Kingdom of Commagene

TURKEY, Cappadocia, Cilicia, Commagene

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• published: 08 Sep 2014
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PHOTOS: Dimitra Stasinopoulou www.dimitrastasinopoulou.com Central Anatolia: Cappadocia:In a spectacular landscape, the Göreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries, providing evidence of Byzantine art, as well as dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns – the remains of a traditional human habitat dating back to the 4th century. The Greeks were called Rumi and they settled in this area on the 3rd century AD. Konya: cradle of many civilizations. Here In 1273, the Sufi Mevlevi Order was established and its Whirling Dervishes are among the most famous symbols of the city and Turkey. Salt Lake: the second largest lake in Turkey producing 70% of the salt used. Black Sea Region: Safranbolu: From the 13th century was an important caravan station on the main East–West trade route. Ankara: the Capital of Turkey, with the famous museum for the Anatolian Civilization. Mediterranean Region: Adana, Iskenderun and Antakya (Cilicia in the ancient times). Southeastern Anatolia: The towns of Gaziantep, with the best Mosaic Museum the Zeugma, Salinurfa (Urfa) the city of the Prophets (Abraham included) and Harran where the first Islamic University was founded – all with a history dating back to 6th millennium. Mount Nemrut: The mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.), who reigned over Commagene, after the breakup of Alexander's empire, is one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period. The syncretism of its pantheon, and the lineage of its kings, which can be traced back through two sets of legends, Greek and Persian, is evidence of its dual culture. Even here, in the depths of Anatolia, the Greek spirit is still quite vivid and dominant. No Greek can ponder around here, without feeling a sense of pride, familiarity and affection. Music: Turkish Ethnic Music, Instrumental Gulumcan, by Ahmet Ozgul and Turay Dinleyen. The last two pieces are from the soundtrack from the film “A touch of Spice”. Composer Evanthia Reboutsika. Music Copyright owned by the original artists Description