|
Located on a high plateau of 1950 meters, Erzurum is the biggest province in Eastern Anatolia and is the region which has always been a transportation cross-roads, and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travellers engaged to enter into to eastern Turkey. The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations. One of the important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.The modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli Medresse, which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.
Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Uc Kumbetler). The elegant 13th- century Hatuniye Tomb is another of interet in the area. One of the most important historical monuments is the Yakutiye Medresse of the 13th-century of. Built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th-century, here is an elaborate mosque: the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque.
Other historical places of interest are The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish – Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rustem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten. You may see while wandering around Erzurum, especially in Tashan, a specific local black stone which is used for jewelery.Mount Palandoken provide for sports and recreation, 120 kms from Erzurum. A winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe, Palandoken, which is reached along mountain roads containing scenic beauty, only 6 kms from Erzurum.
This area is serenely peaceful and gives the impression of old paintings of water by Leonardardo Divinci – Lake Tortum. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake dive from a height of 47 meters. A province suitable for mountaineering, Erzurum has peaks from 3000 meters and many hot springs and meadows.
|
