Van, a city in Eastern Anatolia, is surrounded by dramatic rocky mountain ranges and is situated near the stunning Lake Van. Once the capital of the ancient Urartian kingdom of Tuspa, Van's history dates back to the 9th century BC. The city’s most notable landmark is the remarkably well-preserved Van Fortress (Van Kalesi), perched on a rocky peak. Visitors can climb its carved stone steps to explore the ancient stronghold, where they will find cuneiform inscriptions from the 5th century BC, honoring Persian King Xerxes. The fortress also contains Urartian royal tombs, which are of great historical significance.
Van is home to numerous mosques and tombs, including the Ulu Mosque, Hüsrev Pasha Mosque, Kaya Çelebi Mosque, and İkiz Kümbet. The Van Archaeological Museum, located in the modern city, houses a fascinating collection of Urartian artifacts. For those seeking leisure, Edremit, located 14 km southwest of Van, offers a scenic retreat with sightseeing excursions. Another nearby town, Gevaş, is home to a historic Seljuk graveyard and the Halime Hatun Tomb.
Lake Van, the largest and deepest lake in Turkey, was formed by the eruption of the Nemrut volcano. The lake's surroundings provide an ideal setting for climbing, hiking, and hunting, offering both adventure and relaxation.
Beyond the Urartian sites, visitors can immerse themselves in Turkish culture by exploring the picturesque islands of Lake Van. The most famous is Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Akdamar Church, which features stunning reliefs depicting Old Testament scenes. Çarpanak Island, located 67 km from Van, is another site worth visiting. For those interested in exploring historic fortifications, the Hoşap Fortress, an imposing structure located 42 miles east on the Hakkari Road, is a must-see.
Recognizing its cultural and historical importance, Van's Old City and Fortress have been included on UNESCO’s Tentative List, underscoring the region’s significance as a heritage site.
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