Cultural and Art Opportunities in Adıyaman

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Adıyaman is a city that has been the scene of various civilizations, where many cultures have been kneaded and identified; it is a city with rich cultural values ​​with its words, clothing, games, weddings and customs and beliefs related to various periods of life, hospitality, love for people and the care it shows, carpets, rugs, cicim and saddlebags.

Various legends, folk songs and poems, shrines, folk dances, clothing and handicrafts have an important place in folk culture. Especially folk songs and folk dances are famous throughout Türkiye.

Like all Anatolian people, Adıyaman people also express their daily lives, joys and sorrows with folk songs and poems. In places formed by groups such as weddings, condolences and picnic areas, folk songs and poems are sung, some for entertainment and some for lamentation.

While folk songs are often sung with the accompaniment of the saz (baglama), manis are usually chanted without music. Sometimes folk songs are sung and halay dances are performed. Adıyaman has many folk songs that are famous throughout Turkey. The folk songs are generally of the long air and lament genre. Among the famous folk songs are “Gölbaşına Vardım, Altın Yüzüm Kırıldı and Türkmen Gelini”.

Many folk songs have been sung on the Euphrates River. The story of one of them is as follows:

“One time, Uncle Hamo wanted to cross the Euphrates River to visit his son who was doing his military service in Urfa. The Euphrates would be crossed on a primitive raft on which humans and animals could board together.

The raft is boarded early in the morning. But when they reach the middle of the river, a horse on the raft gets scared and the raft capsizes, and Uncle Hamo drowns along with everyone else inside. His family, unaware of the incident, waits for him for days… But one day, bad news reaches the village… Beatings and lamentations begin…

Their clothes are still used in rural areas today. In mountain villages, it consists of shalwar made of wool fabric, a jacket called Aba and a collarless shirt. There are socks and a yemeni on the feet. A silk, tasseled, white belt called a "fillik girdle" is wrapped over the outfit, which is integrated with the shalwar and collared or collarless shirt.

Our local clothes, which best reflect the characteristics of our region in women's and men's clothing, have survived for centuries and are now almost extinct, are used today only by our people in rural areas, preserving all their characteristics.

When we look at men's and women's clothing in the city center, we see that it has completely moved away from traditionalism and has become modern.

Adıyaman province generally attaches great importance to gold jewelry. However, traditional jewelry has been replaced by better crafted jewelry as a result of changing tastes over time. Alternative jewelry has also increased due to the differentiation of financial situation.

A waist belt made of gold or silver is an important piece of jewelry. A headdress made of gold called a 'chapel', which starts at the front of the head and is brought together on both sides and then interlocked from behind, is also widely used. A necklace made of 8 or 10 gremmises strung on a gold chain is also among the traditional pieces of jewelry.

In the region, embroideries and kerchiefs are still made. However, the shoe-making art has almost disappeared due to developing technology. The following handicrafts are made in the districts and villages of Adıyaman.

In Adıyaman districts and villages, traditional handicrafts such as carpets, rugs, saddlebags and storage bags, which reflect the artistic and aesthetic taste and manual skills of our local people, are produced both to meet the needs of our people and as touristic goods.

In addition, the spoken language of our young girls, their hand-made laces and cross-stitch embroidery have great importance and value in our region.

Today, the shoemaking profession (yemeni) has almost disappeared because it cannot maintain its existence in the face of developing technology.

The folk dances of the Adıyaman region, like other folk dance regions, have been the expression of the natural conditions, beliefs and experiences of the region with music and figures. The local dances are as follows:

• Hospitality
• Quick Trilogy
• Slow Trilogy
• From the goph
• Pocket
• Risky
• Heavy Shimmer
• Fast Simsimi
• Steep
• Aunt Woman
• Two Feet
• Peace
• Dinghy
• Straight Game
• Nomad Game
• Hallac Game
• Harvest Game
• Heilli Can
• Mother-in-law Game
• Move Game
• Raft Game
• Turkan
• Wrestler

Adıyaman Folk Dances have a carography where men and women stand side by side. This is very important in terms of showing the role of women in Adıyaman Folk Culture.

