Amidst a revitalized atmosphere in the travel industry, one country that has particularly thrived is Türkiye. Renowned for its culinary delights like kebabs and kaymak, Türkiye has also been cherished for its stunning tourist attractions. In 2023, Türkiye achieved a record high of 56.7 million foreign tourists, a 10% increase from the previous year. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Türkiye’s tourism revenue rebounded by 17% in 2022, reaching $54.3 billion. Building on this momentum, Türkiye has set its sights on attracting 60 million tourists and generating $60 billion in tourism revenue by 2024.
Bordered by the azure sea on three sides, Türkiye offers ideal travel conditions year-round. With diverse city-themed excursions, sports activities, and international events and festivals, there’s never a dull moment. In particular, Türkiye takes pride in its archaeological cultural heritage.
Among these treasures, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has unveiled a world-renowned sunrise spot where travelers can witness the rising and setting sun against the backdrop of vast plains and the Euphrates River. Mount Nemrut steals the spotlight. Standing at 2150 meters, Mount Nemrut boasts limestone statues commemorating the Commagene Kingdom, which have stood the test for 2000 years. Mount Nemrut beckons adventurers from around the globe with its exotic sunrise and sunset vistas.
A Magical Destination Rich with History Since 2000 Years Ago
Mount Nemrut in Türkiye was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, acknowledging its historical and natural significance. In the Adıyaman Kahramanmaraş region of southeastern Anatolia, Mount Nemrut is a stratovolcano known as a hub of civilization and culture. At its summit, which flourished from the 1st to the 2nd century BC, lie the colossal tomb and statues of King Antiochus I of the small kingdom of Commagene. The mound atop the mountain, made of 600,000 tons of gravel and standing 50 meters high, is counted among the world’s Eight Wonders. Its unparalleled scale and intricate craftsmanship, unimaginable for the technology of its time, showcase a level of sophistication that astounds visitors. Antiochus erected statues atop the tomb as a gesture of gratitude to his ancestors and deities, including his Persian father and Greek mother.
As tourists arrive near the summit of Mount Nemrut, they encounter statues in three sectors: east, north, and west. The eastern and western sectors are relatively well-preserved compared to the north. Atop stone pedestals reaching approximately 9 meters high, in the east, stand five colossal statues depicting gods and ancestors. Their hands rest on their knees as they sit on chairs, with their heads fallen and rolled below. Figures of a lion and an eagle are also prominent, symbolizing human power and celestial might, respectively. Additionally, visitors can discover various faces, including statues of Zeus, Hercules, and other gods representing the pantheon, such as a statue of Antiochus I, and relief sculptures of Persian kings.
The Western sector mirrors the arrangement of the East, with bodies mostly broken and only feet remaining, yet heads fell in better-preserved condition than those in the East. Behind the statues, reliefs carved on stone slabs measuring 4 meters on each side depict “The King’s Astrologer.”
A Place to Capture Cinematic Sunrises and Sunsets
The summit of Mount Nemrut is an essential destination for photographers and adventurers worldwide. It offers a breathtaking location to witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The sight of the sun rising and setting amidst exotic statues and stunning landscapes evokes scenes from a movie. Regardless of the season, the summit of Mount Nemrut remains chilly around sunrise and sunset, emphasizing the importance of dressing warmly.
✔️Exploring Attractions in Adiyaman
The area around Mount Nemrut in Adıyaman is well-known for its unique natural and cultural heritage. It is famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Karakuş Tumulus, Cendere Bridge, and the ancient city of Armenia. Additionally, Gerger Castle, located on the western foothills of the Euphrates River, and the ancient city of Perre, situated north of downtown Adıyaman and one of the major cities of the Commagene Kingdom, are also significant attractions.
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