Adiyaman history

The history of the city of Adiyaman is rooted in deep antiquity, a fact confirmed by numerous archaeological findings. Settlements in this territory have existed since the Paleolithic era, and the city itself has witnessed the rise and fall of many civilizations over millennia. Its past is a kaleidoscope of cultures that have left their mark on the region's architecture and traditions.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first permanent settlements in the area of modern Adiyaman appeared in prehistoric times. In different eras, this land was under the rule of the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, and Macedonians. A crucial stage in the city's history is linked to the Kingdom of Commagene, for which the region served as a key centre. Later, the city, then known as Perre, became part of the Roman and subsequently the Byzantine Empires. In the 7th century, the region was conquered by the Umayyad army, and in 670, by the order of the commander Mansur ibn Ja'wana, a fortress was erected here, named Hisn-i-Mansur ("Fortress of Mansur"). It was this fortress that became the core of the medieval city, which bore this name until 1926, when it was officially renamed Adiyaman.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the city was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city was situated at a strategically important crossroads of trade routes connecting Anatolia with Mesopotamia, which contributed to its economic prosperity.
• Military-Strategic Significance: The Hisn-i-Mansur fortress served as a vital military outpost for many rulers, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, Seljuks, and finally the Ottomans, who incorporated the city into their empire in 1515.
• Succession of Civilizations: The constant influx of new cultures — from Hellenistic and Roman to Arab and Turkic — enriched the city, making it an important cultural hub of the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, the region's economy has relied on agriculture, facilitated by the fertile lands in the Euphrates Valley. Trade also played a significant role due to the location on busy caravan routes. The cultural life of the city was a reflection of its multifaceted history: traditions of the East and West were synthesized here, which was particularly evident during the era of the Kingdom of Commagene. This synthesis can be traced in unique monuments, such as the famous statues on Mount Nemrut located nearby.

Chronology of Adiyaman's History

The history of Adiyaman is a chronicle of the succession of great civilizations and cultures. Below are the key moments that shaped the appearance of this ancient city.

• Circa 10,000 BC — The oldest traces of human activity in the region, confirmed by Epipaleolithic rock drawings found in the vicinity.
• 8th Century BC — The territory, known as the Kingdom of Kummuh, falls under the rule of the Assyrian Empire.
• 163 BC — Ptolemaeus of Commagene establishes the independent Hellenistic Kingdom of Commagene, with this region becoming its centre.
• 69–34 BC — The reign of King Antiochus I, during which the famous sanctuary on Mount Nemrut was erected.
• 72 AD — Roman Emperor Vespasian finally abolishes the Kingdom of Commagene, and its lands are fully incorporated into the Roman province of Syria.
• 670 AD — By order of the Umayyad commander Mansur ibn Ja'wana, a fortress is built, and the city receives the name Hisn-i-Mansur ("Fortress of Mansur").
• 11th Century — The region comes under the control of the Seljuk Turks, marking the beginning of the Turkification of Anatolia.
• 1515 — The city is conquered by Sultan Selim I and becomes part of the powerful Ottoman Empire.
• 1926 — The city is officially renamed from Hisn-i-Mansur to its modern name — Adiyaman.
• 1954 — A separate province (il) of Adiyaman is created with the capital of the same name, previously having been part of the Malatya province.

Key Milestones in the Development of Adiyaman

The modern history of Adiyaman is a journey from a small Ottoman town to a dynamically developing administrative and economic centre. Key transformations that defined its current appearance occurred in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

• Obtaining Provincial Capital Status (1954): This event became a critical administrative impulse for growth. Until 1954, the city was part of the Malatya province. The new status attracted state investment, contributed to infrastructure development, the construction of administrative buildings, and population growth.
• Implementation of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) and Construction of the Atatürk Dam (1983–1992): The construction of one of the largest dams in the world on the Euphrates River radically changed the region's economy. The appearance of a massive reservoir boosted the development of irrigated agriculture, turning Adiyaman into a major supplier of cotton and pistachios. It also provided the region with hydroelectric power.
• Foundation of Adiyaman University (2006): The opening of the university was a significant cultural and social event. The educational institution attracted youth, lecturers, and scholars to the city, which contributed to the growth of the service sector, the creation of new jobs, and the formation of an intellectual hub in the region.
• Development of Tourism Infrastructure: Proximity to Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has made Adiyaman a starting point for thousands of tourists. In recent decades, hotels have been actively built in the city and its surroundings, transport connections have improved, and tourism services have been created, making tourism one of the key sectors of the economy.
• Economic Diversification: Alongside traditional agriculture, light industry began to develop in the city, particularly textile manufacturing. This process was accelerated thanks to government support programmes and the general economic growth of the region.
• Urban Planning and Population Growth: Adiyaman is one of the fastest-growing cities in Turkey. Since the mid-20th century, its population has increased manifold, leading to active residential construction, the expansion of city boundaries, and the modernization of municipal infrastructure.

