Photo Gallery
With our seventh stage of Turkey Journey, we explored the cities of Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Batman, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Gaziantep and Kilis and experienced the rich history and culture of the region.
Adıyaman · UNESCO World Heritage
The tumulus and giant stone statues built at 2,150 metres altitude by Commagene King Antiochus I in the 1st century BC are among history's most extraordinary works. The panorama created by the statues together with the golden light extending over the Adıyaman plain at sunrise offers a breathtaking experience.
Şanlıurfa · UNESCO World Heritage
Dating to 9600–8200 BC, Göbeklitepe is humanity's oldest known temple complex. With its giant T-shaped pillars and animal carvings, this site rewrites everything we knew about prehistoric societies and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.
Mardin · Architectural Heritage
Built on a hilltop overlooking the Mesopotamian plain, Mardin reflects a history carved in stone through its yellow-cut-stone mansions and houses nestled together. Walking through the narrow streets where Syriac, Arab and Kurdish architecture intertwine, it is possible to follow the traces of more than one civilisation simultaneously.
Gaziantep · Cultural Treasure
Zeugma, holding the title of the world's largest mosaic museum, houses an extraordinary collection of thousands of pieces from the Roman era. The exhibits, headed by the 'Gypsy Girl' mosaic, bring the artistic wealth of the ancient city of Zeugma to the present day.
An unforgettable journey starting from Adıyaman covering Diyarbakır, Batman, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Gaziantep and Kilis.
Our Southeastern Anatolia journey began with Adıyaman. We woke early and climbed the mountain for the trip's most exciting stop: we watched the sunrise at the summit of Nemrut Mountain accompanied by giant stone heads. We felt the grandeur of the Commagene Kingdom. On the way back we visited Karakuş Tumulus and the ancient Cendere Bridge.
In Şanlıurfa, the city of prophets, we descended into the deepest layers of history. At Göbeklitepe we saw humanity's oldest known temple complex; we felt deep wonder beside these giant stone rings built 12,000 years ago. Returning to the city we felt the miracle of the Prophet Abraham at Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish).
We walked on the Diyarbakır Walls, on the UNESCO World Heritage list; these massive basalt-stone walls conveyed the power of history. We rested in the courtyard of Ulu Mosque; we found peace in one of Anatolia's oldest mosques. Then we took a walk in the Hevsel Gardens, reflecting a centuries-old vineyard and garden culture.
We got lost in Mardin's stone streets overlooking the Mesopotamian plain. In the Historic Bazaar we examined handcrafted silver jewellery and Mardin soap. We visited Deyrulzafaran Monastery where the Syriac liturgy echoed; we felt the ancient traces of Christianity. We breathed history in the courtyard of Kasımiye Madrasa.
Via Batman we reached the historic Hasankeyf. In this ancient city with approximately 12,000 years of history we visited cave houses carved into the rock, the Zeynel Bey Tomb and the castle ruins. Walking along the Tigris riverbank in the last light of day, we fell under the spell of this ancient city.
On our last day we met with Gaziantep's rich heritage. We watched in amazement the incredible Roman-era mosaics at Zeugma Mosaic Museum; we saw many legendary works up close, especially the 'Gypsy Girl'. Then we visited Gaziantep Castle. In Kilis we visited the historic Kilis Castle and its narrow stone streets. In the evening we concluded this fine journey with the famous Antep baklava.
