Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut: A Mystical Wonder of Turkey

Mount Nemrut, or Nemrut Dağı, stands at 2,134 meters in southeastern Turkey, nestled within the Anti-Taurus Range between Malatya and Kahta. While many travelers head to the beaches of Izmir or the Turquoise Coast, those who venture to Mount Nemrut find an unparalleled glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past. At its summit lies a 1st-century tomb adorned with colossal statues, creating an awe-inspiring and mystical landscape.

A Glimpse into History

Since 250 BC, Mount Nemrut was a frontier between the Seleucid and Parthian Empires. By 80 BC, as the Seleucid Empire weakened, Roman influence spread across the region. Mithridates I Callinicus, a Roman ally, declared himself king, and upon his death in 64 BC, his son, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, took the throne. In 62 BC, Antiochus ordered the construction of temples and a grand funerary monument atop Mount Nemrut.

To create the site, two massive rock ledges were carved and lined with statues of deities and the king himself. An artificial peak, 50 meters high, was built using crushed rock. The statues included two lions, two eagles, and representations of Greek, Armenian, and Persian gods such as Hercules-Vahagn, Zeus-Aramazd, Tyche, and Apollo-Mithras. Originally seated, the statues bore inscriptions identifying them. Over time, earthquakes and human activity left them damaged—most now lie scattered, with their massive heads, roughly two meters tall, detached from their bodies.

Despite its grandeur, Mount Nemrut remained hidden from the modern world until 1881, when German engineer Karl Sester stumbled upon the statues while surveying the area. Archaeological excavations began in 1953, and in 1987, UNESCO designated the site a World Heritage Site.

Though believed to contain the tomb of Antiochus I Theos and three female relatives, the burial chamber remains undiscovered.

Exploring the Summit

The summit of Mount Nemrut features a unique blend of tomb and temple, with a man-made burial mound surrounded by three terraces: North, East, and West. A ceremonial road once led to the site, reflecting Antiochus’ desire to showcase his devotion to the gods and secure his place among them in the afterlife.

• North Terrace: An 80-meter-long area lined with collapsed columns, possibly used for religious processions or gatherings.
• East Terrace: The best-preserved statues stand here, arranged in tiers of rock. A walled pathway likely connected the eastern and western terraces. Statues of Antiochus’ ancestors flank either side—his paternal lineage to the north and maternal lineage to the south—framing the divine figures. Though the bodies remain intact, the heads are severely weathered, with Greek inscriptions on the back.
• West Terrace: About 10 meters lower than the East Terrace, it mirrors its design but is better preserved. Behind the statues lies a temple and a conical funerary mound made of small stones.

Karakus Tumulus: A Royal Resting Place

Before reaching Mount Nemrut, visitors encounter Karakus Tumulus, a 49-meter-high artificial burial mound built in 36 BC. Like the summit terraces, it is surrounded by towering columns. The statues here display Greek facial features with Persian attire and hairstyles. One notable lion statue on the western terrace marks the planetary alignment of Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars on July 7, 62 BC, likely indicating the site’s construction date. Another column bears an eagle, while an inscription reveals that the tomb houses female relatives of the late king.

The Ruins of Arsameia & the Roman Bridge of Cendere

Just 10 kilometers from Karakuş Tumulus, an impressive Roman bridge spans the Cendere River. Next to a modern bridge stands a well-preserved 2nd-century AD humpback bridge, built to honor Emperor Septimius Severus, his wife, and his sons. Three of its four original columns remain, showcasing Rome’s architectural brilliance in an area once part of the ancient Commagene Kingdom.