Mosque
Fethiye Mosque
The Russians built it in the late 19th century as an Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Church in Baltic style. Since 1985, it has been a mosque. It symbolizes the era from 1878 to 1918, when Kars was part of the Tsarist Empire.
Turkey
Kars & Ani
CityCultureUNESCO
Kars, situated at an altitude of 1,768 m in Turkey's far northeast, serves as the starting point for the ruined city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016.
by Felix Gillen
Kars, situated at an altitude of 1,768 m in Turkey's far northeast, serves as the starting point for the ruined city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016. The city, with a population of over 90,000, features a blend of Armenian churches, a 12th-century castle, and streets dating back to the Tsarist era. Its Russian-influenced grid layout can be found in the districts of Yusufpaşa, Ortakapı, and Cumhuriyet, while the old town Kaleiçi lies beneath the castle.
Sights in Kars & Ani
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Mosque
Apostle Church (Kümbet Mosque)
The Armenian Church was built 932-937, when Kars was the Bagratid capital. It is also known as the Church of the Twelve Apostles. Later, it became a mosque, an Orthodox church under Russian rule, and a mosque again in 1993.
Attraction
Taş Köprü
The stone bridge over the Kars Çayı in the Kaleiçi old town was built in 1579 under Sultan Murad III. After a flood it was rebuilt on the old piers in 1719; some sources give 1725. It combines well with a walk to the nearby Church of the Holy Apostles.
Museum
Kars Museum
Founded in 1959, the museum displays the province's archaeology and ethnography. Exhibits include a dinosaur fossil around 65 million years old. A good prelude before your trip to Ani.
Museum
Ani Ruined City
The ruins of the medieval Armenian capital lie approximately 45 km east of Kars on a plateau above the Achurjan River, directly at the Armenian border. From 961, Ani was the capital of the Bagratids and was known as the City of 1001 Churches. Preserved structures include the Cathedral (1001), the Church of Tigran Honents (1215), and the Manuchihr Mosque. Ani has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016.
Kars Fort
The Kars Citadel, also known as İç Kale, is constructed of basalt ashlar. Early fortifications date from the period of the Armenian Bagratids; in 1153, the castle was rebuilt under the Saltukids. Following its destruction by Timur in 1386, Lala Mustafa Pasha had it rebuilt in 1579 on behalf of Sultan Murad III. The inner citadel is approximately 250 by 90 meters.
Restaurants in Kars & Ani
Opened in 2010, this restaurant specializes in goose, Kars' classic winter specialty. It's served roasted with bulgur pilaf, pickled vegetables, and ayran. Goose should be pre-ordered.
The eatery in Ortakapı district serves Eastern Anatolian home cooking. On the menu are goose, Piti, Hangel, stuffed vine leaves, and noodle soup, with Umaç Helvası for dessert.
The cafe-restaurant in the Russian-influenced Yusufpaşa district mainly serves lamb and goose. The Turkish breakfast is also praised; a reservation is recommended for goose.
Food and Drink
Kars is known for its cheese, honey, and goose. Many dishes are hearty highland winter cuisine.
Kaz (Goose)
Goose is Kars' winter specialty and is often served roasted with Bulgur-Pilav. In restaurants, you should pre-order it.
Kars Kaşarı
The cheese, with protected geographical indication (PGI), is made from the milk of animals grazing the high pastures. There's also Kars-Gravyer, Gruyère-style.
Kars Honey
The province's honey also bears a geographical indication. It comes from floral high plateaus with many endemic plants.
Hangel
The dumplings are among Kars' typical dishes and are on the menu at many eateries.
Culture & History
Ani, Capital of the BagratidsIn 961, King Ashot III relocated the Armenian capital from Kars to Ani. It was called the 'city of a thousand and one churches'; excavations show about 50. The Seljuks conquered Ani in 1064; after the Mongol invasion and 1319 earthquake, it fell into ruin by the 17th century.Castle and Church of the ApostlesThe castle, in its current state, was rebuilt under the Saltukid ruler Melik İzzeddin around 1153. Below it is the Church of the Apostles, built 932-937, now the Kümbet Mosque.Russian DecadesFrom 1878 to 1918, Kars belonged to the Tsarist Empire. Houses in the Baltic style and the grid-like street network date from this period. Orhan Pamuk made the city famous with his novel "Snow."
Arrival & On the Go
Getting ThereFlight: Kars Harakani Airport has daily direct flights to Ankara and Istanbul.Doğu Ekspresi: The tourist Eastern Express runs in winter from Ankara to Kars, with sightseeing stops in Erzincan and Erzurum. In the 2026/27 season, it operates from December 21st on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from Ankara. Tickets are sold by TCDD Taşımacılık.To AniThe ruins are located around 45 km east of the city. The easiest way is a rental car or a taxi you book for the whole day. Inquire locally if a Dolmuş runs.NoteAni is located directly on the closed border with Armenia. Before you travel, check the current travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).In January, the average low temperature is around minus 15 degrees, so pack accordingly warm.
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