Perre Ancient City (Adıyaman)

Perre Ancient City is located approximately five kilometers northwest of the city center of Adıyaman, within the boundaries of Örenli Neighborhood, in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Perre, one of the five major cities of the Kingdom of Commagene, is an important settlement site that reflects the historical and archaeological identity of the region through its rock tombs, water channels, and inscriptions. The city was also used during the Roman and Byzantine periods and holds a strategic position as one of the religious, cultural, and commercial transit points. Roman and Byzantine structures have survived to the present day.

Perre rose to prominence as an important city during the Kingdom of Commagene period. It continued to be inhabited during the Roman and Byzantine eras, and structures and remains from these periods have been preserved. Its participation in the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE demonstrates its significance as a religious center.

^{Kentten bir kare (Kaynak:} pexels⁾

Perre possesses the largest necropolis area in the region. The tomb chambers carved into the rock are particularly striking. This area also contains cisterns, wine presses, and Byzantine wall structures.

Excavations at the ancient city have revealed a stone-paved street, multi-room buildings, and water cisterns, demonstrating that Perre was a well-planned urban center. One of the most notable features is its advanced water system, supported by stone channels that supplied the city’s water needs. This infrastructure indicates long-term continuous habitation in the city.

During excavations conducted in 2022 in Perre, a 12-square-meter mosaic floor was uncovered. These mosaics reflect the richness of public and private buildings in Perre.

^{A sample photograph of mosaics taken from the Culture Portal (Source:} Türkiye Kültür Portalı⁾

During the Kingdom of Commagene period, Perre emerged as a sacred city and served as one of the key stopping points for religious rituals in the region. It is believed to have been an important rest point on religious processions to Nemrut Dağı. In addition, archaeological evidence suggests that some structures in the city functioned as temples or altars. In this regard, Perre is not merely a settlement center but also a central hub for religious practices.

Today, Perre Ancient City has become a focal point for both the scientific community and cultural tourism, thanks to excavation and conservation efforts coordinated by the Archaeology Department of Adıyaman University. Excavations carried out in 2022 uncovered a 1800-year-old Roman stone quarry. Additionally, 1500-year-old human skeletons and structures destroyed by earthquakes have also been found.