EASTERN ANATOLIA

Eastern Anatolia is the roof of the Turkey. It is the region with high mountain rages, summits, pastures. These high mountains are home for the nomadic tribes and for many endemic plants and animals trying to have their survival. This region also has its own sea Lake Van, known as Upper Sea by the people of the region.

Agri Mount Ararat Mount Ararat, the highest mountain in Turkey, reaches the height of 5165 meters (16,940 feet) in the eastern part of Turkey. Mentioned in the sacred books of all the major religions of world, Ararat has also very important strategically and geographical situation. This legendary mountain attracts a great number of tourists due to its historical, geographical, and religious importance. Prof. Frederik von Parat first reached its summit in 1829. Agri is located on a plane at the foot of Mount Ararat, which culminates the height of 5165 meters. This impressive ancient volcano is mentioned in the Old Testament as landing spot of Noah’s Ark after the Flood. Although many scholars tried to find the remains of Noah’s Ark, the efforts have been fruitless. According to tradition, God ordered Noah to built a big ship (dimensions) and get his family members, the species of each animal. After he completed he work, the deluge started and rain continued for 40 days killing all the animals and human beings except those being on the ark. The ark landed on Mount Ararat after the flood was over. It is also suggested that the Gardens of Eden where Adam and Eve lived situated in the north Aras Valley, in the north of the mountain. Fine seafood restaurant situated near Balik Lake offer seafood and regional dishes. Being in volcanic region, Agri has many Hot Springs in the region.

ubi Dag Sport Center near Agri offers skiing possibilities for the visitors.

Ishak Pasa Palace

While you are in Agri Region, you should definitely see famous Ishak Pasha Palace, which is situated 6 kilometers distance from Dogubayezit.

Governor Ishak Pasa who was the son of Hasan Pasa, an Ottoman vizier built this magnificent building for his own use. The palace, which is a melting pot of architectural styles, was built in 99 years and it covers an area nearly 760 meters. The monumental gates, wood, stone carvings and decorations of the Ishak Pasa Palace show the influence of the Seljuk, Ottoman, Persian, Rococo, and Baroque Styles. The complex is consist off a mosque, Harem and Selamlik quarters, reception and ceremonial halls, situated around two rectangular courtyards. Ishak Pasa had problem because of his luxurious palace, which was too flamboyant for a governor. It is rumored that a Persian envoy who visited this impressive palace then had a chance to pay visit to Topkapi Palace compared the beauty of these palaces and he mentioned his favorite one was Ishak pasa Palace. His comment made the ruling Sultan very upset and Ishak pasha was dismissed and appointed to another city. Erzurum

Erzurum, which is one f the biggest cities in eastern Anatolia, is located on a plain at 1950 meters above the sea level. At the foot of Palandoken Mountains, Erzurum recently became a center for the winter sports. The city walls and the citadel date to Byzantine Area. One of the masterpieces in Erzurum is Medrese with two minarets, built during the time of Seljuk Sultan Aleaddin Keykubad, during the golden age of Seljuk Sultanate. The medrese is distinguished because of its monumental gate and two impressive richly decorated minarets. Another main sight in Erzurum are three monumental tombs called Uc Kumbetler. One of these belongs to Emir Saltuk. Another masterpiece of Seljuk Period is notable Yakutiye Medresesi ( The Theological School of Yakutiye) Palandoken Winters sports Center which is only 6 kilometers form Erzurum draws attention of ski lovers because of its very long ski way and its fine quality snow.

Kars

The most imposing monument in Kars is the citadel, which was built by Saltuks in 1152. Nearby Sarikamis offers great skiing possibilities.

Malatya

Malatya is world famous city for apricots and fresh fruits.

Van

This impressive 9 century BC fortress overlooks the new and old parts of Van. An old inscription on the walls of the fortress mentions Persian King Xerkes and homage to the King. Many Royal Toms are situated in the fortress. One of the great features of the city of Van is its famous cats. Known as Van Cat, these cats with long white hair, with two different colored eyes are under the protection.

Lake Van, which is the biggest lake in Turkey, is situated at 1720 meters altitude.

The Akdamar Island, which is situated 41 kms southeast of city of Van, has one of the most Beautiful Byzantine Churches in the region. Dated to 10th century, the church has great carvings of biblical scenes.

Adiyaman

Adiyaman and Kahta are good starting points for visiting Nemrud dagi National Park. Located nearly 105 kms distance from Adiyaman, Nemrud dag surprises visitors with huge tomb of Antiochus and colossal statues scattered over the terraces. At the summit of Nemrud Dagi, the colossal statues, which were decorating the terraces of the monumental tomb of Kommegene King Antiochus, are located. Mentioned in list of World Heritage and considered as the eighth wonder of the world, Nemrud dag suprises visitors with amazing engine ships applied there.

Diyarbakir

Known as Amida in the ancient times, Diyarbakir is spread over a basalt-based area by the Tigris River. Surrounded by basalt walls, which is 5,5 kilometers long, fortified by 16 towers, Diyarbakir has five gates. Decorated by carvings and inscriptions, walls of Diyarbakir is one of the greatest examples of military architectures of the middle ages. Another masterpiece of Diyarbakir is famous Ulucami, built by Selcuk Sultan Meliksah. Ulucamii with its unusual plan and with the re use of the ancient Material Ulucami is one of the most interesting monuments of the city.

Gaziantep

Gaziantep, which houses many late Hittites cities in his boundaries, has been great city of trade. The citadel, which stands in the middle of the town, is dated to the time of Justinian the Great. 32 of the towers date to Byzantine era while the rest date to Seljuk Period.

Yesemek, which is situated near Gaziantep, was a workshop for Hittite sculptors. 200 works of art having the features of Hittite sculpture. Another great center for Late Hittites was Cargamis which is located on the Turkish Syrian Border today.

Zeugma

This impressive ruins covers such a big area. Zeugma was one of the greatest cities of the antiquity. Being on the major trade and military roads, Zeugma was founded by Seleucos Nikator in 300 BC. The town was located at the narrowest span of Euphrates River where people could cross the river. During the 1.century BC, the town became under the Roman Rule and named as Zeugma meaning passage. Zeugma with its 80.000 people population was one of the most populated cities of the Roman World. Over the acropolis, there is a temple built in honor of Fortuna, goddess of good luck.

Urfa

Urfa, ancient Edessa, which is one of the oldest cities of Upper Mesopotamia, was Great city of culture, home of many saints and prophets.

Birecik

Located 80 kilometers in the west of Urfa, town of Birecik draws attention of many bird watchers because of a very rare bird, Bold Ibis.

Hasankeyf

The city of Hasankeyf, which is located by the Tigris River, houses spectacular monuments. The town is under the danger of being flooded by dam water.

Mardin

Mardin is a spectacular city with its beautifully built golden colored homes located over the citadel of the city.