Located in the east of the country, the Region is one of the most important regions with its places to visit, historical cities and ancient cities. In the region where many different civilizations have lived since history, there are places that bear the traces of many cultures.
1- Nemrut Crater Lake
Nemrut Crater Lake is located on the summit of Nemrut Mountain, an extinct volcanic mountain. Alexander the Great discovered the lake, which is located in the Tatvan district of Bitlis, while he was on an expedition to the east. Therefore, its name is also called “The Paradise of Alexander the Great”.
In terms of lake dimensions, it has the title of being the second in the world in crater lake type. Carp fish live in it. In summer, concerts are held by the lake and sailing shows are held. There is a rich flora around the lake with many different birds and endemic plant species. It is one of the favorite places of nature lovers with its ice caves, steam chimneys and perfect view in the region.
2- Girlevik Waterfall
Girlevik Waterfall is located in Girlevik village, 35 kilometers from Erzincan province. The waterfall is one of the most preferred recreation areas with its natural beauties, vegetation and cool air. The waterfall, with a height of 30 meters, is the focus of attention of domestic and foreign tourists with its 3-storey waters flowing from many branches.
Especially in the spring months, it offers a magnificent view with the visuality created by the increase of water and the flowers blooming around it. In winter, the waterfall freezes with the decrease in air temperature and the icicles formed in the frozen waterfall attract a lot of attention.
3- Bingol Floating Islands
It is located in Hazarşah village of Solhan district of Bingöl province. The floating islands on the Turna Lake are known as an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The 3 islets formed by the separation of the soil pieces from the land are separate from each other and move independently from the ground. For this reason, the floating island got its name.
People climbing on the islets can move them like boats by pushing with the help of a stick. Also, in times of strong winds, the islands move on the lake by themselves. The region where the islands are located is under protection by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
4- Ani Ruins
It is located within the borders of Ocaklı village, 42 kilometers from the city center, southeast of Kars. Ani Ruins has hosted many different cultures since prehistoric times. Due to its location, it is very suitable for settlement and defense. It is located on the Silk trade route used in the medieval period. The city, which is at the first entry point to Anatolia, has developed a lot over time. Therefore, it has become the cultural and economic center of the region.
Most of the ruins of Ani are still standing. The walls, which bear the characteristics of the medieval city, carry examples of religious and civil architecture. There are many temples, churches and mosques from the Seljuk period in the region.
5- Bitlis Ahlat
Located in the Eastern Anatolia Region, Bitlis is located in a valley where important historical buildings are located. Bitlis, which has hosted many civilizations, has many castles, bridges, mosques, madrasahs and caravanserais. The Ahlat district of Bitlis is an extremely important settlement in terms of Turkish history. There are Seljuk Cemetery and important historical places in the district.
Ahlat, located on the shores of Lake Van, is known as a settlement that has been used since the Urartian period. In the city, which stands out with its historical tombs, tombstones and cupola tombs from the Seljuk period are quite dense. This cemetery was prepared for those who were martyred in the Battle of Manzikert. There are different motifs on the front and back of the tombstones and on the side facades.
6- Ishak Pasha Palace
Ishak Pasha Palace is one of the important architectural structures in Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı. The palace has a very important history in terms of Ottoman architecture. It is located 5 kilometers east of Doğubayazıt district. The construction of the palace began in 1685 and was completed in 1784. Its construction took approximately 99 years. The palace was designed by Architect Mehmet Pasha and was built on a very large area.
The Palace, which was built on a high hill overlooking the plain, is a complex structure with many sections. Until the First World War, Beyazıt sanjak was ruled from this palace. It was built during the Tulip Era of the Ottoman Empire. İshak Pasha is the vizier of Murat Khan, the father of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
7- Lake Çıldır
Çıldır Lake is located 45 kilometers from Ardahan city center. With an area of 123 kilometers, it is the largest fresh water lake and the second largest natural barrier lake in Eastern Anatolia. The deepest point of the lake is 42 meters. Since the winters in the region are very cold, the lake freezes and the ice depth exceeds one meter. For this reason, various activities are carried out on the lake. It is possible to go on a sleigh ride on the lake. Eskimo fishing is done. Many local and foreign tourists flock to the region to camp, fish and enjoy sledding on the lake.
8- Akdamar Church
Akdamar Church is located on Akdamar Island in Lake Van. The church was built by King Gagik in the 900s. It is one of the outstanding structures where stonework is applied in the most beautiful way. It was built by Monk Manuel as a pilgrimage center by the Vasburakan King Gagik I. The church represents the examples of a very rich culture with its architecture and the figures on it. There are various decorations taken from the Bible and the Torah on the church walls.
Akdamar Church is known for the Tamar Legend, which gave its name to the island. It is located within the borders of Gevaş district of Van. There are small cafeterias next to the church, as well as places where souvenirs are sold.
9- Harput Castle
Harput Castle, located in the province of Elazig, has a history dating back to before Christ. The castle, which is still standing with its different culture and historical richness, is among the important places to visit. The castle was built during the Urartian Kingdom.
It is one of the important cultural heritages that witnessed many wars during the Roman, Byzantine and Abbasid periods. Located on a high hill, the castle passed to the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. It is among the important cultural heritages due to the strong structure of the castle that is worth seeing and the traces of different civilizations.
10-Double Minaret Madrasa
The Double Minaret Madrasa, located in the city center of Erzurum, was built by Hüdavend Hatun, the daughter of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I. The madrasa, which was built in 1253, is among the greatest works of art in Anatolia. The madrasa, also known as the Hatuniye Madrasa, is located next to the Erzurum Ulu Mosque. It is close to Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower.
