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After circumnavigating the Karakuş Tumulus, mostly to get a good photo of Mount Nemrut, we continued onto a gas station in the city to switch over to another VIP Vito for the rest of our planned activities.

In hindsight, the switch was a good thing as the driver of the new vehicle was very familiar with the road up Mount Nemrut and knew not to stop on the steep road so as to keep the van’s forward momentum going.

Before beginning the drive up the mountain, however, we made a couple of brief stops within the Nemrut National Park.

First up, Cendere Bridge, which dates back to the 2nd century AD. This late Roman Period bridge, which spans Cendere Çayı (aka Chabinas Creek), was built by a Roman legion garrisoned nearby. Originally, there were two columns at either end of the bridge. A column each was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus; his wife, Julia; and their sons, Caracalla and Geta. Geta’s column was later removed on the orders of Caracalla after he assassinated his brother.

When we arrived at the bridge, we got out of the van on one side of the creek, walked over to the other side via the bridge, and then got back into the vehicle to continue our drive.

The second stop was a quick detour further up the mountain road to photograph the Castle of Kâhta, which is currently closed for restoration. Though information on who actually built the fortress is sketchy, it is believed to date back to the Kingdom of Commagene, with additions and restorations made my different states throughout its history … as evidenced by artifacts traced back to Selçuk, Memluk, and Ottoman Periods.

When we bundled back into the vehicle, our excitement new no bounds. In a short while, we would be making a lifetime dream come true.Read more