Kurdshop - One of the five main cities of the Commagene Kingdom, the city of Para is located near Samsur in North part of Kurdistan.
Two earthquakes struck the city of Gurgum (Marash) in North Kurdistan on February 6, killing more than 50000 people in 11 provinces of North Kurdistan, Turkey, and West Kurdistan, and the center of Samsur and the surrounding areas were destroyed. However, the ancient city of Para was not damaged by the earthquake; the castle's walls, its well, and 200 stone tombs and shrines remained and research work resumed in the area.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture "Ahmed Misbah Demircan" said that the region would once again take steps to develop tourism.
"The main tourist areas of Samsur are Mount Nemrud and the historical city of Para. These two areas receive the most tourists. Mount Nemrud and the city of Para are the most important tourist areas and fortunately, they were not damaged during the earthquake," Demircan said.
"Our news about the ancient city of Para is this: We have formed a new team for new excavations and started excavations in several places," Demircan said. Ancient historical sites will come out, the area will be beautiful, and this monument will stand out more.
"Last year, 40000 tourists visited the ancient city of Para and we expect to host 70000 to 100000 this year. We want to revive tourism in Samsur again," he said. "We will resume excavations in the ancient city of Para with a new team and enthusiasm," he said.
"We are welcoming tourists and working to improve the area's landscape and bring new monuments to the surface with new excavations," Demircan said. “After the earthquake, excavations continue in all areas and we will do what we have to do.”
Excavations in the ancient city of Pera began in 2001. Last year, a historic Roman fountain, massive wall stones, water canals, and some miscellaneous architectural structures were discovered.
Para or Pirin, is located within the city center of Samsur and what is now the Pirin neighborhood is 5 kilometers from the city center.
Historically, Pera is one of the top 5 cities in the Commagene Kingdom. The name of the ancient city is mentioned in many historical records. According to some research, Para is defined as Hierapolis (Holy City). Para, unlike other cities, is carved on a rocky hill; thus, they carved the chains and caves, made them a place of residence, and did not bring stones such as blocks from anywhere else. Instead, the motifs, stone carvings, and architecture of the city have been implemented on the rocks and stones of the area by the local people.
