Anatolia's diary

Akdamar Island is a small island in Lake Van in Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The origin of the island's name is often attributed to an old legend. This is so romantic: According to the tale, an Armenian princess named Tamara lived on the island and was in love with a commoner. This boy would swim from the mainland to the island each night, guided by a light she lit for him. Her father had learned of the boy's visits. One night, as she waited for her lover to arrive, he smashed her light, leaving the boy in the middle of the lake without a guide to indicate which direction to swim. They say his dying cries of "Ah, Tamara" can be heard to this day at night.

Nemrut mountain in eastern Turkey, is near Adıyaman. At the top of Nemrut, King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene built his tomb-sanctuary along with huge statues of himself, two lions and two eagles, and various Greek and Persian gods.These statues were once seated, with names of each god inscribed on them. The heads of the statues are scattered throughout the site.