Category: Eastern Anatolia Region

TUNCELI High mountains encircle Tunceli, 133km north of Elazig on the Elazig-Erzurum road. On the way, stop off to see the fortress of Pertek, built in the Middle Ages and still in good condition today. In the Munzur Valley National Park near Ovacik, 60km north-west of Tunceli, you can fish in rushing, trout-filled streams while […]

ELAZIG Elazig, founded in the 19th century, lies on a plain in the shadow of a mountain crowned with the ancient city of Harput’s citadel. The destruction of several earthquakes and the relatively recent construction of Elazig has led to most of Harput’s population deserting it for the modern city. Several Seljuk mosques remain, however, […]

AGRI Agri, a provincial capital on a 1,650 meter high plateau, takes its name from the mountain which looms over it. The pleasant Balik (Fish) Lake to the north-east, not surprisingly has plenty of fish restaurants serving local delicacies. Thermal springs bubble up all over the area. For those who want a hardy outdoor event, […]

CILDIR Cildir takes its name from the nearby lake which lies at an altitude of 1,965 meters. The scenic area around the lake provides a habitat for a fascinating variety of birds. In the lake, the man-made Akcakale Island was reputedly constructed with the labour of thousands; a temple with Urartian inscriptions remains. Seytan (Devil’s) […]

ANI – SARIKAMIS About 42 kilometers east of the city on the ancient Silk Road, the medieval city of Ani (Ocakli) lies mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais. Sarikamis (53 km southwest of Kars) is a ski center with resort hotels set in a scenic […]

KARS Kars, standing at an altitude of 1,750 meters, has played an important role in Turkish history and was at the center of the Turkish-Russian War. The Russian legacy can still be seen in much of the town’s architecture. The lower city unfolds at the foot of an impressive 12th century Seljuk fortress. Nearby, the […]

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 […]

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 […]