Adıyaman Folk Dance Varieties

• Raft Play: It is about a wedding procession passing by on a raft on the Euphrates River.
• Straight play: It tells the adventures of a young man who falls in love with the daughter of a different man on the banks of the Euphrates, but cannot get the girl and becomes ill from his love.
• Invitation to the Game: It is about young people inviting each other to the game at weddings.
• Harvest Play: It is about a farmer family who harvests the crops as a family and visits their relatives and organizes a feast after the harvest.
• The Kimil game: It portrays the famine that occurs as a result of the Kimil (Sunn) pest damaging the crops and the people's struggle against the Kimil.
• Nomad play: It portrays the migration of some villagers engaged in animal husbandry to the plateaus in the summer months and the events they experience there.
• Helli Can: It tells the story of a gentleman's daughter named Helli and the young man named Can, whom she saw in her dream and later learned existed, getting married and becoming happy.
• Entertaining: A game played by elderly, dignified and respectable people at weddings with a slow and showy tempo.
• Hallaç Game: It tells the adventure of a hallaç who falls in love with the daughter of the house where he goes to throw cotton.
• Türkan: It portrays the incident of a girl named Türkan, who was given to someone other than the young man she loved, getting permission to pray two rakats on the road and then dying.
• Dingi: The story of a young man who falls in love while a beautiful and strong girl makes a ding ding sound while pounding bulgur is portrayed.
• Peace: It brings about the reconciliation of families or tribes that are enemies to each other.
• Mother-in-Law Game: It reenacts the mother-in-law playing in front of the bride at the wedding, holding a ladle and a mirror.

Adıyaman province has hosted various civilizations from the cave age to the present day and has a rich living folk culture with its words, clothing, games, weddings, customs and beliefs related to various periods of life (birth, marriage, death), hospitality, love for humanity, philosophy of life, worldview, carpets, rugs, cicim and saddlebags.

Adıyaman province, which has the accumulation that can be subject to scientific field research in terms of folklore and is a treasure trove of unique and rich cultural values ​​that cannot be found in many places, has not been the subject of a detailed and sufficient study to date. However, a preliminary study has been initiated for scientific research.

According to the information obtained as a result of archaeological excavations carried out by Turkish and foreign scientists, Pirin Caves, which prove the existence of rich civilizations where people lived even in the pre-Christian periods, and its historical artifacts that have survived to the present day without being destroyed, have the characteristics of an open-air museum in terms of human history and culture. This structure has undoubtedly had an impact on the development of our folklore to this day.

There is a strong connection between the advancement of technology and the development and spread of communication tools and the faster integration and change of cultures. It is possible to see this integration and change process in many folkloric elements of Adıyaman Province. We come across this change in clothing, customs, traditions and customs as well as value judgments.

Adıyaman local culture is quite rich in terms of folk literature narratives. In particular, legends are told about where the name Adıyaman comes from. The most important legend told about this is the YEDİYAMAN Legend.

The Legend of Yediyaman

Long ago, there was a father and his seven sons who lived in this city and worshipped idols. Since these seven brothers did not accept the religious beliefs of their father who worshipped idols, they broke the idols one day while their father was out hunting.

When the father returned from the hunt and saw that his sons had broken the idols, he killed them one by one.

The people called these brothers Yediyaman, whom they regarded as heroes because of their bravery and courage.

The name Yediyaman, which later spread to the whole region, changed over time and became Adıyaman.

Today, the place known as Yedikardeş in the south of the city, where there are seven graves, is still considered sacred by the people and offerings are made and candles are lit.

The Legend of Hisn-i-Mansur Castle

According to legend, there was a mansion in the middle of Adıyaman Castle that rotated on a shaft. The daughter of the Arab commander, who was watching the battle in the mansion, saw the Turkish commander who was besieging the castle and fell in love with him. The girl sent a message to the Turkish commander and said that she would give him the key to the castle if he accepted to take her.

