Erzurum... Erzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travellers coming to eastern Türkiye. 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). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medresse of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rustem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest. Erzurum has a specific local black stone which is used for jewelry or, the like which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan. For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 km from Erzurum, and Mount Palandoken provide perfect opportunities. Palandoken winter sports resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty. Only 6 km from Erzurum, this winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m. Erzurum is a very province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3,000 m, and also has many hot springs and meadows. Erzurum, 193 km east of Erzincan and the largest city in easternAnatolia, sprawls on a high plateau at an altitude of 1,950 meters.As you enter the city, the large Aziziye monument commemoratingthe Turkish - Russian war will catch your eye.

Although the collection in the archaelogical museum reveals much of the city's history and ancient origins, it is Erzurum's architecture which is in fact the city's best museum. The city walls and fortress remind one of the period of Byzantine rule. And particularly important are the remaining Seljuk buildings -brilliant examples of a fascinating aesthetic. The Ulu Mosque, built in 1179, has an unusual form with seven wide naves. The Cifte Minareli Medrese, or theological college, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in 1253, astonishes with the elobarote stone carvings on its portal andits majestic double minarets. Behind the Cifte Minareli Medrese stands the Uc Kumbetler, a group of three tombs, the most notable of which is that of Emir Saltuk. The 13^th century Hatuniye Turbesi, or mausoleum, was built for Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat's daughter. The beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret of the 13^th century Yakutiye Medrese reveals another facet of Seljuk architecture. You can also see Ottoman buildings in Erzurum; the great architect Sinan left his mark on the city with the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.

While wandering around the city, notice the local black stone which is used in jewelry. The shops on the upper floor of the Tashan (Rustem Pasha Caravanseria) offer the best selection of items. A road through splendid mountain scenery leads to the winter sports resort of Palandoken, only 6 km from Erzurum. This center has hotels, the longest ski-run and the best snow quality in Türkiye, and is a favorate haunt of expert skiers. The glassy Tortum Lake, 120 km from Erzurum towards Artvin and the Black Sea, may be the most tranquil sight in all of Türkiye. Be sure to see the Tortum Waterfalls at the north end of the lake, plunging from a height of 47 meters.