Commageneian Arsemeia-by-the-Euphrates Population: 3,300
If you’re staying in Kahta, near Adiyaman, and have time on your hands while you wait for a tour to visit the giant heads on Nemrut Dağı (Mt Nemrut) you could take a dolmuş to the sleepy, end-of-the-line settlement of Gerger on the shores of Atatürk Gölu (Lake Atatürk).
You come here to see the ruins of what is called Gerger Kalesi (Gerger Castle) but are really the remains of the Commagene settlement of Arsemeia-by-the-Euphrates. Unfortunately they are perched on a plug of all but inaccesible rock which only those with strong shoes and heads for heights should attempt despite the insistence of locals that the absence of a path doesn’t matter.
Luckily the most impressive relic of the Commagenes, a relief carving of Samos, the father of Anthiochus I Commagene, the man behind the heads on Nemrut Dagı, is clearly visible from the road.
More importantly, the scenery around here is simply stunning, especially the vista over the lake that is reminiscent of the highlands of Scotland. It would be even better from the castle, of course, but you have been warned.
Sleeping
There is nowhere to stay in Gerger. You will need to visit from Kahta.
Transport info
Timetabled dolmuşes from Kahta otogar run to Gerger (67km) but from there you will have to hire a “taxi” to get to the castle. This is a trip much better done with your own wheels.
Read more about visiting Gerger and the surrounding area: http://www.turkeyfromtheinside.com/index.php?option=com_easyblog&view=entry&id=6&Itemid=218