One night, the Turkish commander accepts the girl who has secretly escaped to the Turks and meets with her. During this time, the girl says that something inside her clothes is bothering her.

When her clothes are taken off, it is seen that a dry leaf has irritated her body. The Turkish Commander gets very angry at this situation and says, "Your father raised you to beware of even a dry leaf, yet you still betrayed him. Who knows what kind of betrayals you will do to us?" and has the girl killed. He captures the castle and the city with his attacks.

The Legend of Samosata Castle

There is a king living in Samosata, the capital of the country of Commagene. Suitors come from all over the world to the king's beautiful daughter, all of them offer vast lands and endless money to the girl's father. In order for him to allow them to marry his daughter, the king says that he will give the girl to the first one who brings water to the city where there is a drinking water problem.

The competitors work day and night, competing with each other. One day, the people of the city see giant water channels that extend to their vicinity and grow every day. Then the waters that give life to the city begin to flow. The young prince of Arsameia brings water to the city with the water channels that have survived to this day. He receives the reward of his work from SAMOSATA by marrying the young princess.

The Cendere Bridge over the Kalita River, which was built during the reign of Septimus Severus in the Roman period and has a history of 2 thousand years, has a story among the people.

Septimus Severus had four columns erected, two at each end of the bridge. These columns represented himself, his wife JULIA DONNA, his sons CARACALLA and GETA. However, when Geta was killed during the war, he had one of the columns destroyed. Thus, two columns remained on one side of the bridge and one on the other. Therefore, there are currently three columns on the bridge.

The number of archaeological sites in Adıyaman is 116, the number of urban sites is 1, and the number of natural sites is 3. There are 237 registered cultural assets in Adıyaman. When the distribution of cultural assets in the province is examined, the density of religious structures, cultural structures and ruins is striking.

Among the important cultural assets of the region, Mount Nemrut, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, Arsemeia, which was the summer administrative center of the Commagene Kingdom in history, the New Castle, the 1800-year-old Cendere Bridge built by the Romans, the Karakuş Tumulus, which is known as the monumental tomb of the Commagene Princesses, and the Ancient City of Perre, one of the 5 largest cities of the Commagene Kingdom, located 5 km north of Adıyaman, attract attention.

Faith Tourism, which has a serious tourist base at the national level, has a high potential in Adıyaman. Safvan Bin Muattal Tomb, which is one of the two Sahabe-i Kiram known to be buried in Turkey and located in Samsat district, is an important center in terms of Islamic belief in the province.

The tomb of Prophet Uzeyir, whose complex is located in the Gerger district, and the tombs of Abuzer El Gaffari and Mahmut El Ensari located in the central district of Adıyaman are visible. There are also Mor Pedrus and Mor Pavlus Churches in the province, which are important for the Christian faith and visited by thousands of Assyrians throughout the year.

Adıyaman, the greenest province in the Southeastern Anatolia Region with its 17% forested land, also has significant potential in terms of nature tourism. Located on Lake Abdulharap

and the Floating Islands, which took hundreds of thousands of years to form, are a natural wonder with their thickness and dimensions varying between two and four meters. Some of the Floating Islands, which move according to the direction of the wind, are the size of several football fields.

Located in the Gölbaşı district of the province and rich in its flora and fauna, Gölbaşı, İnekli and Azaplı Lakes are registered as a Nature Park. The region is also on the migration route of migratory birds and hosts approximately 57 bird species. In this area where bird observation towers are built, work continues to establish the infrastructure of sports fields (trekking, nature walks).

