Kâhta, Turkey

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Kâhta, Turkey

Region: Adıyaman

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Geographic Coordinates: 37.780300, 38.621700

Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild and rainy winters.

Population: 122774

Language: Turkish

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Kâhta is a small town located in the Adıyaman Province of Turkey, Situated on the banks of the Euphrates River. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and boasts several historical sites that attract tourists from all over the world. One of the most significant historical sites in Kâhta is Mount Nemrut, Which features an impressive collection of colossal statues and stone heads that were erected by King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene in 62 BC. The site also includes two large tumuli or burial mounds.

Another important historical site in Kâhta is Cendere Bridge, Which was built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 198 AD. This bridge spans across Cendere Creek and was used as a major transportation route during Roman times. Kâhta also has several mosques that are worth visiting for their unique architecture and religious significance. One such mosque is Ulu Mosque, Which was built during the Seljuk period in 1229 AD. In addition to its historical sites, Kâhta offers visitors opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, Camping, And fishing along the Euphrates River.

The river provides a scenic backdrop for these activities as well as opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and rafting. The local cuisine of Kâhta is another attraction for visitors to this town. Traditional dishes include kebabs made with lamb or beef served with rice pilaf or bulgur wheat salad known as tabbouleh. Desserts include baklava made with pistachios or walnuts served with Turkish tea or coffee. Overall, Kâhta is a town that offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, And outdoor activities.

Its rich history dating back to ancient times makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Turkey.

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1. Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts giant statues and ancient ruins at its summit.
2. The Cendere Bridge is an ancient Roman bridge that spans the Cendere River.
3. Karakuş Tumulus is a burial mound from the Hellenistic period.
4. Arsemia was once an ancient city with tombs, temples, and rock-cut chambers.
5. Kâhta Castle is a medieval fortress that overlooks the town below.
6. The Severan Bridge was an ancient Roman bridge that crossed over the Euphrates River.
7. Zincirli Höyük is an archaeological site where remains of a Neo-Hittite city-state can be found.
8. Atatürk Dam is one of Turkey’s largest dams and offers scenic views as well as boat tours on its reservoirs.
9. Harran Ruins are located in an abandoned city with mud-brick houses and Islamic monuments from the 8th century AD.
10. Karakus Hill provides tourists with opportunities for mountaineering activities so they can enjoy nature in Kâhta’s surroundings.

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1. Agriculture
2. Livestock farming
3. Textile manufacturing
4. Construction materials production
5. Small-scale trading

The main crops produced in Kâhta, Turkey are:

• Wheat
• Barley
• Cotton
• Apricots
• Grapes

The primary animals raised in Kâhta, Turkey are:

• Sheep
• Goats

Textile manufacturing in Kâhta, Turkey involves the production of:

• Carpets
• Kilims

Construction materials produced in Kâhta, Turkey include:

• Bricks
• Tiles

Small-scale trading activities in Kâhta, Turkey include retail shops selling:

