'Throne of the Gods' in Türkiye

According to CNN, Mount Nemrut in Adıyaman province (Türkiye) is a unique archaeological complex with giant statues of gods at an altitude of more than 2,000m. With both two millennia of historical value and a famous tourist destination, the relic is currently preserved by Türkiye using many modern methods to maintain its ancient appearance.

The archaeological treasure at Mount Nemrut, at an altitude of more than 2,100m and the highest peak of the Eastern Taurus range, is now recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. (Source: Anadolu/Getty Images)

Mount Nemrut, rising more than 2,000 meters in Turkey’s Adıyaman province, appears as its slopes change from dark olive groves to bare rock, until giant statues appear near the summit. The massive stone statues are lined up in solemn rows, their faces worn by earthquakes, frost, and the scorching sun.

What amazes visitors are the colossal heads precariously balanced at an altitude of more than 2,000m, representing King Antiochus I’s desire to mark his power among the gods. King Antiochus I ruled the prosperous kingdom of Commagene 2,000 years ago, where Greek, Persian, Assyrian and Armenian cultures met.

From that idea, the mausoleum on Mount Nemrut was born, along with a system of stone statues simulating a “mythical universe” of the kingdom. The image of Antiochus I was also carved among the gods, expressing the desire for eternal presence. Over time, many statues lost their heads and cracked, but still quietly guarded the mountain that the locals called “the throne of the gods”.

Over time

Despite decades of searching, the exact location of Antiochus' tomb remains a mystery. (Source: Getty Images)

The journey to the top of Nemrut attracts visitors with its archaeological wonders in the sky, which recreate the prosperous period of the Commagene kingdom.

The way up the mountain is relatively convenient, you can walk, drive to the top or join a guided tour. On the way, the Septimius Severus Bridge over the Cendere River, the Karakuş Tumulus tomb commemorating the royal women and the city of Arsemia with its ancient Greek inscription and the relief of the “handshake of the gods” all show clear traces of history.

Before the final climb, visitors often stop to admire the panoramic view, with the brilliant “golden hour” light shining down on the land that was once the center of the kingdom, while the village of Kahta below still retains many traditions passed down through the generations.

Mount Nemrut in southeastern Türkiye is home to a collection of giant sculptures built some 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of King Antiochus I. (Source: DIA/Getty Images)

Higher up, the road leads to the parking lot and visitor center, and it’s hard to imagine that this was once a sacred complex two millennia ago. After paying 10 euros ($12), visitors climb for about 25 minutes up nearly 300 stone steps, some of which are quite steep. As they climb, the air thins, the landscape below recedes, giving way to a giant man-made burial mound that dominates the horizon.

On the summit of Nemrut, the three tiers of East, North and West stretch out like an ancient stage. The North tier is unfinished, while the East tier shows the layout of the procession of gods, the reliefs of ancestors and the ritual altar. The five main gods are placed between the lion and the eagle, combining earthly power and sacred meaning. In particular, on the West tier, according to scholar Beste Tomay, the lion relief carved with stars and crescent moon on the West terrace is considered “the oldest astrological calendar in the world”, and also determines the date of Antiochus I's accession to the throne as 7/7, 62 BC.

The Nemrut complex clearly shows the cultural exchange between Greece, Persia and Armenia. The system of stone statues reflects this: Zeus, Apollo, Heracles in oriental style, next to the local fertility goddess and King Antiochus I. The monuments, each over 15 meters high, evoke the king's desire for immortality.

The 50m-high mound is believed to be the resting place of King Antiochus I, although the actual tomb remains a mystery. The site was first mentioned by German engineer Karl Sester in 1881. American archaeologist Theresa Goell then spent decades digging for the “secret chamber” without success. Some have compared the underground structure to the sophistication of the Egyptian pyramids. In 2006, the Middle East Technical University (Ankara) surveyed the complex using modern technology without disturbing the site. “There has been no excavation since 1987,” said tour guide Salih Abursu. “The preservation of the original state of the site has kept the mystery of King Antiochus’s secret chamber alive and protected it from the dangers of time and antiquities theft.”

The mound on Mount Nemrut is believed to be the burial place of King Antiochus I. (Source: Getty Images)

Take advantage of the attraction of Heritage on the "top of the sky"

Today, Nemrut is a strictly protected national park and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the stone statues are constantly exposed to wind, snow and temperature changes. To limit damage, Turkey has expanded the use of nano-lime technology, testing it since 2022. The nano-calcium hydroxide solution helps reinforce small cracks, preventing water from seeping in while preserving the statues' appearance, according to Ayşe Ebru Çorbacı, director of the Gaziantep Conservation Laboratory. The project was initially carried out in collaboration with the Adıyaman Museum and will be implemented on a larger scale in 2025 after positive results.

Along with conservation, Nemrut remains an important cultural tourist destination. According to Adıyaman Governor Osman Varol, before the 2023 earthquake, the site welcomed more than 250,000 visitors per year; in 2023, it recorded about 150,000, marking the beginning of a tourism recovery. In 2025, the number of visitors continued to increase, especially during the Ramadan Bayram holiday. Adıyaman Museum Director Mehmet Alkan said: “Nemrut is receiving a significant number of visitors. Initially, we welcomed about 700-800 people per day, but with the extended holiday, the number has increased to 2,000.”

Stone heads that once belonged to colossal statues of gods and heroes, placed next to a statue of King Antiochus. (Source: Middle East Images)

To meet the growing demand, the local government has expanded the access system to the site, including shuttle buses, guided tours and accommodation services at Kahta. These adjustments make it easier for visitors to visit, while also reducing the load and protecting the monument structures on the mountaintop.

In addition to conservation, Adıyaman Province is exploiting the tourism potential of the entire Commagene complex. According to UNESCO, sites such as Cendere Bridge, Karakuş Tumulus mausoleum, Arsemia citadel... are located in a large conservation area, stretching along the valleys and plateaus around Kahta. This connection forms a continuous itinerary, allowing visitors to access the whole historical panorama of Commagene.

Taking advantage of Nemrut’s appeal, Adıyaman has developed more tourism products in the surrounding areas, such as the Cendere Valley or the traditional farming villages around Kahta. Many small accommodation establishments, local restaurants and cultural experiences are encouraged to develop, both creating livelihoods for the community and distributing visitors outside of Kahta, reducing pressure on the monument complex during peak seasons.

Thanks to a combination of conservation research, modern techniques and controlled tourism, Nemrut has maintained its appeal, while preserving the integrity of its more than two millennia-old monument.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ngai-vang-cua-cac-vi-than-o-tho-nhi-ky-334809.html