In the east of Turkey; Central Anatolia region, Eastern Anatolia region and Southeastern Anatolia region.
Has been the cradle of many empires in history, there are many cities and historic buildings to visit in the east of Turkey.
The most important places to visit in eastern Turkey
Mount Nemrut, Adiyaman
Nemrut Crater Lake, Bitlis
Girlevik Waterfall, Erzincan
Ani Ruins, Kars
Ishak Pasha Palace, Agri
Akdamar Church, Van
Harput Castle, Elazig
The double minaret madrasa, Erzurum
Ahlat, Bitlis
Mount Ararat, Agri
Nemrut Mountain, where mystery still cannot be solved
Mount Nemrut, which is 2150 meters high in Adıyaman province, entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. What makes Nemrut Mountain so valuable; Located on the ancient tomb, monumental sculptures, architectural remains, and unique views. King Antiochus I of Commagene, who reigned on the slopes of the mountain in ancient times, left the most magnificent ruins of the Hellenistic Period to show his gratitude to the gods and their ancestors.
King Antiochus I of Commagene was a king who aimed to unite all cultures. To this end, he built sculptures that would bring the gods of other cultures together. There are 10 meters of imposing statues and meters of meters in the mountain rise, and also the world's most spectacular sunrise and sunset can be watched and thousands of visitors every year there are terraces.
The mystery of Mount Nemrut
The ancient ruins of Mount Nemrut and the ancient ruins dating back to ancient times were not discovered until 1881. In 1881, during the first road surveys in Diyarbakır, engineer Charles Sester found some remains and thought that the remains were from the Assyrians.
The first serious research was carried out with German scientist Otto Puchstein, engineer Charles Sester and his team of six. Many archaeological excavations were removed from the ground under the soil.
A Greek inscription was found in the excavations. Puchstein, in the inscription, solved the secret of the Mount Nemrut and Antiochos laws. It was discovered that the ruins belonged to the Commagene Civilization and that it was made by the King of Kommagene Antiochos I. These inscriptions contained many details, including the knowledge of which gods the statues were made to be found later.
Tumulus of Mount Nemrut
The tumulus is surrounded by three terraces - east, west and north terraces - for ceremonies organized in honor of Antiochus I. On the eastern terrace, there are giant statues of gods facing the sun, sitting in rows on the thrones about 10 meters high.
Nemrut Crater Lake, Bitlis
Nemrut Lake, the world's second-largest crater lake in Turkey, lived in 2100 BC Babylonian ruler name was taken from Nimrod.
It was formed as a result of the explosion of Nemrut Mountain which is 3050 meters in height. The explosion formed a crater with 48 km² at the top of the mountain and 36 km² at the bottom. This lake is 650 meters deep and consists of five lakes. Cold Lake is 13 km² in size and 155 m in depth. The crescent-shaped lake is 2442 m high from the sea.
Girlevik Waterfall, Erzincan
Located at 29 km southeast of Erzincan, Girlevik Waterfall is a picnic area famous for its natural beauty. Waterfall, which allows ice and rock climbing in the stalactites formed by freezing of water in winter, is the paradise of the region with its lush water and green texture flowing with enthusiasm.
Ani Ruins, Kars
Ani is located in the central district of Kars, 48 km from the city center. away from the ruins of Arpaçay. From 961 to 1045 he was the capital of the Armenian ruler from the Pakraduni dynasty. It contains some Islamic architecture works from the 11th to the 12th century.
Ishak Pasha Palace, Agri
5 km from Doğubeyazıt District. It is the last monumental building of the Ottoman Empire in the Tulip Period. 18th century As well as being one of the most prominent and outstanding examples of Ottoman architecture, it has a great value in terms of art history. Harem Department of the Palace according to the inscription of Topkapi.
Akdamar Church, Van
The largest of the islands in Lake Van, Ahdamar Island is famous for its church on it. The church, built by King Gagik in the early 900s, is one of the most distinguished examples of stone masonry. The monastery was built by Manuel Gagik, King Vaspurakan of the Holy Cross. The repertoire of the church is quite rich. Besides, there are various scenes taken from the Bible and Torah.
