Surprising, fascinating, and addictive, Eastern Turkey is known for its harsh and long winters. But when spring’s warm face appears, the land becomes alive with flowers. Many endemic flowers cover the fields to announce the approaching hot, arid summers.
From ancient times the civilizations in this region have created special irrigation systems. Urartians from the 13th century BCE built the best ones, some parts of which are still in use. The stones can tell us stories and take us back into history.
Ishak Pasa Palace, overlooking the Igdir Valleys or the silent but proud Ani ruins, Urartian castles, or the picturesque Akdamar Church in Van–all illustrate the magic of this forbidding, proud land.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EASTERN ANATOLIA?
- Kars & Erzurum are the cities in Turkey where the snowflake crystals can be seen with bare eyes.
- It is believed that one of two mountains in this region, Ararat and Cudi, is the resting place of Noah’s ark.
- Einkorn, the first domesticated wheat, still grows wild in Anatolia.
EASTERN ANATOLIA HIGHLIGHTS
ANI RUINS
Remnants of the old Armenian Kingdom, Ani, still astonish us with their ravishing magnificence. Walk among the great ruins of Ani will be an unforgattable memory...
AKDAMAR CHURCH
Settled on the island of Van Lake, under the shadow of Mt. Ararat, Akdamar (built in 10th century) is an iconic church recently reopened for Armenian community.
ISHAK PASHA PALACE
Built in 17th and18th centuries, Ishakpasa Palace is a great complex with 116 rooms, a mosque, tomb, and harem sections. Its high stone works, its location, and its view makes this an impressive place.
ERZURUM CIFTE MINARELI MADRASAH
The edifice of this madrasah count as one of the most impressive monuments of Selcuks. It features delicate figures carved in stone and glazed brick minarets. This is one of the best places to see the high quality of Selcuk architecture.
URARTIAN CASTLES
Eagle-nests of eastern Turkey, Urartian castles are located in hilltops to rule the land. There are a few castles that can visited today.
AHLAT GRAVESTONES
Markers of the final resting place of a human life, gravestones always have a special meaning. The ones in Ahlat are particularly impressive with their size and carvings.
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