Karakuş, Royal funerary monument in Kâhta, Turkey
Karakuş is an ancient funerary structure featuring three groups of limestone Doric columns arranged around an artificial burial mound. The monument rises roughly 35 meters above ground and merges Greek architectural style with local burial practices.
The structure was built between 31 and 20 BCE by King Mithridates II of the Commagene kingdom. It commemorated his mother Isias, sister Antiochis, and niece Aka, demonstrating the dynasty's reach during the late Hellenistic period.
The Greek inscriptions carved into the columns honor female members of the royal family through stone dedications. These texts reveal how important women were to the kingdom and how their memory was preserved for future generations.
The site lies about 12 kilometers from Kâhta and is open to visitors without entrance fees. On clear days, views of Mount Nemrut are visible from here, connecting your visit to nearby archaeological areas.
A tall column topped with an eagle sculpture stands at the site, which inspired its Turkish name. Karakuş means black bird in Turkish and refers to this distinctive sculpture that dominates the landscape.
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