Adıyaman is one of the most suitable provinces for hunting tourism in terms of its geographical structure, climate, vegetation and wildlife. Developments in hunting tourism and bird watching within the scope of diversifying Adıyaman tourism have caused a great movement in this area. The increase in the number of wild goats thanks to the increased conscious protection in the province has also contributed to this movement. It is assumed that Adıyaman will reach a significant potential in the wild goat and hunting mountain goat population in the coming years. Şengil-Hisar Mountain, Bezar Mountain, Hallof (Yarlıca) Mountain, Akdağ, Zivar Mountain, Çetirge, Koru and Ulubaba Mountain have been determined as wild goat hunting areas in the province. In this respect, the region is a center of attraction for foreign hunters. 80% of the hunter profile of the province consists of foreign tourists and hunters who are citizens of the USA, European Union and Russia come to the province.

Adıyaman cuisine has gained a special place for itself in the Southeastern Anatolia region with its local flavors such as hitap, çiğ köfte, içli köfte, Besni tava, meyer soup, semolina halva with cheese, olive oil baklava, almond halva and almond baklava. Especially the local cuisine of Besni district has the potential to rival Gaziantep in the future in gastronomy tourism.

Gerger district is one of the rare lands where natural life is protected and has a very high potential for branding in the field of health tourism with Sülüklü Lake. Çelikhan Spring is one of the well-known places to visit in the region with its healing waters rich in minerals.

For Adıyaman Cultural Institutions and Adıyaman Festivals, please go to page 2.

• Arsemia Culture and Art Center
• Pale Culture and Art Center
• Our Color Art Workshop
• Adıyaman Science and Art Center
• Adiyaman Music Association
• Doremi Art Center
• Adıyaman Academy Painting Course
• Art House 02
• Adıyaman Municipality Conservatory
• 9 Breaths Ney Players Association
• Provincial Directorate of Tourism

Adıyaman International Music Festival:

The sultans of the piano will meet their fans at the 5th Adıyaman International Music Festival (ADUMFEST) to be held between March 18 and April 26.

Özgür Oğuz, Artistic Director under the Coordination of Adıyaman Philharmonic Association, said that the 5th Adıyaman International Music Festival (ADUMFEST) will be held between March 18 and April 26.

The festival consists of 5 events in total. The opening concert will bring together the world-renowned Turkish pianist of classical music, Soloist Gülsin Onay, under the baton of Conductor Özgür Oğuz, on March 18th. The concert, accompanied by Adıyaman Philharmonic Orchestra Afo, will start at 20:30 at Adıyaman University Rectorate Concert Hall. The piano recital, which will be given by Prof. Serla Balkarlı with a wide repertoire ranging from Zeki Müren to Rachmaninoff, will start at 20:30 on March 28th at Adıyaman University Rectorate Concert Hall.

Adıyaman Raw Meatballs Festival:

It will be held at Adıyaman Altınşehir Mansur Yardımcı Stadium between October 12-14. The Adıyaman Municipality has completed its preparations for the 'Çiğköfte Festival', which has been worked on for a long time.

Although it is a local flavor of Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, which managed to get a patent for it, did not stop there. The municipality decided to organize a festival to promote çiğ köfte. The municipality, which implemented the decision in a short time, completed all its preparations and revealed the festival program.

Traditional Jari Festivals:

Traditional Jari Festivals are held every year in August in the Çelikhan district of Adıyaman. Traditional Jari Festivals are organized to introduce the cold Jari Water, which flows from Akdağ, known as the highest point in the Adıyaman region, at an altitude of 2,700 meters, and is said to be a cure for many diseases, to tourism and to promote the region.

Honey Culture and Tourism Festival:

The Honey Culture and Tourism Festival, organized by the district governorship and the municipality in Çelikhan district of Adıyaman, takes place every year in August.

This festival, organized by Çelikhan District Governorship, Çelikhan Municipality and Beekeepers Association in August, is at a national level. The aim is to promote Çelikhan Honey, one of the district's biggest sources of income, at a national level, to encourage producers and to find a market for the product. Many events are held within the scope of the 3-day festival.

