Photos of Eastern Anatolia
Tourism and excursion tours in Eastern Anatolia
Eastern Anatolia
Eastern Anatolia is one of the most dramatic and historically rich regions of Turkey, located in the east of the country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The region combines high mountain ranges, vast plateaus and deep lake basins, creating unique landscapes and traditional ways of life.
Historically the territory was a crossroads of civilizations: here lie traces of ancient Urartian, Armenian, Byzantine, Syrian, Seljuk and Ottoman cultures. The main cities of the region — Erzurum, Van, Kars, Ağrı and Bitlis — serve as gateways to numerous archaeological sites and historic architecture.
The geography of Eastern Anatolia includes Mount Ararat, the large saline Lake Van and highland valleys with alpine meadows and forests. The terrain is varied: from snow-capped peaks to steep lake shores, offering rich opportunities for scenic and active tourism.
The region's climate is predominantly continental with cold snowy winters and warm but short summers; the best time to travel is May–July and early autumn, when roads are accessible and nature is at its most beautiful.
Eastern Anatolia is known for its historical monuments, fortresses and monasteries, as well as unique natural attractions. Tourists come here for historical and cultural routes, nature hikes, lake relaxation on Van, active mountain ascents, family tours and wellness trips to thermal springs.
Within the region distinct areas stand out, such as the Erzurum plateau, the Lake Van basin, the surroundings of Kars and the eastern foothills of Ararat — each offering its own set of sights and traditions.
Fascinating cities for travel, tours, and sightseeing
Ancient routes and mountain peaks
Eastern Anatolia and Mount Ararat
The region is rich in key tourist sites: the ruins of the ancient city of Ani near Kars, Ishak Pasha Palace in Doğubeyazıt, the island Church of the Holy Cross on Lake Van and numerous fortresses and madrasas in Erzurum. These places demonstrate layers of history and architecture from different eras.
Natural attractions include Lake Van with its unique biota and islands, the Çilo mountain ranges and the surroundings of Ararat with opportunities for trekking and climbs, as well as national parks such as the Munzur Valley with its rich flora and fauna.
The region's museums preserve Urartian and medieval collections: the Van Museum is known for exhibits from ancient kurgans, and the museums of Kars tell the multi-layered history of the area. Cultural and folk events, local fairs and festivals are regularly held, reflecting the music, dances and crafts of local peoples.
The cuisine of Eastern Anatolia stands out with hearty dishes: local breads and flatbreads, tandoor meat dishes, cağ kebabı from Erzurum, the famous cheeses of Kars and the rich breakfasts of the Van region. Traditions of hospitality, carpet-weaving and craft production have preserved their original forms and are an integral part of the trip.
The region is well connected to the rest of Turkey: major airports in Erzurum, Van, Kars and Ağrı, regular bus routes and the famous Eastern Express to Kars provide convenient access, and the intra-regional road network allows planning multi-day itineraries.
Major international airports – full list
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