Turkiye Travel

This small province of Igdir, which recently was a district of Kars, lies as a fertile plain on which fruit and, unusually for this geographical region, cotton grow between two lofty locations in Eastern Anatolia. In the northwest, at a distance of 180 kilometers extends the high plateau of Kars province which previously comprised this district inside its borders. In the southeast, on the other hand, stands Mount Agri (Ararat), as the highest mountain in Turkey, rising magnificently beside this new province.

The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded, Noah and his family descended from Mount Ararat toward the fertile Igdir plain. From here, their progeny settled to the south and west along the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second generation of mankind. From this plain, you have the best view of Mount Agri with the ever present snow over its slopes and peaks.

Olive groves cover this area, and the dove, which allegedly brought an olive branch to Noah, is believed to have taken it from this wide grove.

Monuments to visit near the city include Urartian rock monuments, a 13th century Seljuk Caravanserai and the Karakale (Black Castle). In Karakoyun village, on the road between Igdir and Aralik, you should stop at the impressive 15th century cemeteries with Karakoyun (ram and ewe) monumental tombstones.

Hakkari is 210 km southeast of Van. It’s area is around 9520 square km and the population is about 240.000. The city sits at an altitude of 1700 m, with high mountains dominating the land and wide valleys separate the great peaks with heights exceeding 4000 m. Mounts Cilo and Sat are two of the outstanding ones for mountaineering and winter sports. The snow accumulating on the upper parts of these mountains form beautiful glaciers. The Zap Valley, through which the road to the city passes, offers fantastic scenery.This land has witnessed the passing of tribes in Anatolia since earliest times. Many rock drawings have been discovered on Guveruk and Tirsin plateaus to the west of Hakkari. Ruins of several Christian churches and palaces can also be seen in the districts of the city. The medieval fortress reflects the history of this small region and is worth seeing, together with the Medresse standing nearby used until the beginning of 1900s. Kayme Palace is another important ruin today, built by Seyyid Abdullah.

Taskopru (stone bridge) was built during the Ottoman period on Semdinli river, at 12 km to the district center, and it’s still being used today. The bridge is 11 meters high, 21 meters long, and 3 meters wide.

Hakkari has three districts; Cukurca, Semdinli, Yuksekova. The whole province is famous for its Kilim production.

Because of its high mountains and plateaus, the flora of Hakkari is unique. For example Ters Lale (upside down tulip) is one of the plants growing only in this part of the world, on Cilo mountains. Assyrians called it as “crying tulip” because of drops of water coming out every morning from its bulb. The plant is under special preservation and is not permitted to export outside of the country.

Erzurum has a specific local black stone (Oltu tasi, Jet) which is carved to produce jewelry, rosary beads, key-chains, pipes and boxes, which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan. Oltu stone, which has been carved in Erzurum since the 18th century, is one of the best examples of semi-precious stones to be found in the world.  Oltu is excavated generally around Yasakdag, especially in Dutlu, Hankaskisla, Alatarla and Cataksu villages between the months of March and October. There are approximately 600 oltu quarries. Out of a total of 287 quarries in the Central Dutlu Region, 120 quarries are still being worked.

Jet is obtained from mountainous areas which are dug perpendicularly to the general surface and have galleries 70-80cm in diameter where only two or three miners can work. It’s a very compact velvet-black mineral of the nature of coal. Beds of this organic substance are 70-80 centimeters in thickness. Jet is formed when fossilized trees are subject to diastrophism resulting in folding.

The most attractive characteristic of oltu stone is that it is very soft when excavated and only begins to harden when it is exposed to the air. Therefore, it is very easy to carve this mineral. It generally comes in black, but can also be blackish brown, grey or greenish. When put near gas, this mineral bursts into flames and leaves behind a certain amount of ash. When rubbed, the oltu stone attracts, by way of static electricity, light substances such as dust.

Various ornaments made from oltu are some of the best examples of Turkish aesthetic arts. Oltu stones are mostly used to make ornaments including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, tie pins, pipes, studs, cigarette-holders, and prayer beads. It is also used in the electric and electronics industries.

Even though artificial jet is produced, it is easy to distinguish the real oltu stone from the artificial. To be certain if a stone is real jet just heat a pin and see if it penetrates the stone, then the mineral is not real jet. Real jet leaves behind brown residue when scraped with a knife. When you take an oltu stone in your hand and blow on it, vapor is left on the stone.

Erzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to Eastern Turkey.

The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in Anatolia. One of the most important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.

Erzurum was captured and ruled by many different nations like Hurries, Urartus, Cimmerians, Scythes, Medes, Persians, Parthes, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanides, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Ilhanides, Safawides, and of course Turks. The Ottomans captured the city only in 1514 and ruled until the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. Some great historical figures like Alexander the Great and Tamerlane can be added to the list of rulers.

The city has always been a point of collision of forces coming from various directions and served as a base of operation. In the 19th century it became the main Ottoman fortress against the Russians who occupied it three times. The resistance against the supreme in powers of the west was initiated with the War of Independence. Atatürk gathered a Congress of National Delegates here on July 23, 1919 where the foundation of national unity and independence were laid down.

The modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli (Double Minaret) Medrese (theological school), which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.

Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rüstem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.

For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kilometers from Erzurum, and Mount Palandöken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kilometers from Erzurum. This winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m (150 ft). Erzurum is a province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m (10,000 ft), and also has many hot springs and meadows.

Jereed is an ancient war game like sport and proudly practiced in Erzurum, especially during festivals and weddings.

One of the best meals here is Oltu Cag Kebab, which is considered as a traditional meat dish of world famous Turkish Cuisine.

Like other Anatolian cities, Erzincan’s history starts with the Hittites but the importance of the city rose after the Turks conquered it during Seljuk period. There are lots of historical remains which mostly have been damaged.

Erzincan, the principal city of its province, lies 688 km east of Ankara on a fertile plain. The highly decorated and hand fashioned copper vessels and wares of Erzincan maintain a long tradition of the area’s fame in metal work.

Bolkar, a ski slope 40 km to the west, provides facilities for winter sports enthusiasts. There is a 1100 meters long and 200 meters wide medium-hard track, with a 1200 people per hour capacity ski lift and a baby-lift. Best season is between December and April.

Many of the magnificent bronze objects in Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations were found nearby at the Urartian site of Altintepe, east of Erzincan. At Tercan, the round 12th century mausoleum of Mama Hatun with its beautifully carved stone portal is worth a detour off the main road. Girvelik, in the same southeasterly direction, provides ideal picnic spots where you can eat a packed lunch and relax to the sound of water tumbling over rocks.

Kemaliye, situated on the blanks of the Firat river is one of the most beautiful and green areas in the region. It is known for its lovely countryside and scenic views; especially popular with trekkers. Kemaliye is also known for its traditional homes with their artistic detail. Karanlik Bogaz near Kemaliye is one of the best places for photo safaris, canoeing and rafting.

Cirit (Javelin), played with wooden sticks on horse, is one of the most traditional sports in the area which was introduced to Anatolia by the Turkic States. This game is still proudly practiced today during festivities and weddings.

After the recent earthquake in 1992, the city was badly damaged.

Elazig is the most orderly city of the Eastern Anatolian region, due to its being recently founded with the name of Mamurat-ül Aziz in the 19th century by sultan Abdülaziz to settle some over-population from Harput town. But it’s known that the city has a much older history dating back to ancient civilizations of Anatolia; Hurris, Hittites, Urartus, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. It is situated on a plain near a mountain on 1,020 meters above the sea level and is surrounded by vineyards and gardens. The city today is also a trading center for crops and livestock. It’s population is approximately 270.000 today.

The Keban and Karakaya Dams on the Euphrates (Firat) river and their artificial lakes contribute to the growth and general appearance of this rapidly developing city. Keban lake is the biggest artificial lake of Turkey. It was started to built in 1965 and gave the first electrical currents in 1974. Its yearly production is 7,5billion KW/hour.

The attraction of Elazig is the Byzantine Fortress of the ancient city Harput, 5 kilometers to the north. There are also several mosques of the Seljuk period. Lake Hazar, 25 kilometers south of Elazig, is a fine tranquil site, while Buzluk Cave, 12 kilometers northeast, is an interesting cave, which remains cool in the summers and warm in the winters despite the harsh climate of the city.

Bitlis stands in a narrow stream valley in the Eastern Anatolia, just in the middle of a green oasis. Due to its location in Anatolia, it is an important center for tobacco and honey production in eastern Turkey. A Byzantine castle with polygonal towers dominates the town. There are several mosques in the town, such as the Ulu Mosque of the 12th century and the Serefiye Mosque.

The city is surrounded by walnut trees, and if you are traveling through Bitlis in autumn, you will have the chance to buy some of these delicious nuts from the children who sell them by the highway. Local folk dances of Bitlis are also very famous. 25 kilometers northeast of the city, is the harbor town of Tatvan, from which there are passenger and train ferry connections across the lake to Van, sailing around Akdamar Island.

Mount Nemrut, is a perfect opportunity here for mountaineers and nature lovers (not to be mistaken with the magnificent mountain of the same name Nemrut, which has giant statues on top). This is an inactive volcano with a deep, clear and cold crater lake, also having hot volcanic springs.

Ahlat is a very important ancient center of Turkish art and culture, located to the west of Lake Van (44 kilometers north of Tatvan). The town looks like an open air art museum, with remains from various centuries and civilizations. The mausoleums from the Seljuk period, the Ulu Kumbet (mausoleums), Çifte Kumbet, Bayindir Kumbet and Hasan Pasa Kumbet are several to be visited. Here are also artistically carved monumental tombstones from the 12th century which deserve the fame they have received.

There are fine beaches and restaurants in the town. 25 kilometers north of Ahlat, there is the ancient Urartian city of Adilcevaz where precious and important remains have been found. The Ulu Mosque, on the shores of Lake Van, and the Kef Castle from the Seljuk period, are to the west of Adilcevaz. The great Mount Süphan is, of course, the most attractive spot in Bitlis. You may climb Süphan in summer when it is perfect for trekking. Some travel agencies have tours to Süphan.

