Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 9 places to visit in the Gölbaşı district of Adıyaman: Azaplı Lake, Gölbaşı Lake (İnekli Lake) and Gölbaşı Castle. Plan your trip to Gölbaşı with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Gölbaşı is a district of Adıyaman province. The district covers an area of 800 km², has an average elevation of 900 m and a population of 47,917. It lies west of Adıyaman and is bordered by Malatya, Besni and Tut districts, and shares borders with Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş provinces.
The district sits at a junction on the State Highway that links the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia to the Mediterranean, connecting the regions. The district consists of 30 villages and 3 towns; its name comes from the phrase “Gölün Başı” (head of the lake).
Gölbaşı was severely damaged in the earthquakes of 6 February 2023; the new town centre will be built a few kilometres away on stable ground.
The district’s economy is based mainly on farming and livestock rearing; drying grapes and walnuts are particularly important. Drying grapes known as Besni grapes hold an important place in the regional economy.
Gölbaşı became a district on 1 April 1958, separated from Besni, and was attached to Adıyaman province. Settlement in the district centre began in 1934 with the arrival of the railway. The new town centre of the district, which was destroyed in the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, will be built a few kilometres away on stable ground.
In 1954 it became a village attached to the district of Besni, and in 1958 it was given district status. The lakes of Gölbaşı, Azaplı and İnekli are interconnected.
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Located on a hill close to the district centre, this castle reflects the historical depth of the region with its walls dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. The lake and the district can be seen from the castle hill.
View on mapLocated on the route from Gölbaşı to Kahta near the Roman-era Cendere Bridge, the district is an important stop for tours of Mount Nemrut.
View on mapA historic bridge over the Göksu, near Yaylacık (Köristan) village.
View on mapA walled castle located 5 km north of Belören. It was built with Roman mortar.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source This natural lake, which gives the district its name, covers 12 km² and is the largest freshwater lake in Adıyaman. Ideal for birdwatching, fishing and picnics, the lake is home to many bird species, especially during migration seasons.
View on mapThe lake in the district centre has been registered as a Natural Protected Area. Around the lake, a bird sanctuary, picnic areas and walking routes have been created.
View on mapThis park, laid out on the lakeshore, offers walking paths, seating areas and children's play areas, providing a place to relax for both locals and visitors.
View on mapWhile you are in Gölbaşı, you can also see the highlights of Adıyaman province. These places are in other districts.
Raw meatballs made by kneading fine bulgur and isot pepper by hand, Çiğ köfte is the most beloved local dish of Gölbaşı. Served with lettuce and lemon, it is eaten at every meal.
Freshwater fish caught in Gölbaşı Lake, served grilled or fried in a pan. Fresh fish is the most popular menu item at the lakeside restaurants of the district.
Thin dough topped with a mixture of minced meat, onion, tomato and spices, baked in a stone oven, lahmacun is prepared in Gölbaşı's bakeries using a traditional recipe.
This sour soup, made from dried vegetables and fermented yoghurt, is the traditional starter of Gölbaşı's winter tables.
Gölbaşı Lake sits at the centre of the district's social and cultural life. The tradition of fishing, the culture of picnicking by the lake and birdwatching are part of the daily life of the district's people.
Following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, the process of social solidarity and reconstruction in Gölbaşı forms an important page in the district's recent history.
Weddings in Gölbaşı are community events lasting several days, with halay dancing to the accompaniment of davul and zurna, henna nights and traditional food offerings.
The economy of Gölbaşı is based on farming, livestock rearing and fishing. Wheat, barley and İsot pepper are grown on its plains. Freshwater fishing in Gölbaşı Lake is an important source of livelihood. Following the 2023 earthquakes, reconstruction work has boosted the construction sector. The district's location on the Mount Nemrut tour route contributes to the accommodation and food and drink sectors.
Gölbaşı is 55 km from Adıyaman city centre and is reached by road. The district is located on the Adıyaman-Malatya highway. The nearest airport is Adıyaman Airport (65 km). There are regular bus and minibus services from Adıyaman and Malatya.
The 9 highlights of Gölbaşı are: Azaplı Lake, Gölbaşı Lake (İnekli Lake), Gölbaşı Castle, Cendere Bridge Area, Gölbaşı City Park, Gölbaşı Lake, Vicne (Vijne) Bridge, Paşa Bridge and Keykubat Castle.
Çiğ Köfte, Göl Balığı, Lahmacun and Tırşik Çorbası are the standout flavours on Gölbaşı's tables.
Gölbaşı is known for İsot Pepper and Lake Culture. Grown in Gölbaşı's sunny climate, İsot pepper is dried using the traditional sweating method and has become the signature product of Adıyaman.
Gölbaşı is 55 km from Adıyaman city centre and is reached by road. The district is located on the Adıyaman-Malatya highway. The nearest airport is Adıyaman Airport (65 km). There are regular bus and minibus services from Adıyaman and Malatya.