Van, located in Eastern Anatolia, is nestled among striking rocky mountain ranges and lies close to the breathtaking Lake Van. As the former capital of the ancient Urartian kingdom of Tuspa, Van’s history stretches back to the 9th century BC. The city’s standout feature is the impressively preserved Van Fortress (Van Kalesi), situated atop a rocky summit. Visitors can ascend its carved stone stairways to explore the fortress, where they will encounter cuneiform inscriptions dating from the 5th century BC that pay tribute to the Persian King Xerxes. The fortress also houses Urartian royal tombs of considerable historical importance.
Van hosts numerous historic mosques and tombs, including the Ulu Mosque, Hüsrev Pasha Mosque, Kaya Çelebi Mosque, and the İkiz Kümbet. The Van Archaeological Museum, located in the city center, displays an intriguing collection of Urartian relics. For leisure activities, the town of Edremit, situated 14 km southwest of Van, offers picturesque scenery and opportunities for sightseeing. Nearby, the town of Gevaş features a historic Seljuk cemetery and the notable Halime Hatun Tomb.
The Lake Van, recognized as Turkey’s largest and deepest lake, was created by the eruption of the Nemrut volcano. Its surrounding landscapes provide perfect venues for climbing, hiking, and hunting, catering to both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.
Apart from the Urartian heritage sites, visitors can dive into Turkish culture by visiting the scenic islands of Lake Van. The most renowned is Akdamar Island, which houses the 10th-century Akdamar Church, adorned with magnificent reliefs illustrating scenes from the Old Testament. Another notable island is Çarpanak Island, situated 67 km from Van, which is also worth exploring. History enthusiasts should not miss the Hoşap Fortress, a formidable fortress located 42 miles east along the Hakkari Road.
In recognition of its cultural and historical value, Van's Old City and Fortress have been placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List, highlighting the area's importance as a heritage landmark.
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