EASTERN ANATOLIA

The Toros (Taurus) Mountains which parallel Turkey's southern border, and the Black Sea Mountains in the north join together to form a mighty range which defines the country's eastern border.

Ahlat

The tremendous diversity of the eastern and southeastern lands surprises travelers: the red ochre plateau of Erzurum; the forests, waterfalls, and green pastures of Kars and Agri; the permanent snow-cap on biblical Mount Agri (Ararat); the immense Lake Van with its deep blue waters. Dwellings and modes of life also vary greatly in this large region. Small, earth-roofed dwellings, built close to the ground typify houses around Kars. Despite a generally austere life, the people of the area are generous and hospitable.

The region's long and turbulent history has left monuments to its various civilizations: Byzantine monasteries and churches, Seljuk mausoleums and caravanserais, elegant Ottoman mosques and hilltop citadels. To the inveterate traveler and lover of adventure, this region of Turkey fascinates, astonishes and informs.