be reached on foot from İndere village (Zey).
Gümüşkaya (Palaş) Caves: Located at 40 kilometres south-west of Adıyaman, at the west of Göksu river and the village (named by the river). There are various caves on the rocks connected to each other with tunnels. They were known to be used as a residence and thought to be built in 150 B.C. These caves had balconies, divisional rooms, wells, yet the entrances are of one person width.
Thermal Resorts
Çelikhan Thermal Resorts: It is located in 23 km southwest of Çelikhan district. The water of the spring is beneficial for those, who suffering from stomach, liver, gall bladder, and kidney disorders and obesity.
Besni Thermal Resorts: It is located in 6 kilometres north-east of Besni district. This spring water is useful for kidney disorders, chronic constipation, guts and stomach inflammation.
Kotur Thermal Resorts: It is 25 kilometres to Adıyaman. It is a cold water, mineral spring located 5 kilometres from Akçalı village. This spring water is useful for some guts and stomach disorders.
Atatürk Dam and GAP
 Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), is a multi sectoral and complex regional development programme of Southeastern Anatolia Region consisting 9 cities (Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa and Şırnak). At the beginning, the aim project was to cover only the improvement of water and soil resources, but in 1989 after the preparation of GAP Master Plan; the project evolved to a multi sectoral and complex regional development plan. The most important step of the project was the Atatürk Dam which is known to be the biggest dam of Türkiye and 8th biggest Dam in the world. With Atatürk Dam, which is located in the borders of Adıyaman and ŞanlıUrfa, soil resurrects from years of drought and the economy of the region developed rapidly. On the other hand, Dam Lake which is called as "sea" by the local people, gives a great variety to the touristic capacity of the region. Fishing and water sports are now available in lake life.
Museums
 Adıyaman Musuem located on Atatürk Boulevard. In Archaeological ruins section, exhibitions begining from Paleothic Age include hand axes of flintstone, drilling and digging equipment, obsidian arrow heads, cooked clay figures. Also ceramics, glass furnitures, bone tools, gold, silver and bronze ornaments, figures, stamp and cylinder seal exhibits dated to various times; Calcolithic Age, Begining, Middle And Late Bronze Ages, Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Periods. Moreover there are stone reliefs from Late Hittite Period, some coins and mosaic samples pertaining to Commagene Kingdom. In Ethnographic works section, there are examples of weaved objects rugs, carpets, cicim, rug - pillow, women and men clothes, silver ornaments, house furniture all collected from Adıyaman region. Some stone works of museum were displayed at inner garden.
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Geography
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 The climate of Adıyaman is terrestrial so summers are hot and dry, whereas winters are cold and snowy.
History
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 In Adıyaman; Hittites, Asurians, Hurris, Phyrigians, Persians, Macedonians, Commagenes, Romans and Byzantines had lived through the history.The city was founded by an Emevi Commander Masur İbni Caneve in 8th Century. After Emevi's dominance came to an end Abbasi, Eyyübi, Seljuk, Mamluks and Ottomans took control of the city respectively. In 1923 it was a district dependent to Malatya, finally after 1954 it became a province.
Where to Eat
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 Raw meatballs, içli meatballs, basalla (sour meatballs), cılbır, lentil metballs, pestil (dried layer of fruit pulp), yapıştırma and hıtap are some of the famous meals of Adıyaman. There are restaurants in the city centre serving local meals. In Kahta district fish can be eaten on the shore of Dam Lake. Accomodatian Facilities and cafeterias on the highway to Mt Nemrut , give opportunity to eat and drink.
What to Buy
 In the center of Adıyaman, there is a historical market called as Oturakçı Bazaar that offers exquisite handcrafts such as rugs, carpets, cicim, saddlebag and some touristic equipment. Nemrut statues can be bought as a present in touristic kiosks in Mt Nemrut. Also in these kiosks guidebooks about the history of the region in various languages can be found.
Don't Leave Without
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 - Watching sunrise and sunset from Nemrut mountain,
- Seeing the remains of Commagene Civilisation ,
- Tasting fish in fish restaurants of Kahta at the shore of Atatürk Dam,
- Visiting Adıyaman Museum,
- Buying local hand woven carpets, rugs, cicim, saddle bag and offcourse Nemrut statues
Adıyaman (the ancient Perre or Pordonnium) is a city in southeastern Turkey, capital of theAdıyaman Province. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Turkey. The population rose from 100,045 (1990) to 178,538 (2000) (census figures).
Etymology
According to legend the name Adıyaman comes from story of ‘yediyaman’ (the seven heroes): once there was a father who worshipped false idols and has seven sons. His sons were upset that the father worshipped these things and one day when he was out hunting the boys destroyed the idols. On his return the father saw what they had done and killed the boys one by one. The people were astounded and buried the boys giving them the name yediyaman. The story can also be related to Seven Martyrs of Samosata.
Alternatively the name could be a corruption of “vadi-i leman” (the beautiful valley) as the town is surrounded on all sides by fertile valleys.
History
The area has been inhabited as far back as it’s possible to discover. Research in the cave of Palanlı 10km north of Adıyaman show occupation in 40,000 BC and other digs in Samsat reveal continuous occupation through the stone and Bronze Ages.
From 900BC onwards came waves of invasions from Assyrians, Persians, and Macedonians until the Commagene kingdom was founded in 69BC. This was the civilisation that built the statues on top of nearby Mount Nemrut. The capital was in Samsat (Samosata) but the town of Adıyaman was a walled city of the Commagenes. The city walls of Adıyaman have been restored and replaced many times since.
The Commagene kingdom lasted until the Romans came in 72AD. Yet more campaigns and invasions followed and Adıyaman was controlled by Byzantines 395-670, Ummayads from 670 and then Abbasids 758-926. Then the area returned to Byzantine control during the period of the Crusades 859-1114. The Arabs returned from 1114 to 1204 and finally came the arrival of the Turks. The Arabic name for the castle and town was Hısn-ı Mansur.
Turks moved into the area from 1114 onwards and for most of the 1200s was settled by the Selçuk Turks often disrupted by Mongol invasions. From 1298 to 1516 the town was under the control of the Mameluks. Adıyaman was brought into the Ottoman Empire by Selim I in 1516, but local power often rested with the Dulkadiroğulları tribe of Türkmen people that settled here.
Adıyaman today
The city of Adıyaman provides shops and infrastructure to an agricultural region watered by the River Euphrates. It is not an industrial city, people riding mules and donkeys are still a common sight. The Ataturk reservoir is near the city and with more investment the irrigation this could become a richer agricultural zone. The people are religious and conservative; it is hard to find a beer in Adıyaman, or other social amenities likecafes, cinemas, and theatre. The cuisine is typical of south-east Turkey, including dishes like çiğ köfte and Maraş-style ice-cream.
The Türkmen identity persisted into the 20th century although today Adıyaman is inhabited by a cosmopolitan mixture of people from other parts of Turkey. There is a small town feel to the place far warmer than the rambling mess that has become of bigger cities like nearby Urfa.
The folk dances of Adıyaman are well-known, (see [1] for illustrations of the traditional costume).
Adıyamanspor are a minor league football team.
Places of interest
There is some passing tourist trade, people coming to see Mount Nemrut usually stay here, and the countryside around is pleasant too.
* The caves of Pirin (ancient city of Perre) are 5 km (3 mi). from Adiyaman. These are a burial ground dating back thousands of years BC. The sights include the ruins of the city and burial caves carved into the rock.
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