Eastern city sets sights on tourist development

ADIYAMAN - Anatolia News Agency

A new documentary featuring the history and rich cultural diversity of Adıyaman has been made and translated into many languages. AA photo

The eastern province of Adıyaman, known as the “city of civilizations,” is expecting an influx of tourists following restoration works. The beauty and the historical artifacts of the city make it one of the country’s most deserving touristic attractions. Currently, with the restoration works, these artifacts are giving an added value to the city’s tourism.

Adıyaman is one of the richest places in Turkey in terms of cultural diversity. Within the scope of the promotional works made by Adıyaman Governor’s Office and the Culture and Tourism Ministry, a new documentary featuring the history of the city has been made and translated into many languages.

The best known tourist attraction in Adıyaman is Nemrut Mountain. While the mountain was the most valued by the city during the Kingdom of Commagene, it was very important for the city’s s well as Turkey’s tourism today.

Other attractions

Another attraction in the city, the ancient city of Perre, is also featured in the documentary. The ancient city of Perre, or Pirin, located five kilometers from the city, is famous for its long history as well as the burial caves and cities built into the hills. In modest Pirin, preparations are under way to transform it into one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.

Perre was one of the largest cities of the Commagene Kingdom dating back to 162 B.C. Overall, 222 artifacts discovered during the 2001-2005 excavations were handed over to Adıyaman Museum. The excavations carried out since 2001 have uncovered historically important findings while promising further findings waiting to be unearthed as the work continues.

The Arsameia area and Karakuş tumulus are also promoted in the documentary. Arsameia is notable for having one of the largest tablets of Anatolia. There are passages and the remains of a palace as well as Mithridathes Callinichos’ tomb and palace on the upper part of the area.

Karakuş tumulus on the other hand has been built by Commagene King II. Mithridates. These artifacts and its cultural heritage have given Adıyamanis a privileged place on the faith tourism itinerary. The Ulu Mosque has been restored several times; while Muattal shrine is a very powerful architecture for faith tourism. The city attracts tourism from all around with special emphasis on faith tourism.

The churches in the city center such as St. Petrus and St. Pavlus date back to 1905 and have inscriptions telling stories from Christianity. The Syrian churches are also important attractions in the city.