The beachtourist is hardly lost in this national park, which is situated in south-eastern Turkey. At first glance, this lonely region looks rather dusty, barren, and less impressive.
Surely this mountain belonging to the Taurus Mountains with a height of 2200 m is quite imposing - but why Nemrut Dagi was nominated by the UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage, reveals itself only when one looks more closely, climbs the mountain and throws a glance at the supernumerary god statues.
Nemrut Dagi - a visit to the gods
Nemrut Dagi lets the story come to life, for the gods are hardly nearer to any other place. Whether Zeus, Apollo, or Hercules, all are gathered here. Or rather: carved from stone.
The sight of the statues of the gods is overwhelming. And even the fact that the giant giants are now quite battered and headless around, while the heads were placed next to the gigantic hull, does not diminish the fascination.
The idea that this is actually a grave hill, lets perhaps be shaken to shake hands. In fact, this place does not spread an almost melancholic and gloomy atmosphere as our native cemeteries.
The history of the statues
This tomb was built by King Antioch, who from 69 to 34 BC, In the region. Nemrut Dagi was to symbolize his treaty, which he had made with the gods. And so there are not only the stone god statues, but also a statue of the king himself.
On the summit of the mountain, the king built a 50-meter-high rock heap under which the burial chamber was to be located. This is, however, only a presumption, as no evidence has yet been found to confirm this.
There is, however, more than enough evidence that the visitors are always trying to climb this rock formation. But as tempting as it may seem - it is forbidden.
It is, however, permissible to look closer at the three adjoining terraces, two of which contain the gods' statues and their heads. Especially recommended is a rise at sunrise, when the eastern Steinerrasse shines in almost unreal light.
On the summit the visitor is rewarded with a breathtaking view which is not restricted to the rockies. The Atatürk Reservoir also flashes in the distance - if one of the weather god is weighed.
