Paleolithic art unveiled after dam water ebbs

ADIYAMAN – Anadolu Agency

Turkish fishermen on Oct. 12 discovered cave drawings dating back to the Paleolithic era in the southeastern province of Adıyaman. 

The Paleolithic art was unveiled after the Atatürk Dam waters decreased in Kahta district. 

Mehmet Alkan, director for the Adıyaman Museum, told reporters that the cave drawings included human and animal figures. The drawings were made with the carving method, he added. 

Stating that there was a drawing of a scene where men with horses chased a chevrotain, Alkan said the area which includes the drawings stretches eight meters long and 70 centimeters wide. 

He further stated that the cave drawings could date even further back from Paleolithic era and added: “There will be detailed work from now on. If not identified before, then we will begin the registration process. The area was unveiled after dam waters decreased by 10-15 meters.” 

Alkan noted that the dam waters did “very little” damage to the ancient drawings. He said the drawings will be kept where they are and that there is nothing that could be done if dam waters increase again. 

Adıyaman is one of Turkey’s hot tourist spots as it includes Mount Nemrut, which is also located in Kahta district and has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The site is also famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.