BLOG

Every corner of our beautiful country is filled with historical landmarks and breathtaking natural wonders. Almost every region boasts its own distinctive architectural heritage and cultural treasures. Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia are among the most remarkable of these regions, offering an extraordinary abundance of places to discover. There are so many unique sights to see that it can be difficult to choose where to begin. In this article, we have brought together some of the most unforgettable destinations that are located in these regions, places that truly deserve a spot on your travel list. Here are some of the most fascinating places to visit and experience in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.

Van Castle and Lake Van

Van, one of the most captivating cities in Eastern Anatolia, offers a wide variety of attractions for both domestic and international travelers. Undoubtedly, one of its most iconic landmarks is Van Castle. Built in the mid-9th century BC by the Urartian King, this impressive structure is located approximately 5 kilometers away from the city center. Another natural marvel of Van is Lake Van, which holds the distinction of being the largest soda lake in the world and is situated within the borders of the Tatvan district. Possessing both fresh and salty water characteristics, this extraordinary lake, with its breathtaking scenery, is unquestionably one of the must-see natural wonders of the region.

Balıklı Göl – Şanlıurfa

One of the most frequently visited locations in Urfa, Balıklı Göl holds profound religious and spiritual significance. According to belief, this is the place where the fire became cool and harmless for Prophet Abraham. Legend has it that after Abraham defied King Nimrod, he was thrown from Urfa Castle into a blazing fire. Miraculously, the fire transformed into water, and the burning logs turned into fish. This sacred site, known today as Balıklı Göl, is believed to be home to holy fish. With its natural beauty and deep spiritual meaning, Balıklı Göl is undoubtedly a destination that you should experience firsthand.

Mount Nemrut National Park – Adıyaman

Located in the Kahta district of Adıyaman, approximately 100 kilometers away from the city center, Mount Nemrut is referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. After a long and somewhat challenging hike, visitors are rewarded with monumental statues and ancient remains. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the summit of Mount Nemrut is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. For this reason, we strongly recommend adding Mount Nemrut to your Southeastern Anatolia travel itinerary.

Malabadi Bridge – Diyarbakır

Located on the Diyarbakır–Batman road, Malabadi Bridge lies approximately 7 kilometers away from the city center. It is known to have been built in 1147 by the Artuqid dynasty, and it features human, animal, and sun motifs carved into its structure. For this reason, this historic bridge is unquestionably one of the must-see landmarks during any journey through Southeastern Anatolia.

Zeugma Ancient City and Museum – Gaziantep

Located in the city center of Gaziantep, this exceptional museum exhibits mosaics uncovered during excavations at the ancient city of Zeugma. It is especially important to note that the Zeugma Mosaic Museum is recognized as the largest mosaic museum in the world. While visiting Gaziantep, you can explore this extraordinary museum and admire the world-famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic in the place it truly belongs.

Dara Ruins – Mardin

The Dara Ruins, located in the Nusaybin district of Mardin and approximately 30 kilometers away from the district center, are often referred to as the Ephesus of Mesopotamia. The history of Dara dates back to between 530 and 570 BC. The area is also home to what is believed to be the first dam in Mesopotamia. By dedicating part of your Southeastern Anatolia trip to this site, you can immerse yourself in centuries-old history and architectural splendor.

Veysel Karani Shrine – Siirt

Located in the Baykan district of Siirt, the shrine is situated approximately 40 kilometers away from the city center. It is known that the original structure was completely demolished and rebuilt in 1967. The Veysel Karani Shrine, visited every year for various religious purposes such as prayer and offering sacrifices, is the resting place of Veysel Karani, who was accepted as a companion by the Prophet Muhammad without ever meeting him. You may also choose to include a visit to this deeply meaningful spiritual site as part of your journey.

Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge) – Kars

Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge), one of the most striking landmarks visible from Kars Castle, connects the Kaleiçi and Sukapı neighborhoods. Built in 1579 during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Murad III, the bridge is entirely constructed from finely cut basalt stone. To truly feel the historical atmosphere of Kars, an essential stop on any Eastern Anatolia tour, we highly recommend visiting this impressive structure.

Van Fairy Chimneys

Located in the Başkale district of Van, this area is known as “Vanadocia” due to its striking resemblance to Cappadocia. Situated in Yavuzlar Village, approximately 120 kilometers away from the city of Van, these fairy chimneys are among the must-see natural wonders of Eastern Anatolia.

Surp Giragos Armenian Church – Diyarbakır

Located in the city center of Diyarbakır, Surp Giragos Armenian Church is recognized as the largest Armenian church in the Middle East and is believed to have been built in the 15th century. Both its exterior architecture and interior decoration are remarkably impressive, leaving visitors in awe. When exploring Diyarbakır, we strongly recommend that you do not leave without visiting this exceptional place.

A Comfortable Pause on Your Journey of Discovery: Elite World Hotels & Resorts

As you explore these unique routes, having comfortable places to rest becomes just as important as the journey itself. In cities that reflect the rich history and cultural depth of Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia, you can enjoy a pleasant break with Elite World Van, Elite World GO Van Edremit, and Elite World Comfy Diyarbakır. With their central locations that are close to major attractions, along with modern comfort and high-quality accommodation standards, these hotels accompany you throughout your exploration of this extraordinary geography. As you turn your route toward the East and Southeast, we invite you to complete your journey with a truly privileged accommodation experience.