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ERZURUM
Erzurum, 193 km east of Erzincan and the largest city
in eastern Anatolia, sprawls on a high plateau at an
altitude of 1,950 meters. As you enter the city, the
large Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish-Russian
war will catch your eye. Although the collection in
the archaeological museum reveals much of the city's
history and ancient origins, it is Erzurum's
architecture, which is in fact the city's best museum.
The city walls and fortress are reminiscent of the
period of Byzantine rule. And particularly important
are the remaining Seljuk buildings - brilliant
examples of a fascinating aesthetic. The Ulu Mosque,
built in 1179, has an unusual form with seven wide
naves. The Cifte Minareli Medrese, or theological
college, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat
in 1253, astonishes with elaborate stone carvings on
its portal and its majestic double minarets. Behind
the Cifte Minareli Medrese stands the Uc Kümbetler, a
group of three tombs, the most notable; that of Emir
Saltuk. The 13th century Hatuniye Türbesi, or
mausoleum, was built for Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat's
daughter. The beautiful portal and richly tiled
minaret of the 13th century, Yakutiye Medrese reveals
another facet of Seljuk architecture. You can also see
Ottoman buildings in Erzurum; the great architect
Sinan left his mark on the city with the Lala Mustafa
Pasa Mosque.
PALANDOKEN
While
wandering around the city, notice the local black
stone (Erzurum, Oltu Tasi) which is used in jewellery.
The shops on the upper floor of the Tashan (Rustem
Pasa Caravanserai) offer the best selection of items.
A road through splendid mountain scenery leads to the
winter sports resort of Palandöken, only 6 km from
Erzurum. This center has hotels, the longest ski run
and the best snow quality in Turkey, and is a
favourite haunt of expert skiers. The glassy Tortum
Lake, 120 km from Erzurum towards Artvin and the Black
Sea, may be the most tranquil sight in all of Turkey.
Be sure to see the Tortum Waterfalls at the north end
of the lake, plunging from a height of 47 meters. |
