Turkish Eastern Anatolia Region Historic Sites

This content was last updated on 24.01.2024 22:20

Historical Places in the Eastern Anatolia Region

İshak Paşa Sarayı (Ishak Pasha Palace) Ağrı

With its magnificent architecture and hilltop location reminiscent of palaces told in fairy tales, İshak Paşa is located 8 km from Doğubayazıt. Among the Anatolian palaces, this palace is the only structure that has survived from the Ottoman period to the present day. İshak Paşa Palace, where you can see elements from Seljuk and Ottoman architecture together, also holds the distinction of being the world's first centrally heated building.

Opening hours:

• Closed on Mondays
• Other days 09:30-18:45

Admission fee:

• 70 TL

Çifte Minareli Medrese (Double Minaret Madrasa) Erzurum

A historical structure that has become a symbol of Erzurum, this building dates back to the Seljuk period. The madrasa, which particularly captivates me with its delicate craftsmanship, is easily accessible as it is located in the city center of Erzurum. Throughout its history, the Çifte Minareli Madrasa has served as a madrasa, an arsenal, and a museum, and currently functions as both an exhibition hall and a museum. There is no admission fee for entry.

Opening hours:

• Closed on Mondays
• Other days 09:00-18:00

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Ani Harabeleri (Ani Ruins) Kars

Ani, the first place that comes to mind when Kars is mentioned, is a settlement that has witnessed various civilizations for hundreds of years. Although the first records mentioning its name date back to the 5th century AD, it is impossible to know its exact history. The Ani Ruins, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, were an important settlement center due to their proximity to trade routes. If you want to visit the archaeological site with numerous ancient churches, take a look at Kars flight tickets! If you visit in the winter months, you might even return by the Eastern Express train.

Opening hours:

• Every day from 08:00 to 19:00

Admission fee:

• 8 TL

Aslantepe Ören Yeri (Aslantepe Ruins) Malatya

Located just 7 km from Malatya, Aslantepe hosts one of Turkey's largest mounds. Thought to have been used as a settlement from around 5000 BC to the 11th century AD, this ancient city also serves as an open-air museum. The majority of artifacts unearthed from excavations are displayed in the Malatya Museum. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, visiting this museum first before coming to the archaeological site would be more comprehensive.

Opening hours:

• Closed on Mondays
• Other days 08:00-19:45

Akdamar Kilisesi (Akdamar Church) Van

The historical structure, whose full name is the Church of the Holy Cross of Akdamar, is located on Akdamar Island on Lake Van. Commissioned for the palace complex by the ruling family of the time, the Vaspurakan dynasty, the building was initially a cathedral but later converted into a church after the dispersal of the settlement. The church, constructed in the shape of a cross, features animal and human figures, scenes from daily life, as well as excerpts from the Bible and the Torah in its external reliefs.

Opening hours:

• Every day from 08:00 to 20:00

Admission fee:

• 290 TL

Harput Kalesi (Harput Castle) Elazığ

The historical structure known as Harput Castle, also referred to as Milk Castle, is one of the historic buildings located within the borders of Elazığ province. The castle, divided into two parts as inner and outer castle, is named Milk Castle because milk was used instead of water in the mortar during its construction. Built by the Kingdom of Urartu in the 8th century BC, this historical structure has been under the rule of many empires throughout its history. Taken under the administration of the Ottoman Empire by Yavuz Sultan Selim in the year 515, the castle is strategically located overlooking the Elazığ Plain. Various dungeons and treatment areas were discovered during excavations at the castle, emphasizing its importance in different aspects.

Opening hours:

• Saturday, Sunday 08:00-17:30
• Other days 08:00-19:15

Malazgirt Kalesi (Manzikert Castle) Muş

The historical structure located within the borders of the Malazgirt district in Muş, formerly known as Berber Castle, is now called Malazgirt Castle, named after the Battle of Malazgirt. The castle, which has been significantly affected by both natural disasters and wars in the past, has undergone continuous restoration, especially its walls. Malazgirt Castle, situated 137 kilometers away from the center of Muş, came under the control of the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.

Opening hours:

• Every day from 09:00 to 17:00

Pertek Kalesi (Pertek Castle) Tunceli

The Pertek Castle, located in the province of Tunceli and named after the district it is situated in, used to appear as if it stood at the edge of a cliff in the past. However, with the construction of the Keban Dam Lake, it now looks like an island. The exact historical origins of the structure are unknown, but it has been restored during the Ottoman period. The castle, consisting of two intertwined walls, reveals remnants of historical structures. The southern facade, adorned with blue tiles and red bricks, presents an intriguing appearance.