The architectural appearance of Adiyaman represents a multi-layered historical palimpsest, where ancient and medieval structures have been replaced predominantly by modern functional development. Unlike many European cities, one will not find Gothic or Renaissance styles here; development followed a different path, reflecting the shift of civilizations from the Kingdom of Commagene to modern Turkey.

Ancient Heritage and Roman Influence

The foundations of the region's urban planning were laid in antiquity. In the immediate vicinity of the modern city lie the ruins of the ancient city of Perre, which was one of the four key centres of the Kingdom of Commagene. Remains from the Roman era have been preserved here: a necropolis with rock-cut tombs and a monumental fountain, which, according to some reports, is still in use. These structures demonstrate typical features of late Hellenistic and Roman provincial architecture, focused on utility and durability.

Middle Ages: Fortresses and Mosques

The key structure of the medieval city, then known as Hisn-i-Mansur, was the Adiyaman Fortress. Originally erected in the 7th century, it was rebuilt many times under the Seljuks and other rulers, serving a defensive function. Although little remains of the original fortress, its ruins on the central hill still define the historical landscape. The city's main mosque, Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque), also dates back to this period. Built presumably in the 14th-15th centuries, it represents an example of Beylik architecture with subsequent Ottoman renovations. Its style is monumental yet restrained, typical of the Seljuk and early Ottoman tradition of multi-domed mosques.

Ottoman Period and Modernity

During the Ottoman era, Adiyaman remained a provincial town, so grand imperial complexes did not appear here. The development consisted of traditional houses, small mosques, and market rows. Significant growth and transformation of the city began in the second half of the 20th century, especially after Adiyaman became the capital of the province of the same name in 1954. From that moment, Functional Modernism became the dominant style. The cityscape today is formed by multi-storey residential buildings, administrative offices, and the Adiyaman University campus, built in the 20th and 21st centuries. The powerful earthquake of 2023 caused serious damage to the city's buildings, leading to the beginning of a new stage of urban planning and reconstruction works.

Notable Personalities in the History of Adiyaman

Throughout its rich history, the land of Adiyaman has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many significant figures who left their mark on the culture, politics, and spiritual life of the region. From ancient kings to modern artists, these personalities have shaped the multifaceted character of the city.

Antiochus I Theos of Commagene (c. 109 – 34 BC)

• Role: King of the Commagene Kingdom.
• Significance: The most famous ruler of Commagene, reigning from 69 to 34 BC. It was by his order that a grandiose sanctuary-mausoleum with giant statues of gods and the king himself was erected on the summit of Mount Nemrut, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main attraction of the region.

Safwan ibn Muattal (d. 679)

• Role: Companion of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
• Significance: An important figure in early Islamic history. His mausoleum, located in the Samsat district near Adiyaman, is one of the key pilgrimage sites in the region, attracting believers from all over Turkey and abroad.

Mansur ibn Ja'wana (7th Century)

• Role: Commander of the Umayyad Caliphate.
• Significance: Considered the founder of the medieval city. In 670, by his order, a fortress was erected which received the name Hisn-i-Mansur ("Fortress of Mansur"). The city bore this name for over a thousand years, right up until its renaming to Adiyaman in 1926.

Kahtalı Mıçe (Mustafa Aslan, b. 1953)

• Role: Folk singer (performer of Türkü).
• Significance: One of the most famous and beloved performers of folk music in Turkey. His stage name "Kahtalı" directly indicates his origin from the Kahta district in Adiyaman province. He has made a huge contribution to popularizing the musical culture of his native region.

Dengir Mir Mehmet Fırat (1943–2019)

• Role: Politician, lawyer.
• Significance: A prominent statesman of modern Turkey, born in the Kahta district. He was one of the founders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), served as its deputy chairman, and was repeatedly elected as a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Sırrı Süreyya Önder (b. 1962)

• Role: Film director, screenwriter, actor, and politician.
• Significance: A native of Adiyaman, Sırrı Süreyya Önder is one of the bright figures in the modern cultural and political life of Turkey. His films have received awards at prestigious festivals, and his political activity, related to the protection of minority rights, has made him known throughout the country.