476... 76... 168,634... 3,593... 44 E 02 - 39 N 55...

Igdir... The province of Igdir lies as a fertile plain between two lofty locations, in Eastern Anatolia. In the northwest, at a distance of 180 kms extends the high plateau of Kars province which previously comprised this district inside its borders. In the southeast, on the other hand, stands Mount Agri (Ararat), as the highest mountain in Türkiye, rising magnificently beside this new province. Igdir plain is the best place to view the majestic scenery of this mountain, with the ever present snow over its slopes and peaks. Watching this beautiful silhouette will also make you live the legends of Noah who descended this biblical Mount of Ararat and first set his foot on the soil here, after the big flood. Olive groves cover this area, and the dove, which allegedly brought an olive branch to Noah, is believed to have taken it from this wide grove. The city of Igdir stands on a large, fertile plain on which fruit and, unusually for this geographical region, cotton grow. The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded, Noah and his family descended from Mount Agri (Ararat) toward the fertile Igdir plain. From here their progeny settled to the south and west along the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second generation of mankind. From this plain, you have the best view of Mount Agri. Monuments to visit near the city include Urartian rock monuments, a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai and the Karakale (Black Castle). In Karakoyun village, on the road between Igdir and Aralik you should stop at the impressive 15th century cemeteries with Karakoyun (ram and ewe) monumental tombstones. Ago, a provincial capital on a 1,650 meter high plateau, takes its name from the mountain which looms over it . The pleasant Balik (Fish) Lake to the northeast, not surprisingly, has plenty of fish restaurants serving local delicacies. Thermal springs bubble up all over the area. For those who want a hardy outdoor event, visit the Bubi Dagi Ski Center, 20 km southwest of Agri, for a few days of snow sport. Do not miss the spectacular site of the Ishak Pasa Palace only 6 km from Dogubayazit. Ishak Pasa, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century in a mixture of architectural styles. Nearby you can see a bas-relief of an Urartian king, and a rock tomb from the ninth century B.C. To see the place where it is thought that Noah's Ark came aground go to Uzengili village, 25 km east of Dogubeyazit. Be sure to try the local dessert, asure (Noah's Pudding), believed to have first been made by Noah's wife from the last bits of food in the ark.