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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.
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