Bingöl, 144 km’s east of Elazig, is located in a high region of the broad Eastern Anatolian plateau. Mountains surround the area, reaching heights of about 3000 meters (10,000 feet), and containing many glacier lakes giving the city its name of “a thousand lakes”. Kalatepe peak (3250 m) on the Bingöl Mountains, near the town of Karliova is a great place to watch the magnificent sunrise, especially between the 15th of July and the 15th of August.

The history of the land begins with the Urartians, and continues under the hegemony of the Persians, the Seljuks and then the Ottomans.

The remains from these periods can be found at various sites, the most important being the medieval fortress inside the city center. The city is small but has good facilities for hunting, thermal bathing and winter sports. There is a very interesting small lake (300 square meters), in which there is a floating natural island, at Hazersah village near Solhan.

Kurucadag mountain at Yolcati district is a small skiing area approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) to the city center. The season is between February and March where skiers stay in mountain chalet’s. On 1000 meters long skiing track there is a 925 meters long telesiege with a capacity of 500 people per hour. It’s easily reachable by road with buses as well.

On 1st of May 2003 a terrible earthquake hit the city killing 176 people (mostly elementary school kids sleeping in their dormitory). It struck at 03:27 local time and lasted for 17 seconds, with a Richter scale of 6.4.

Ardahan, which was previously the town of the province of Kars, 101 kilometers northeast, is a new province (in 1992) of Turkey in the Eastern Anatolian Region. It stands on a high mountain plateau and 70% of the population lives on the countryside, so agriculture is the main economy in Ardahan. Carpet and Kilim weaving holds an important place amongst young girls here. There are many small rivers and lakes around the city; Cildir lake for instance is the second biggest in the whole region, at an altitude of 1,959 meters above the sea level.

Standing on flatland, this small city is a lovely spot with beautiful natural surroundings, and it has been the home of many civilizations dating far back to antiquity. The oldest written document from its past is a stone inscription from Urartu’s nearby Cildir lake. We also know that Cimmerians settled in this area as well around 8th century BC. In 1069 AD the town was captured by the Seljuk sultan Alparslan, than in 1551 by the Ottomans.

It is possible to find reminders of Ardahan’s past everywhere over the land, the most important monumental figure being the ancient fortress is Ardahan Fortress which was built by the Seljuk and used by the Ottomans later on. Other important castles in Ardahan province are; Kazan, Altas, Kinzi, Kalecik, Seytan, Kurt, Sevimli, Cak, Savasir, Mere, Kol, Kirnak, Olcev, Dedesen, Karakale, Kislahanak, and Hanak.

Ugurludag in Yalnizcam village, 12 kilometers to the center, has a small skiing track built recently, where one can ski for approximately 6 months thanks to its climate.

Many festivals are organized in the city, such as; Honey festival (beginning of August), Yellow Cheese festival (beginning of July), Cildir Lake festival (in Spring), and so on.

Situated in Eastern Anatolia and extending to the Iranian border, is Agri, one of the highest regions in the country with its mountainous formation.

Rising up to a height of 5165 m, Mount Agri (Ararat) is the main peak of Turkey and the symbol of the city. This snowcapped dormant volcano is the famous biblical Mount Ararat, the legendary site of the second beginning of the world. It is believed that Noah’s Ark rested on its summit during the big flood, and the wide plain of Igdir at the foot of the mountain is the first place where Noah set foot after the disaster. A geological hollow near Uzengili village has the shape allegedly of the ark, and it is a place often visited by tourists, being also a beautiful resting spot. Mount Ararat, besides offering magnificent scenery, also provides sportive opportunities for hunting, skiing and mountaineering. Climbing is also possible once you get the necessary permission from the local authorities. Ararat became 35th National Park of Turkey with the decision of the Parliament on 1st of November, 2004.

95 kms east of Agri, is the town Dogubayazit, comprising spectacular ruins from earlier periods Ishak Pasha Palace, 6 kms outside the town center, is the most important sight, and was constructed by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Pasha, in the 17th century. It has been restored many since, and has become an original building of mixed architectural design. An Urartian king relief and a rock tomb dating to the 9th century BC, are other historical remains near the palace, while ruins from the same period are also to be found near Patnos, another important town of Agri province.

An interesting place is the meteoric hole, about 80 years old, located between the Gürbulak border gate and Sancavus village. It is the second largest hole of this type in the world with its 35 m width and 60 m depth.

Besides these tourist attractions, there are other specialties of the city. One is “Lake Balik”, famous for its “trout”. Still another is the local dessert “Asure”, also known as “Noah’s Pudding” and it is a sweet that must be tasted.

Bubi Mountain skiing area is 18 kms to the city center but it isn’t developed much as a big resort yet. It’s season is between December and April and it gets approximately 1-2 meters of snow. There is a 1,227 meters long teleski with a capacity of 600 persons per hour. Another skiing area is 4 kms to Eleskirt district with 1,650 meters long and 1,000 people per hour capacity detachable chair telesiege. Skiing track is 1,200 meters long and 250 meters wide.