"ADIYAMAN" a Adiyaman Travel Page by evliyasems

Adiyaman city is not only the largest city in that province, it is also that province’s “central” district (ilçe). Each ilce is subdivided into Bucak (like a township) and each bucak is further divided into villages (köy). Adıyaman has 9 districts (including the central one) and 12 bucaks (townships). All three major subdivisions of a province are governed by a centrally appointed administrator.

Vali (governor) administers the province, kaymakam the districts (ilçe), and nahiye müdürü oversees the bucak. The governor (vali) also acts as the administrative head of the central district. Each major settlement in a province also elects a mayor, called belediye reisi. The mayors of these settlements deal only with the physical infrastructure of the cities while the government appointed civil servants are in charge of the

courts, security and other central functions like census bureaus, public health, and public education. Following is a brief summary of the major political divisions of Adıyaman, starting with the central city.

Central District (The city of Adıyaman):
According to 1990 census the population of the central district of the province was 170,75 including bucaks and villages. However due to recent migration, mostly caused by the displaced villagers due to the Atatürk dam (part of Southeastern Anatolian project, called GAP), the population is estimated to be over 200,000. GAP has accelerated the economic activity of the city, especially in light industry.

Adıyaman rapidly developed after becoming a province in 1954. Although it is now a fairly modern city, the major activity in the central district still remains to be farming and animal husbandry.

Atatürk dam, 25 miles from the central city, combined with the deep historical roots of the region has made tourism an important activity for the city. Pirin caves and rock tombs are important historical sites in the central region.