Located at the base of the Taurus Mountains, this Turkish city holds ancient ruins and some of the world's earliest writing examples. Its bazaars, mosques, and archaeological sites draw visitors year-round.
Adıyaman, a city in southeastern Turkey, lies in the Euphrates River valley. You'll find giant stone heads of ancient kings on Mount Nemrut, intricate rock-cut tombs in Perre, and busy markets selling handmade carpets. The city's food culture revolves around köfte (meatballs), with local variations passed down through generations of families who have lived in this region where the Euphrates shapes both landscape and life.
Getting to Adıyaman
Fly into Adıyaman Airport or take a bus or train through the Gölbaşı district. The city connects to Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, and Gaziantep via well-maintained highways. If you're traveling by rail, use the Malatya-Adana line that stops at Gölbaşı station.
Mount Nemrut National Park
At 2,134 meters high, Mount Nemrut's peak holds a 2,000-year-old tomb sanctuary where massive stone heads of ancient gods and kings rest. Visit at sunrise or sunset when temperatures are mild and the light creates dramatic shadows across the ancient stones. The climb takes about 30 minutes from the parking area to the summit.
Archaeological Sites
Walk through more than 200 rock-carved caves at Perre, 5 kilometers from central Adıyaman. These caves served as burial chambers from the 1st century BCE. At the Adıyaman Museum, you can examine Roman and Seljuk coins, pottery, and tools uncovered from local excavations. The museum opens from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
Local Food Scene
Try the city's signature köfte variations: çiğ köfte made with raw meat and spices, içli köfte stuffed with minced meat and nuts, and mercimekli köfte prepared with red lentils. Look for hitap, a hot stuffed pie, in the city's small restaurants and food stalls.
Climate and Visiting Seasons
Summer temperatures in Adıyaman often reach 40°C (104°F) during the day, though nights cool down considerably. Plan your visit in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when mild temperatures make exploring more comfortable. If you come in winter, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop below freezing.
Shopping at Oturakçı Çarşısı
Browse through Oturakçı Çarşısı market to find handwoven rugs, kilims, and leather saddlebags made by local artisans. The market's narrow lanes contain workshops where you can watch craftspeople at work and buy directly from the makers.
