Discover Eastern Turkey: Top 5 Cities for History and Culture Lovers
Imagine a land where snow-covered ruins meet the sky and the call to prayer echoes from ancient city walls. This is Eastern Anatolia, offering a very different face from other regions of Turkey. With its harsh nature, deep-rooted history and rich cultures, this land, where empires have risen and fallen and which bears the traces of the Silk Road, is like a treasure waiting to be discovered.
This guide will take you to five of Eastern Anatolia's most fascinating historical cities: Kars, Van, Erzurum, Ağrı (Doğubayazıt) and Diyarbakır. We aim to provide travellers with an inspiring and practical introduction to these cities. Eastern Anatolia is not only about history, but also about unique nature, cultural richness and adventurous experiences.
1. Kars: A Winter Tale on the Border
Kars is a city that combines contrasts with its white winters, Baltic architecture from the Russian occupation, the sad beauty of Ani Ruins and its border city identity. It is also known for its famous Kars Kashar, Gruyere and honey.
Places to See
Ani Ruins: UNESCO World Heritage Site, a former Armenian capital on the border with Armenia (“City of a Thousand and One Churches”). It contains important buildings such as the Grand Cathedral/Fethiye Mosque, St. Prkich Church, Tigran Honents Church, Abul Menuchehr Mosque (entrance fee, Müzekart is valid).
Kars Castle: Saltuklu/Ottoman castle in the city center; offers panoramic views of the city (Entrance free).
Stone Bridge and Surroundings: Ottoman bridge over the Kars Stream and the distinctive Baltic architecture around it.
Çıldır Lake (Seasonal Highlight): The second largest lake in Eastern Anatolia; offers horse-drawn sleighing when it freezes in winter, and is a natural beauty at other times.
Activities to Do
Exploring the Ruins of Ani: Tour the vast and atmospheric ancient city on foot.
Sleigh Ride on Çıldır Lake in Winter: Take an iconic horse-drawn sleigh ride on the frozen lake and watch ice fishing.
Skiing in Sarıkamış: Skiing/snowboarding with “crystal snow” quality at Cıbıltepe Ski Centre, visiting Sarıkamış Martyrs' Cemetery.
Tasting Local Flavors and Shopping: Tasting Kars Gruyeri, Kashar, honey; eating goose meat; visiting Boğatepe Village or the Cheese Museum.
Kars' identity combines its historical texture (Baltic architecture, Ani) and winter tourism opportunities (Çıldır, Sarıkamış) to create a unique centre of attraction.
2. Van: Urartian Heritage and the Magic of the Lake
Situated on the shores of Turkey's largest lake, Van carries the legacy of the Urartian capital Tushpa. It offers a unique experience with the Van Cat, the famous Van Breakfast and the historical islands in the middle of the lake.
Places to See
Van Castle (Tuspa): The imposing Urartian castle on the lakeshore offers rock tombs, inscriptions and spectacular views.
Akdamar Island and Holy Cross Church: The pearl of the lake; 10th century Armenian church, a masterpiece with stone reliefs on the facade (boat transportation from Gevaş; entrance fee + boat fee).
Hoşap Castle: A Steep medieval castle on the Van-Hakkari road; remarkable for its well-preserved walls and structures.
Van Museum: Rich collections of the history of the region, especially the Urartu period.
Activities to Do
Boat Trip to Akdamar Island and Exploration: Explore the island and the church on a pleasant journey on the lake.
Try the Famous Van Breakfast: Start the day with its rich varieties (herbed cheese, murtuğa, etc.) (a must).
Visit the Van Cat House: Seeing endemic cats with different eye colours in special centres.
Seeing Muradiye Waterfall: Visit the beautiful waterfall about 80 km from the centre.
Lake Van is at the centre of the visitor experience, with activities such as the Akdamar tour and the castle view.
3. Erzurum: Seljuk Elegance and the Foothills of Palandoken
Erzurum, one of the most important centres of Eastern Anatolia, stands out especially with its elegant Seljuk monuments and Palandöken, Turkey's leading winter sports centre. Cağ Kebab and Oltu stone embroidery are also symbols of the city.
Places to See
Çifte Minareli Madrasa: The symbol of the city, the magnificent Seljuk madrasah.
Yakutiye Madrasa: Impressive Seljuk/Ilkhanid structure, now an Ethnography Museum.
Three Kumbets: Anatolian Seljuk monumental tombs.
Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower (Tepsi Minaret): A Historical castle and the cylindrical brick minaret inside.
Activities to Do
Exploring Historical Madrasahs and Kumbets: Visiting the Seljuk relics in the city centre on foot.
Skiing or Snowboarding in Palandöken: Skiing in Palandöken Ski Centre in winter.
Tasting the Famous Cağ Kebab: Try the local flavour of cağ kebab.
Oltu Stone Shopping in Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Bedesteni): Buy products made of Oltu stone at the historical inn.
Erzurum offers a two-way attraction by combining its rich Seljuk heritage with modern winter tourism.
4. Agri (Dogubayazit): A Palace Wonder in the Shadow of Mount Ararat
When you think of Ağrı, Doğubayazıt, and the fairytale Ishak Pasha Palace in the shadow of Mount Ararat, come to mind. The region attracts visitors, especially with the architecture of the palace and the view of Mount Ararat.
Places to See
Ishak Pasha Palace: 18th century Ottoman palace; unique architecture blending Seljuk, Ottoman, Persian, Baroque styles and breathtaking views.
Eski Bayezid Mosque: A Historical mosque near the palace.
Ahmed-i Hani Mausoleum: The mausoleum of the famous Kurdish scholar Ahmed-i Hani is near the palace.
Mount Ararat Viewpoints: Points in the surroundings to take the most beautiful photos of the mountain.
Activities to Do
Visiting Ishak Pasha Palace in Detail: To visit the palace by digesting its architecture, details and scenery.
Photographing Mount Ararat: Immortalise the majestic mountain from different angles.
Walking around Doğubayazıt Bazaar: Feel the atmosphere of a border town.
(Optional) Visiting the Meteor Pit: See the interesting geological formation nearby.
The tourist attraction of Doğubayazıt is largely centred around the Ishak Pasha Palace and Mount Ararat as its backdrop, and this duo defines the identity of the region.
5. Diyarbakir: Thousands of Years of History
Diyarbakir, one of the oldest continuous settlements in the world, is a UNESCO-listed city on the banks of the Tigris River, surrounded by imposing black basalt walls. It offers a mosaic of history and culture with its multicultural past, narrow streets, inns, churches, mosques and the famous Liver Kebab.
Places to See
Diyarbakır Walls and Bastions: One of the longest defensive walls in the world; a UNESCO heritage site with monumental gates and scenic bastions (such as the Goat Bastion).
Grand Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, the original building was converted from a church.
Hasan Pasha Inn: Restored 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai; full of chic cafes and shops.
Ten-eyed Bridge: Historic bridge over the Tigris, one of the city's landmarks, a popular resting spot.
Activities to Do
Walk or bike along the city walls: Experience the enormous structure and the view of the city.
Breakfast/Coffee Break at Hasan Pasha Inn: Take a break in the authentic atmosphere of the historical inn.
Exploring the Historic Walled City: Get lost in the narrow streets and explore the churches, Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum and the Four-Legged Minaret.
Tasting Diyarbakır Liver: Try the city's famous flavour, liver kebab.
Diyarbakır's identity and tourism are inextricably linked to the massive city walls that encompass its thousands of years of history; the visitor experience is shaped in and on these walls.
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