Harput Castle, Elazig
Harput Castle was built on a rectangular plan by the Urartians. The fortress is composed of two parts as the inner and outer fortress. It is within the borders of the current Elazığ province. According to the rumor used in the construction of the milk instead of water was added to the so-called Milk Fortress. But as many people know and ask, the reason for using milk in Milk Fortress is because of water scarcity. For this reason, milk is used.
The double minaret madrasa, Erzurum
This historical building, built by Hüdâvent Hatun, the daughter of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubad in 1253, is one of the greatest art masterpieces of Anatolia. Hüdâvent Hatun'dan because the "Hatuniye Madrasa" is also called. Erzurum city center; It is located in the area adjacent to the Great Mosque of Erzurum, facing Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower.
Ahlat, Bitlis
The Square Cemetery in Ahlat is a cemetery prepared for those killed in the Battle of Malazgirt. Palmer, lotus, Rumi, rosette, geometric passages, tulips, hair weaves and various border ornaments are seen in the tombstones here. The tombstones on the front and back sides, side facades, different motifs are processed from each other.
The heights of these gravestones were taken into consideration in consideration of the social position of the deceased. Therefore, some of them reach from 1 m to 4-5 m in length. The names and signatures of the artists and calligraphers are on these stones.
Mount Ararat, Agri
Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest distributes. Summit 4 is a volcanic mountain covered with melting snow and glaciers throughout the season skullcap Mount Ararat in Turkey's eastern end, is 16 km west of Iran and 32 km south of Armenia. The remaining 35% of the mountain in Iğdır province is within the boundaries of Ağrı province.
What to Eat Eastern Turkey
The portions of eastern dishes are great, you lose yourself while eating.
Eastern Anatolia Region, with both lifestyle traditions, should represent Turkey in the best way. The region, which has the lowest density in terms of population, has a very rich content about local flavors. Especially in the name of pastries and meat dishes are very mention.
Kebab Adana, Hatay Province
Adana; the city of spicy kebabs, turnip juices and delicious desserts. Kebabs are served with plenty of greens and salads in each of the places such as Kaburgacı Yaşar, Birbiçer, and Kebapçı Mesut. Next, to it, you won't be able to taste it with turnip juice.
Van and Kars at breakfast
Although other regions in our country usually offer suitable options for lunch and dinner, Eastern Anatolia is a slightly different route. The breakfast here is also as important as the others and is a given meal. You can understand why travelers came all the way and made breakfast here when you try the scowls made with traditional methods based on Kars's long time ago, Van's herbs and the creamy milk.
At the summit of flavor Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Mardin
According to many people, '' Turkey's flavor capital '' of Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin as the reputation of the worldwide spread of flavors with well-known cities in Southeast Anatolia, especially organized in recent years, a gourmet tour of the attraction destination. There are almost no kebabs, lahmacun, hummus, and raw meatballs. If you come to Gaziantep, you can taste the delicious kebabs and baklavas of Imam Çağdaş. In the city baklavadan, katmere and coffee, you must try the flavors in our article. Sanli Urfa in a sense '' the capital of pain '' as a different reputation. Lahmacinden raw meatballs in the city, many flavors will bring you here again and again of the kind.
When to visit Eastern of Turkey
Turkey's eastern region very hot in summers, in winters cold and snow. Therefore, if you are planning a traveling eastern Turkey should prefer to fall or early spring.
What you should take with you and What you should know before traveling
You must be aware about Turkey's clothes to take with you taking the eastern region, we do not recommend you to wear short clothes like shorts. We recommend that you wear more closed and suitable clothing.
Make sure you have cash. There are not too many credit cards used outside tourist areas.
You should purchase your tour from an agency and do it with the guide. The fact that the guide is from the local community will give you many advantages.
Do not walk late in the streets without your guide.
Do not return without joining the Sira night.