Besni Education and Culture Festival:

The start and end dates of the Besni Education Festival, celebrated every year in September and October, are determined by the organizing committee in meetings held throughout the year. It is the world's first and only education festival traditionally organized every year by the Besni District Governorship, Besni Municipality and Besni Education Foundation. Bazaars and art exhibitions are organized in the park in the town center. The festival continues with a procession. It ends with seminars and conferences.

Arsemia Music Festival:

Arsemia Music Festival is a cultural event organized every year in June by Adıyaman Municipality and Adıyaman Philharmonic Orchestra Association.

GolFest:

Gölfest Agriculture, Culture, Art, Tourism, Education, Sports and Solidarity Festival is held in September in Gölbaşı district of Adıyaman. Gölfest Agriculture, Culture, Art, Tourism, Education, Sports and Solidarity Festival is a national festival organized every year in September by Gölbaşı District Governorship and Gölbaşı Municipality. It aims to promote the “Prophet Grape”, which is the agricultural input of the district and one of the most beautiful grapes of our country, and to encourage and support producers.

Zerban Festivals:

Zerban Festivals are held in Adıyaman every year in July or August. Organized by the Alevi community around the sacred Zerban River, Zerban Festivals are celebrated by singing Turkish and Kurdish songs together, giving a message of unity and solidarity.

Adıyaman Tut Paragliding Festival:

The Paragliding Festival is held every year in June in the Tut district of Adıyaman. It is organized in Tut between May 31 and June 1 in partnership with the Adıyaman Governorship, Tut District Governorship, Tut Municipality and Tut Air Sports Club. The Paragliding Festival, which was held for the first time last year and in which dozens of athletes from various cities of Turkey participated, attracts the attention of all enthusiasts and is expected to attract more attention than last year.

International Kahta Commagene Festival:

The International Nemrut Commagene Festival is held every year in June in Adıyaman Kahta. The International Kahta Commagene Festival is organized by the Kahta District Governorship and Kahta Municipality between September and September. The aim of the festival is to introduce the historical and cultural assets of the Commagene Kingdom on Mount Nemrut, which is on the World Cultural Heritage List, to the world and to try to promote our city, which is a tourist attraction, both domestically and internationally.

Mulberry Festival in Tut:

The Mulberry Festival in Tut takes place every year in the Tut district of Adıyaman, famous for its mulberries. The “Mulberry Festival in Tut” is organized in July in the Tut district of Adıyaman, which takes its name from the mulberry, with the cooperation of the Tut District Governorship and the Tut Municipality. The festival, which takes place in Tut, one of the most important regions where mulberry fruit grows, includes many events such as concerts, exhibitions, talks, and paragliding shows.

In addition, a National Mulberry Workshop with the participation of academics is being organized to emphasize the importance of mulberry fruit and to ensure its global branding. A local products market is being established where mulberry products will be available.

In addition, the best molasses and mulberry competitions are held. As a result of the competition, various gifts are given to the producers who win. Mulberries, walnuts and almonds are also pounded on stones with a mallet during the festival.

To see Adıyaman camping areas on the map and find out the distance to your location, you can visit our Adıyaman Camping Areas map and our Adıyaman Places to Visit map for Adıyaman Travel Guide .

For all our articles about Adıyaman, you can visit our Adıyaman Outdoor, Tourism and Travel Guide page.

To get detailed information about camping and caravaning and to see all our articles, you can visit our TurkeyOutdoor Camping Guide page.

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• In all outdoor activities and nature sports, safety is your primary responsibility. No article or video can replace proper practical training and personal experience.
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• While exploring natural and historical beauties, you should pay attention to some important points for your holiday to be enjoyable and safe. Before your trip, do detailed research about the region you will go to , check the weather conditions and take appropriate clothes with you. Never damage natural, historical and touristic places. Do not leave your garbage in the places you go, take your garbage back to where you came from in bags as you brought it or throw it in a garbage container.
• If you are planning a nature trip, camping or outdoor activity, be sure to pack all the necessary equipment .
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