 |
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.
|
