Eastern Anatolia Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey with a comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the top attractions, outdoor adventures, best time to visit, food and drink scene, culture and customs, and logistics for your trip.


Introduction to Eastern Anatolia

Eastern Anatolia is a captivating region in Turkey that boasts natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. It is located in the eastern part of Turkey and bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Syria. The region is a perfect destination for travelers who are looking for a unique experience and want to get off the beaten path.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Anatolia

Eastern Anatolia has plenty of places to visit, each with its distinct offerings. Here are some top attractions in Eastern Anatolia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Ani Ruins
  2. Ishak Pasha Palace
  3. Mount Nemrut
  4. Sumela Monastery
  5. Urartu Castle

Natural Attractions of Eastern Anatolia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Van
  2. Ararat Mountain
  3. Palandoken Ski Resort
  4. Kara Dag Volcano
  5. Tuz Lake

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Anatolia

Eastern Anatolia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes:

  1. Mt. Ararat Trek
  2. Hasan Dag National Park
  3. Sarikamis Ski Resort
  4. Suphan Mountain Trek
  5. Munzur Valley National Park

Best Things to Do in Eastern Anatolia: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit the colorful markets and bazaars
  2. Attend a Kurdish wedding ceremony
  3. Take a balloon ride over Cappadocia
  4. Explore the medieval Armenian city of Ani
  5. Taste the traditional Turkish cuisine

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Anatolia

For a week-long trip to Eastern Anatolia, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Visit Ani Ruins and Kars City Centre
2 Trekking Mount Ararat and Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubeyazit
3 Explore Van Castle and Akdamar Island
4 Discover the Urartu Castle and sightseeing in Agri
5 Visit Sumela Monastery and take a scenic drive around Uzungol
6 Go skiing in Palandoken Ski Resort or hike in Munzur Valley National Park
7 Relax in Tuz Lake, soak in the hot springs in Erzurum, and fly back home from Erzurum Airport

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Anatolia

The cuisine of Eastern Anatolia is a fusion of Turkish, Armenian, Kurdish, and Persian influences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kebabs and grilled meats
  2. Pide (Turkish pizza)
  3. Mantı (Turkish ravioli)
  4. Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread)
  5. Şiş köfte (Spicy meatballs)

Local Beverages

  1. Ayran (Yoghurt drink)
  2. Boza (Fermented drink made from maize)
  3. Serbet (Traditional Ottoman drink)
  4. Raki (Anise-flavored alcoholic drink)
  5. Turkish tea

Where to Stay in Eastern Anatolia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Anatolia offers a range of accommodation options suitable for all budgets. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Kars Konak Hotel
  2. Ani Ruins Hotel
  3. Grand Erzurum Hotel
  4. DoubleTree by Hilton Van
  5. Palandoken Polat Renaissance

What to Buy in Eastern Anatolia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eastern Anatolia offers a wide range of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Handmade carpets and rugs
  2. Copper and brass artifacts
  3. Silver jewelry and pottery
  4. Turkish delight and baklava
  5. Spices and herbs

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Anatolia

Eastern Anatolia is a culturally significant region with a diverse population. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind while visiting:

  1. Dress modestly while visiting mosques and historical places
  2. Remove shoes before entering a mosque
  3. Respect local customs and traditions
  4. Leave tips if you are satisfied with the service
  5. Generally, the people are conservative, so avoid public display of affection

Best Time to Visit Eastern Anatolia

The best time to visit Eastern Anatolia is from May to October when the weather is dry and pleasant. In winter, the region experiences heavy snowfall, making it suitable for winter sports enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Anatolia

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when traveling to Eastern Anatolia:

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs
  2. Try the local cuisine
  3. Learn some Turkish words and phrases
  4. Take off shoes before entering a mosque or a house
  5. Bargain at the markets and bazaars

Don’t:

  1. Do not take pictures of people unless you ask for permission
  2. Do not use your left hand while eating or greeting
  3. Do not make negative comments about Turkish politics or religion
  4. Do not use offensive language
  5. Do not leave a mosque or religious gathering early

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Anatolia

Eastern Anatolia is a generally safe region of Turkey. However, travelers should take the usual precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash, not walking alone at night, and keeping an eye on their belongings at all times.

Health in Eastern Anatolia

Water in the region is usually safe to drink if boiled or treated. However, it is advisable to stick to bottled water. Travelers should also be up to date on routine vaccinations and consider getting Hepatitis A and B vaccinations before visiting.

Getting to Eastern Anatolia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern Anatolia is easily accessible via air, rail, or road:

Airports Near Eastern Anatolia

  1. Erzurum Airport
  2. Kars Airport
  3. Van Ferit Melen Airport

Bus Stations Near Eastern Anatolia

  1. Ankara Bus Terminal
  2. Istanbul Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Trains and buses from Iran and Georgia
  2. Cross-border buses from Armenia and Azerbaijan

How to Get Around in Eastern Anatolia

The best way to explore Eastern Anatolia is by renting a car or hiring a driver as public transportation can be limited. Private day tours with a local guide are also an option.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Anatolia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eastern Anatolia is a good starting point to explore further within Turkey. Here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:

  1. İstanbul
  2. Cappadocia
  3. Ankara
  4. Trabzon
  5. Antalya

Conclusion

Eastern Anatolia is a region that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culture. This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable trip to Eastern Anatolia, including top attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink recommendations, cultural customs, and logistics. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Akdamar/Akhtamar Island in Lake Van, during the almond blossom Akdamar/Akhtamar Island in Lake Van, during the almond blossom Rugged steppes dominate the regional landscape (the İshak Pasha Palace, Doğubayazıt) Rugged steppes dominate the regional landscape (the İshak Pasha Palace, Doğubayazıt) Öşkvank stands tall and proud despite centuries of neglect Öşkvank stands tall and proud despite centuries of neglect The medieval Turkish headstones in Ahlat — the similarity with the Armenian khachkar tradition is unmissable The medieval Turkish headstones in Ahlat — the similarity with the Armenian khachkar tradition is unmissable Kemaliye, the Upper Euphrates Valley Kemaliye, the Upper Euphrates Valley Mt Ararat, the highest mountain of Turkey Mt Ararat, the highest mountain of Turkey


    Ardahan
    Doğubayazıt
    Elazig
    Hakkari
    Kemaliye
    Malatya
    Tatvan
    Tunceli