THE LIGHT RISES FROM EAST
(In the Footsteps of Noah)

The Toros (Taurus) Mountains which parallel Turkey’s southern border, and the Black Sea Mountains in the north join together to form a mighty mountain range which defines the country’s eastern border. The tremendous diversity of the eastern and south eastern lands surprises travellers: the red ochre plateau of Erzurum; the forests, waterfalls, and green pastures of Kars and Agri; the permanent snow-cap on biblical Mount Agri (Ararat) the immense Lake Van with its deep blue waters. Dwellings and modes of life also vary greatly in this large region. Small, earth-roofed houses, built close to the ground typify houses around Kars. Despite a generally austere life, the people of the area are generous and hospitable. The region’s long and turbulent history has left monuments to its various civilizations: Byzantine monasteries and churches, Seljuk mausoleums and caravanserais, elegant Ottoman mosques and hilltop citadels. To the inveterate traveler and lover of adventure, this region of Turkey fascinates, astonishes and informs. The national highway, the great trans-Anatolian axis road, is the most direct route between Ankara and the Iranian border, and passes through Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum, Agri and Dogubeyazit. 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 metalwork. Bolkar, a ski slope 40 km to the west, provides facilities for winter sports enthusiasts. 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 banks 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.