Eastern Anatolia Guide

Turkey’s Roof: The Snowy Lands that Warm Our Hearts…

The Eastern Anatolia region is the highest elevated area in Turkey. It experiences long and harsh winters, which shapes life accordingly. However, despite these challenges, the people of the region have adapted to their geography and have brought forth many beauties. It truly embraces us as the roof of Turkey, with its snowy lands that warm our hearts.

Sultan Alparslan first opened the doors to these lands from Eastern Anatolia, specifically from the Muş/Malazgirt Plain, to this great nation, and this region rapidly flourished. With its stone architecture, majestic mountains, snowy roads, unique famous cuisine, folk songs, and laments, Eastern Anatolia makes a significant contribution to the culture and civilization of our country. The region is home to both natural beauties and remarkable human-made structures.

Especially in recent years, train journeys on the Eastern Express and Van Express have made the Eastern Anatolia region very attractive. Suddenly, regional tourism has revived, catching the attention of investors. The natural beauties have garnered so much admiration that finding tickets for these train journeys has become nearly impossible. Tours to Kars and Van are now filling up months in advance, and the region is bustling with local and foreign tourists.

In the Eastern Anatolia region, the most prominent tourism activities are winter tourism and cultural tourism. While you can ski in Erzurum's Palandöken, outdoor sports are available on Mount Ararat, and water sports can be enjoyed in the rushing rivers and Lake Van. Cultural tourism is also extremely vibrant at sites like İshak Pasha Palace, Ani Ruins, and Katerina Palace. With all these wonderful local dishes that have gained fame across the country, we are sure your trip will become even more enjoyable. Whether you are a student or someone who has entered the business world, take at least a week or 10 days to visit the east. Experience the warmth of the clean and sincere people in their hometowns.

Exploring the Eastern Anatolia region, the largest region in Turkey, is not something that can be completed in a single summer vacation or at any other time. Moreover, it is a region that cannot be described with mere words; it is incredibly beautiful. Although brief, we have prepared a small list for you. Perhaps it will inspire you. Here’s a list of things to do in Eastern Anatolia:

Travel by Eastern Express and Van Express.

Taste Cağ Kebab and Kadayıf Dolması.

See natural beauties such as Mount Ararat, Lake Van, Nemrut Crater Lake, and Girlevik Waterfall.

Ski in Palandöken.

Visit historical sites such as Ani Ruins, Kars City, İshak Pasha Palace, Akdamar Church, Harput Castle, and Erzurum’s Double Minaret Medrese.

Watch the Caucasian games in Kars and walk on the frozen Çıldır Lake.

Get to know the Van Cat up close.