Southern East Turkey; Mesopotamia Tour

Upon your arrival at Adıyaman Airport, the tour guide welcomes you and the tour begins with a visit to Mount Nemrut. Nemrut is one of the earliest UNESCO Heritage Sites in Turkey. Mount Nemrut is the mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.), who ruled over Commagene, a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates River following the dissolution of Alexander's empire. It stands as one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period. The syncretism within its pantheon of gods and its kings' lineage, traced through Greek and Persian legends, provide evidence of the dual origins of this kingdom's culture.

The dive into a true multicultural kingdom of ancient times continues with Arsemia. Known as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene, Arsemia is one of the most important centers of antiquity in Mesopotamia. Discover the magnificent stone reliefs and colossal tomb monuments in this ancient city, including the monumental statues and inscriptions of King Antiochus I. After the visit to Arsemia lunch will be served in a countryside restaurant offering authentic food called “sac kavurma” diced lamb fried on an iron plate.

Next stop of the tour is the Karakuş Tumulus which is a royal mausoleum of Commagene Kingdom. The Karakuş Tumulus, dating back 2,000 years, is a significant site of Hellenistic culture in Mesopotamia. It features a relief depicting the handshake between Laodice, the sister of King Mithridates II, both children of King Antiochus I of the Kingdom of Commagene.

Day 1 of the itinerary ends with Septemus Severus Bridge aka Cendere Bridge. The historical beauty and engineering marvel of the Cendere Bridge will captivate you! Built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, this ancient bridge connects the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene to the ancient road network. This impressive structure, standing strong for 1800 years, defies the passage of time. Rising over the Cendere River, the magnificent bridge is one of the finest examples of Roman-era architecture. Set out to discover this stunning structure where history and natural beauty converge! At the end of the day, you will be transferred to your hotel in Adıyaman.

Day 2 starts with a one-hour drive to Atatürk Dam. You'll be mesmerized by the grand structure and immense power of the Atatürk Dam! Situated on the Euphrates River, a vital ancient lifeline mentioned in historical sources, the Atatürk Dam ranks among Turkey's largest and the world's notable dams. The Euphrates, long revered as the cradle of civilizations in Mesopotamia, has been crucial for agriculture and settlement for millennia, shaping cultural development. This modern engineering marvel not only generates significant energy but also supports agriculture. Embark on a journey to explore this region, rich in history and natural wonders! From Atatürk Dam, the tour arrives in Gobeklitepe. Driving takes 1:30 hours.

Göbeklitepe, located in southeastern Turkey, is the world's oldest known temple complex. This ancient site, dating back tens of thousands of years, predates the Neolithic Revolution and marks the beginning of human history with its mysterious past. The craftsmanship and detailed carvings at Göbeklitepe are astonishing, showcasing the advanced technology of its time. Built before the Neolithic Revolution, it stands as a significant archaeological discovery revealing early religious and social interactions of ancient civilizations. Exploring Göbeklitepe offers an unforgettable experience, providing new insights into the history of humanity and civilization. Lunch will be served in one of the authentic restaurants in the city center of Şanlıurfa. Şanlıurfa is renowned for its rich and diverse gastronomy. The city captivates visitors with its traditional flavors and authentic dishes like Lahmacun, Çiğköfte, and diverse types of kebabs including liver kebap, eggplant kebab, and so on.

The old town of Şanlıurfa, known in medieval sources as Edessa, is one of the richest places in Southeast Anatolia in terms of cultural heritage. Adjacent to Balıkgöl, a sacred water source revered by Muslims and believed to be the place where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, the old town holds profound historical and spiritual significance. Here, you'll also find Bakırcılar Çarşı, one of Turkey's most authentic bazaars, where you can experience the traditional and historical oriental bazaar culture and savor delicious Menengiç Coffee. The bazaar surrounds you with diverse attire from various ethnic groups, Kurds, Turks, Arabs, and Assyrians, offering a glimpse into oriental culture in its entirety. The tour ends in the old town, and from here you will be transferred to Şanlıurfa Airport.