There are many historical and natural beauties to see in the Eastern Anatolia Region. In this article, we have brought together 10 of the must-see beauties in this region.
Nemrut Crater Lake, Bitlis
Nimrod Lake, the world’s second-largest crater lake in Turkey, lived in 2100 BC took its name from the Babylonian ruler Nimrod. It was formed as a result of the explosion of Mount Nemrut, whose height is 3050 meters, in the 4th time. With the explosion, a crater with 48 km² at the top of the mountain and 36 km² at the bottom was formed. Five lakes, two of them large, were formed in this crater with a depth of 650 meters. The Cold Lake is 13 km² in size and 155 m in depth. The crescent shaped lake is 2442 meters above sea level.
Girlevik Waterfall, Erzincan
Girlevik Waterfall, located 29 km southeast of Erzincan, is a picnic area famous for its natural beauty. Çağlayan, which enables ice and rock climbing on the stalactites formed by the freezing of the water in winter, is the paradise of the region with its lush water flowing with enthusiasm and its green texture.
Floating Island, Bingol
The floating island was discovered by the people living in Bingöl. The island in question has an unprecedented natural phenomenon. It is 4.5 km from the Bingöl-Solhan highway.
Ani Ruins, Kars
Ani is in the central district of Kars, 48 km from the city center. away from the ruins at the length of Arpaçay. It was the capital of the Armenian ruler of the Pakraduni Dynasty between 961-1045. It also contains some Islamic architecture works from the 11th to 12th centuries.
İshak Pasha Palace, Ağrı
5 km from Doğubeyazıt District. The Palace, built on a hill on the slope of a mountain in the east, is the last great monument of the Ottoman Empire in the Tulip Period. 18th century. It is not only one of the most prominent and distinguished examples of Ottoman architecture, but also has great value in terms of art history. According to the inscription of the Harem Department of the Palace Takkapı, the construction date is 1199 AH, 1784 AD.
Ahdamar Church, Van
Ahdamar Island, the largest of the islands in Lake Van, is famous for its church. Built by King Gagik in the early 900’s, the church is one of the most distinguished examples of stonework. It was built by the Vaspurakan King Gagik I by the Monk Manuel in the name of the Holy Cross. The figured repertoire of the church is quite rich. Besides, there are various scenes taken from the Bible and the Torah.
Harput Castle, Elâzığ
Harput Castle is an architectural structure built by the Urartians on a rectangular plan. The castle consists of two parts, the inner and outer castle. It is within the borders of the current Elazig. According to legend, milk was added to the mortar used in its production instead of water, so it is also called Milk Castle. However, as many people know and ask, the reason for using milk in the Milk Castle.
Double Minaret Madrasa, Erzurum
Built in 1253 by Hüdâvent Hatun, the daughter of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, this historical building is one of the greatest art masterpieces of Anatolia. It is also called “Hatuniye Madrasah” because of Hüdâvent Hatun. In Erzurum city center; It is located in the area adjacent to Erzurum Ulu Mosque, facing the Erzurum Castle and the Clock Tower.
Ahlat, Bitlis
The Meydanlık Cemetery in Ahlat is a cemetery prepared for those who were martyred in the Battle of Malazgirt. There are palmette, lotus, rumi, rosette, geometric inserts, tulips, braids and various border ornaments on the gravestones here. There are different motifs on the front and back sides and side facades of the tombstones. The heights of these gravestones were made taking into account the social position of the deceased. Therefore, the lengths of some of them reach from 1 m to 4-5 m. There are names and signatures of artists and calligraphers on these stones.
Mount Ararat, Ağrı
Mount Ararat is the highest point of Turkey. 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. 65% of the mountain is in Iğdır and 35% is within the borders of Ağrı.
