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How about experiencing the mysterious and dazzling atmosphere of the East? If your answer is "Yes!", the pearl of Eastern Anatolia, Van, which fascinates you with both its historical structures and natural beauties is waiting for you. Van, one of the oldest settlements in Turkey, is a paradise, especially for history enthusiasts with its thousands of years of history and ancient culture. If you would like to discover Van, which stands out with its historical and natural beauties that must be seen, then let's check out our Van travel guide together.

An Unmatched Scenery: Lake Van

One of the first places that comes to mind when Van is mentioned, Lake Van is one of the most beautiful natural wonders that is integrated with the city. Lake Van, the largest soda lake in Türkiye, offers its visitors postcard-like scenery with its deep blue waters and magnificent mountains that surround it. When you visit Van, you can find peace by walking along the shores of the lake, listening to the chirping birds and enjoying the lake view. It is possible to visit this lake, which does not freeze even in the harsh winter months, in any season of the year and be enchanted by the lake.

The Place Where is Subject to Legends: Akdamar Island and Church

Akdamar Island takes its name from a legend and a love story. A young shepherd falls in love with Tamara, the daughter of a monk. This young man swims to the island every night to see Tamara and Tamara waits for him with a lantern in her hand. However, Tamara's father gets angry at this situation and decides to play a little trick on the shepherd. The father constantly changes places with the lantern in his hand, causing the shepherd to swim from side to side among the waves. The shepherd, who gets tired and drowns during the stormy night, says "Ah Tamara!" and takes his last breath. After this incident, the name of the island becomes Ahtamar and in time it becomes known as Akdamar.

This island, where the historical Akdamar Church is located, is a point where nature and history are intertwined. The reliefs and bas-reliefs on the exterior of this magnificent church also fascinate everyone who sees it. You can also reach this unique island by joining the boat tours and spending a peaceful day here.

Traces of History: Van Castle

With its thousands of years of history, Van Castle is among the most important historical structures of the region. The castle, which served as the capital of the Urartian State for a long time under the name Tuşpa, was built by the Urartian King Sarduri I between 840 to 825 BC.

The castle hosted many civilizations including the Urartians, Medes, Persians and Romans but no other remains were reached until the Ottoman Empire, apart from the Persian inscription. If you happen to be here, you can visit the temples and rock tombs that were left by the Urartians. You can climb up to this magnificent castle, watch the magnificent view of Lake Van and take a historical walk among the ruins of the Old City of Van. This region, where you will find traces of the past on every stone is waiting for those who would like to discover the ancient culture of the East step by step.

A Magnificent Natural Wonder: Muradiye Waterfall

Located within the borders of Muradiye, the waterfall is approximately 80 kilometers from the city center. The magnificent Muradiye Waterfall on the Bend-i Mahi Stream, fed by Tendürek Mountain, can be an ideal location for those who would like to find tranquility in lush nature.

This waterfall, which is 18 meters high, was named after Murat IV, who went on the Bağdat expedition. The walking paths and viewing terraces around it offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the unique scenery to their heart's content.

Dilkaya Mound and Cemetery

Located on the shores of Lake Van in the Edremit district, Dilkaya Mound is a first-degree archaeological site that contains traces of a settlement that dates back thousands of years. In the excavations that are carried out in the mound, ceramic pieces belonging to the Transcaucasian culture, dating back to 4000 BC, were found. In addition, this mound is where findings that are belonging to the Urartians were unearthed.

The cemetery area located right next to the mound provides important information about life in the region. In the excavations that is carried out here, various types of graves belonging to different periods were unearthed. These graves also made it possible to learn more about the lifestyles, beliefs and burial customs of the people in the region.

A Comfortable Accommodation Experience in Van: Elite World Hotels & Resorts

If you would like to have a comfortable accommodation experience while exploring the unique history and natural beauties of Van, Elite World Van and Elite World GO Van Edremit might be ideal for you. Located in the city center, Elite World Van offers its guests a unique holiday opportunity with both its neoclassical and palace architecture and its flawless service approach.

Elite World GO Van Edremit, where elegance and classiness unite is waiting for its guests who would like to have a holiday surrounded by nature. With the privilege of Elite World Hotels & Resorts, you can relax a little while exploring the rich culture and natural beauties of Van and have a pleasant day with your loved ones in the food and beverage areas that host different tastes. You can contact Elite World Van and Elite World GO Van Edremit to learn more about the hotels and services.