Photo Gallery
With our sixth stage of Turkey Journey, we explored the cities of Ardahan, Kars, Ağrı, Iğdır, Bitlis, Van, Siirt, Hakkari and Şırnak.
Kars · UNESCO World Heritage
Ani, which served as the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom in the 10th and 11th centuries, was one of the largest and most advanced cities of its time. With its walls, cathedral, caravanserais and mosques bearing traces of different civilisations simultaneously, this unique ruin was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.
Van · Natural Wonder
Turkey's largest lake, Van Gölü, is one of the world's largest soda lakes due to its high sodium bicarbonate content. With a surface area of 3,755 km², resembling a vast inland sea, the turquoise-blue waters and snow-capped mountains surrounding it create an unforgettable natural scenery.
Van · Historic Structure
The Church of the Holy Cross, rising on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, was built as an Armenian architectural masterpiece between AD 915 and 921. The relief frescoes depicting Biblical scenes on its exterior make it one of the most unique and beautiful churches in the world.
Ağrı · Iconic Mountain
Mount Ararat, at 5,137 metres the highest peak in Turkey and second highest in the Middle East, is also world-renowned for the legend of Noah's Ark. It is hard to find words to describe the majestic silhouette of this snow-capped mountain and the grandeur it frames over the Iğdır Plain.
An unforgettable 7-day journey starting from Ardahan covering Kars, Ağrı, Iğdır, Bitlis, Van, Siirt, Hakkari and Şırnak.
Our Eastern Anatolia journey began with Kars. Our first stop was Ani Ruins, one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites; we explored step by step the traces of a great medieval capital. We felt the weight of history in Manuçehr Mosque. Then from Kars Castle we watched the city's panoramic view. We bought the locally produced Kars Gruyère cheese.
We started the day in Iğdır's unique geography. We walked gazing at the snow-capped summit of Mount Ararat on the horizon. We photographed the coloured geological layers of Rainbow Hills. We cooled down in the calm atmosphere of Salt Cave.
In Doğubayazıt we encountered one of history's most magnificent structures: İshak Paşa Palace. We wandered through the courtyards, hamam and throne room of this Ottoman-Persian influenced palace built on steep cliffs. We then visited Ahmedî Hanî Tomb. We completed the day photographing the historic walls of Old Beyazıt Castle.
Early morning in Van we hopped onto a boat to Akdamar Island; we examined with amazement the reliefs of the Church of the Holy Cross from the 10th century. In the afternoon we visited Van Castle overlooking Lake Van. At Van Museum we saw artefacts from the Urartu period. In the evening we completed the day with the famous Van breakfast.
On our last day we stopped at historic points along the route from Van to Bitlis. We climbed the walls of Hoşap Castle; we examined this impressive castle built during the Ottoman period. Moving on to Bitlis we visited the Seljuk Tombs and the famous Bitlis Castle. We concluded this unforgettable journey with the local Büryan kebab.
