Mount Nemrut is a World Heritage Site. Two thousand years ago, King Antioch I of Commagene (that’s his head in the picture) had the statues and tumulus made to celebrate himself and his ancestors (who included several gods). At the time the world dominating powers of Persia and Greece were coming together, they had to bring their gods together too. The statues are among the first examples of these new ‘united’ gods.
The mountain is 2150 metres high, the dome of crushed rock on the top is 50 metres high and 150 metres in diameter. 200,000 cubic metres was cut by hand from the mountaintop to make the platform. Ten stone blocks, each weighing 6 tons, were mined from a distant quarry, carried up the mountain and carved into 10 statues of 10 metres each.
THE TOUR
Day 1 On the way to the mountain visit Karatayhan Caravanserai and stop at Kahramanmaraş for the famous ice cream.
Day 2 Climb Mount Nemrut and see the sunrise, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Arsemia, see the Roman bridge at Cendere and the Karakuş tumulus tomb. Then via the Atatürk dam to Şanlıurfa for the bazaar, Prophet Abraham’s cave, the holy carp pool and the citadel. Then to Harran with its city walls, university, citadel, caravanserai and unique beehive houses.
Day 3 See the Bald Ibis breeding farm at Birecik and then through the beautiful Taurus mountains and back to Göreme.
Three Day and Two Day tours are available. The 2 Day tour ends at Kahta after seeing the Karakuş tomb. Price includes transport, professional guide, accommodation, all meals, entrance fees and ice cream at Kahramanmaraş. On the two day tour your onward bus ticket from Kahta is also included.
Price 3 Days 180 Euro 2 Days 150 Euro
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