Turkey
East Anatolia
Region
East Anatolia is the highland region in the far east of Turkey, featuring the 5,137 m high Mount Ararat, Lake Van, and the ruins of Ani. The region lies at an average elevation of 2,200 m and is the highest-lying in the country.
by Felix Gillen
East Anatolia is the highland region in the far east of Turkey, featuring the 5,137 m high Mount Ararat, Lake Van, and the ruins of Ani. The region lies at an average elevation of 2,200 m and is the highest-lying in the country. Those who seek vast landscapes, Armenian churches, and Urartian castles will find them here.
OverviewThe region covers approximately one-fifth of Turkey, from Erzurum and Kars in the north to Van and Hakkari in the south. Dominating the landscape is Mount Ararat, at 5,137 m the country's highest mountain, near the borders with Iran, Armenia, and Nakhchivan. Lake Van, covering around 3,755 km², is Turkey's largest lake.Travel SeasonThe continental climate brings long, very cold, and snowy winters and short summers. Summer is the best time for hiking and trips to the lake. In winter, the tourist Doğu Ekspresi train travels through the snow-covered landscape to Kars.What to ExpectKars and Ani: Imperial-era city and medieval Armenian capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016.Van: Akdamar Church in the lake, Urartian fortress, and the famous breakfast.The region borders Armenia, Iran, and Iraq. Before you travel, check the current travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Food and Drink
The Highland cuisine is hearty and rustic. Cheese, honey, and a lavish breakfast play the main role.
Van Breakfast
The Van Breakfast with herb cheese, Murtuğa, Kavut, and honey is protected as a geographical indication.
Kars Kaşarı
The cheese made from the milk of the high pastures carries a protected geographical indication.
Kaz (Goose)
In Kars, roasted goose with Bulgur pilaf is the classic winter specialty.
Otlu Peynir
The highland herb-spiced cheese is a staple at every breakfast in Van.
Culture & History
UrartuFrom approximately 900 BC, the Kingdom of Urartu emerged around Lake Van, with its capital Tuşpa, now known as Van. Fortresses such as Van and Çavuştepe date from this era.Armenian KingdomsIn the 10th century, Kars and Ani were capitals of the Bagratid dynasty, while the Artsruni reigned around Lake Van. The Ani Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island stem from this era.Between EmpiresSeljuks, Mongols, Ottomans, and Russians fiercely contested the highland region. Kars belonged to the Russian Tsarist Empire from 1878 to 1918, a legacy still visible in its Baltic-style architecture today.
Arrival & Transit
Getting ThereKars and Van airports have daily connections to Istanbul and Ankara. The scenic Doğu Ekspresi train runs in winter from Ankara via Erzincan and Erzurum to Kars.Getting AroundDistances are long; a rental car offers the most freedom. For Ani, it's best to book a taxi for the whole day; boats to Akdamar Church depart from the pier near Gevaş.TipIn winter, expect snow and temperatures well below zero. In Kars, the average low temperature in January is around minus 15 degrees.
