THE KINGDOM OF COMMAGENE (163 BC – 72 AD)
The Kingdom of Commagene was a realm in the Adıyaman region that peacefully existed between the two superpowers of the time, the Persians and the Romans. It is one of the rare civilizations in world history that survived for 300 years without war. Therefore, Commagene is considered a symbol of peace, diplomacy, and civilization. The kingdom ruled this region until about 2,000 years ago. Its most significant legacy is the colossal statues on the summit of Mount Nemrut, also known as the “Throne of the Gods.” Mount Nemrut and these monumental statues were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 and are considered the 8th Wonder of the World.
In the same region, in Urfa – also known as the “Land of the Prophets” – it is believed that Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire according to tradition. This event is dated back approximately 4,000 years, about 2,000 years before the Commagene civilization. The origin of one of Anatolia’s traditional delicacies, Çiğ Köfte, is also linked to this event. Various legends about the invention of Çiğ Köfte have been passed down, but most relate to the time of Prophet Abraham.
According to legend, King Nimrod ordered Prophet Abraham, who dedicated his life to spreading divine faith, to be burned on a great pyre. To achieve this, he had all the wood in the region collected and even forbade people from lighting fires to conserve the wood supply. According to one story, a hunter brought home a freshly hunted gazelle and asked his wife to prepare a meal. However, the wife could not light a fire – and even if she had wood, it was forbidden to burn it. After much thought, she had an idea: she took the meat from the gazelle’s thigh, crushed it with a sharp stone until it had a paste-like consistency, and then mixed it with bulgur, paprika, and salt, kneading it thoroughly. Thus, the delicious Çiğ Köfte was created, with an unparalleled taste.
Over time, this new flavor became increasingly popular in the region. Inspired by this story, we have decided to preserve this traditional recipe, our culture, and our historical heritage. With the Komagene brand, we have elevated this legendary taste to a new level.