Silent Witnesses of Commagene: Sofraz Tumuli

Adıyaman, a city in southeastern Türkiye, is rich in historical and cultural treasures. Among its most remarkable examples are the Sofraz Tumuli. These tumuli, dating back approximately 1800 years, are significant archaeological structures that illuminate the region’s history.

Named after the village of Sofraz in the Besni district, the Sofraz Tumuli are located southeast of the village and date back to the 1st-2nd centuries AD. The Great Tumulus welcomes visitors with its approximately 15-meter height, while the Small Tumulus stands at 10 meters. These monuments, covered with earth and rubble, reveal the importance Kommagene placed on the cult of the dead.

Inside the tumuli, beneath the earth fill, are passageways and burial chambers. In the Small Tumulus, located in the southern part of the Great Tumulus, there is a different structure with 4 rooms accessed by stairs and 3 sarcophagi in these rooms. These structures showcase the architectural understanding and engineering skills of that era.

The sarcophagi and walls in the burial chambers are adorned with details reflecting the artistic tastes of the period. Limestone sarcophagi and red-painted bands on the walls bear the characteristic features of Kommagene art. These details help us understand the beliefs and rituals of that era.

The Sofraz Tumuli are an important legacy that has survived from the glorious days of the Kommagene Kingdom. These structures are not just tombs but also unique monuments that reflect the lifestyle, beliefs, and artistic tastes of the people of that era. They are a must-see historical site for visitors to Adıyaman.

The Kingdom of Commagene: A Fusion of Persian and Hellenistic Cultures

The Kingdom of Commagene was a Hellenistic kingdom that ruled in Southeastern Anatolia between 163 BC and 72 AD. The kingdom was located in a geography covering today’s Adıyaman, Gaziantep, and Kahramanmaraş provinces.

Commagene is known as a unique civilization where Persian and Hellenistic cultures were blended. The most well-known symbol of the kingdom is the tumulus and giant statues on Mount Nemrut, built by King I. Antiochos. These structures are important works that reflect Commagene’s religious beliefs and artistic tastes.

The Kingdom of Commagene maintained its existence for a long time by establishing good relations with the Roman Empire. However, it lost its independence in 72 AD when it was annexed by Rome.

Cover Photo: Türkiye Culture Portal