KARS
Kars,
standing at an altitude of 1,750 meters, has played an important role in
Turkish history and was at the center of the Turkish-Russian War. The Russian
legacy can still be seen in much of the town's architecture. The lower
city unfolds at the foot of an impressive 12th century Seljuk fortress.
Nearby, the Havariler Museum (the 10th century Church of the Apostles)
reveals a curious mixture of architectural influences. Bas-reliefs representing
the twelve apostles, in rather stiff and awkward poses, ring the exterior
drum of the dome. The Archaeological Museum houses beautiful wood carvings,
an excellent collection of coins found in the surrounding region, as well
as many ethnographic items relating to eastern Turkey. Kars is particularly
known for its distinctive kilims and carpets, and it retains a strong heritage
of folk dancing. Visitors always seem to enjoy this traditional entertainment.
On the mountain pastures, villagers produce excellent Kasar cheese and
delicious honey.
ANI
- SARIKAMIS
About 42 kilometers
east of the city on the ancient Silk Road, the medieval city of Ani (Ocakli)
lies mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins
of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais. Sarikamis (53 km southwest
of Kars) is a ski center with resort hotels set in a scenic pine forest.
The Kür river divides Ardahan and separates the ancient part on one
side and the new city on the other. A 16th century castle built by Sultan
Selim the Grim, one of the most stately citadels in Turkey with 14 towers
and a span of 745 meters, stands in the old part of the city. To the north
of Ardahan via Posof lies the Türkgözü border gate which
is now open for travel through the republic of Georgia.
CILDIR
Cildir
takes its name from the nearby lake which lies at an altitude of 1,965
meters. The scenic area around the lake provides a habitat for a fascinating
variety of birds. In the lake, the man-made Akcakale Island was reputedly
constructed with the labour of thousands; a temple with Urartian inscriptions
remains. Seytan (Devil's) Castle is near Cildir. The city of lgdir stands
on a large, fertile plain where fruit and unusual for this geographical
region, cotton grow. The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded,
Noah and his family descended from Mount Agri (Ararat) toward the fertile
Igdir plain. From here, their progeny settled to the south and west along
the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second
generation of mankind. From this plain, you have the best view of Mount
Agri. Monuments to visit near the city include Urartian rock monuments,
a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai and the Karakale (Black Castle). In
Karakoyun Village, on the road between lgdir and Aralik, you should stop
at the impressive 15th century cemeteries with Karakoyun (ram and ewe)
monumental tombstones.
AGRI
Agri, a provincial
capital on a 1,650 meter high plateau, takes its name from the mountain
which looms over it. The pleasant Balik (Fish) Lake to the north-east,
not surprisingly has plenty of fish restaurants serving local delicacies.
Thermal springs bubble up all over the area. For those who want a hardy
outdoor event, visit the Bubi Dagi Ski Center, 20 km southwest of Agri,
for a few days of snow sport.
MT
ARARAT
Do not miss
the spectacular site of the Ishak Pasa Palace, only 6 km from Dogubayazit.
Ishak Pasa, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in
the 17th century with a mixture of architectural styles. Nearby you can
see a bas-relief of an Urartian king, and a rock tomb from the ninth century
B.C. Near Dogubayazit, Turkey's most scenic natural monument, Mount Agri
rises to a height of 5,137 meters. To see the place where it is believed
that Noah's Ark came aground, go to Üzengili Village, 25 km east of
Dogubayazit. Be sure to try the local dessert (Actually it is very widely
popular all around Turkey) Asure (Noah's Pudding), believed to have first
been made by Noah's wife from the last bits of food in the ark.