• Clothing
• Household goods
• Electronics
• Other consumer products

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Noteable History

1. Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Kâhta, featuring ancient large statues and reliefs dating back to the 1st century BC.
2. Kâhta was once part of the Urartian Kingdom from the 9th to 6th centuries BC, with many archaeological sites from this period found in and around the region.
3. During the Roman Empire, Kâhta was an important trading center and military outpost on its eastern frontier.
4. The Armenian Genocide during World War I saw many Armenians living in Kâhta killed or deported.
5. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first president of modern Turkey, visited Kâhta in 1923 during his tour of eastern Turkey.
6. Şemsettin Karahisari was a famous Ottoman calligrapher who lived in Kâhta during the 16th century.
7. Mehmed Fuad Köprülü, a prominent Turkish historian who wrote extensively about Ottoman history and culture, was born in Kâhta in 1890.
8. İbrahim Çallı was a renowned Turkish painter who lived from 1882-1960 and spent some time living and working in Kâhta.
9. The Ali Rıza Efendi Mosque is one of the most notable landmarks in Kâhta with its distinctive Ottoman architecture and beautiful interior decoration.
10. In July-August 1515, near Kâhta took place Battle of Harput between Ottoman Empire against Safavid Empire where Ottomans emerged victorious consolidating their control over much of eastern Anatolia.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses a royal tomb from the 1st century BC and an assortment of colossal stone heads.
2. Karakuş Tumulus is an ancient burial mound with remarkable carvings and inscriptions dating back to the 6th century BC.
3. Cendere Bridge, an ancient Roman bridge, spans the Cendere River with impressive arches and carvings.
4. Arsemia Ruins are remnants of a city founded by King Mithridates I of Commagene during the 1st century BC.
5. Kâhta Castle is a medieval fortress built on top of a hill overlooking the town, providing breathtaking views of its surroundings.
6. Atatürk Dam is one of Turkey’s largest dams that generates hydroelectric power and irrigation water for millions in Southeastern Anatolia.
7. Kâhta Museum is a small museum exhibiting local history and artifacts ranging from ancient times to modern-day.
8. Urfa Castle is an impressive fortress located in nearby Şanlıurfa with over four thousand years worth of rich history behind it.
9. Göbekli Tepe Archaeological Site houses one of the world’s oldest temples dating back over eleven thousand years, featuring intricate stone carvings depicting animals as well as mythical creatures.
10. Harran University Observatory offers guided tours and stargazing opportunities for visitors interested in astronomy or astrophysics; it’s located near Harran University.

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Cultural Events

1. Kâhta International Culture and Tourism Festival – This festival is held annually in August and includes traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, sports competitions, and local cuisine.
2. Hıdrellez Festival – Celebrated on May 5th every year in Kâhta’s Akçalı village with traditional folk dances, music performances, and a variety of cultural activities.
3. Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) – A significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God’s command.
4. Newroz Festival – Celebrated on March 21st every year as the beginning of spring with bonfires lit up at night symbolizing new beginnings.
5. Ramadan (Ramazan) – A month-long fasting period observed by Muslims worldwide that culminates with Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.
6. Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) – celebrated on October 29th commemorating the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923 with parades and fireworks displays across Turkey including Kâhta city center.

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Cuisine

• Kebapçı Halil Usta: This restaurant is famous for its delicious kebabs, especially the Adana kebab.
• Dönerci Ali Usta: As the name suggests, this restaurant serves mouth-watering döner (shaved meat) dishes.
• Çiğ Köfteci Yusuf Usta: This place is known for its traditional Turkish raw meatballs made with bulgur wheat and spices.
• Kahramanmaraş Dondurma Salonu: This ice cream parlor offers unique flavors of ice cream, such as sahlep (orchid root) and mastic gum.
• Meşhur Urfa Ciğer Salonu: Here you can try the famous Urfa-style liver dish served with grilled onions and tomatoes.
• Şanlıurfa Sofrası: This restaurant specializes in regional dishes from Şanlıurfa, including spicy kebabs and lahmacun (Turkish pizza).
• Hacı Dayı Baklava Salonu: For those with a sweet tooth, this baklava shop serves some of the best baklava in town.
• Tarihi Gümrük Han Restoranı: Located in a historic caravanserai building, this restaurant offers Turkish meze (appetizers) and grilled meats in a cozy atmosphere.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Nemrut Dağı National Park: This national park is home to the famous Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can hike up to the top of the mountain to see ancient statues and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Kâhta Castle: This medieval castle sits atop a hill overlooking Kâhta and offers visitors panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
3. Karakuş Tumulus: This ancient burial mound dates back to the 1st century BC and is believed to be the final resting place of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene.
4. Atatürk Parkı: This public park in downtown Kâhta features walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small lake.
5. Çamlık Parkı: Located on the outskirts of town, this park offers hiking trails through pine forests as well as picnic areas and playgrounds.
6. Rafting on Euphrates River: Visitors can go rafting on Euphrates River which flows through Kâhta for an exciting adventure experience.
7. Horseback Riding Tours: Horseback riding tours are available for those who want to explore scenic areas around Kâhta including nearby mountains or countryside villages.

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Collect Moments, Not Things.

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