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THE LIGHT
RISES FROM EAST
(In the Footsteps of Noah)
The
Toros (Taurus) Mountains which parallel Turkey's
southern border, and the Black Sea Mountains in the
north join together to form a mighty mountain range
which defines the country's eastern border. The
tremendous diversity of the eastern and south eastern
lands surprises travellers: the red ochre plateau of
Erzurum; the forests, waterfalls, and green pastures
of Kars and Agri; the permanent snow-cap on biblical
Mount Agri (Ararat) the immense Lake Van with its deep
blue waters. Dwellings and modes of life also vary
greatly in this large region. Small, earth-roofed
houses, built close to the ground typify houses around
Kars. Despite a generally austere life, the people of
the area are generous and hospitable. The region's
long and turbulent history has left monuments to its
various civilizations: Byzantine monasteries and
churches, Seljuk mausoleums and caravanserais, elegant
Ottoman mosques and hilltop citadels. To the
inveterate traveler and lover of adventure, this
region of Turkey fascinates, astonishes and informs.
The national highway, the great trans-Anatolian axis
road, is the most direct route between Ankara and the
Iranian border, and passes through Sivas, Erzincan,
Erzurum, Agri and Dogubeyazit. Erzincan, the principal
city of its province, lies 688 km east of Ankara on a
fertile plain. The highly decorated and hand-fashioned
copper vessels and wares of Erzincan maintain a long
tradition of the area's fame in metalwork. Bolkar, a
ski slope 40 km to the west, provides facilities for
winter sports enthusiasts. Many of the magnificent
bronze objects in Ankara's Museum of Anatolian
Civilizations were found nearby at the Urartian site
of Altintepe, east of Erzincan. At Tercan, the round
12th century mausoleum of Mama Hatun with its
beautifully carved stone portal is worth a detour off
the main road. Girvelik, in the same southeasterly
direction, provides ideal picnic spots where you can
eat a packed lunch and relax to the sound of water
tumbling over rocks. Kemaliye, situated on the banks
of the Firat River is one of the most beautiful and
green areas in the region. It is known for its lovely
countryside and scenic views; especially popular with
trekkers. Kemaliye is also known for its traditional
homes with their artistic detail. Karanlik Bogaz near
Kemaliye is one of the best places for photo-safaris,
canoeing and rafting.
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