[Blue Blood]

Mardin

The city is located on the slope of a hill looking down south to the Mesopotamian plains. Mardin is on the rail and highway routes connecting Turkey to Syria and Iraq. According to a hearsay, the history of the city dates as far back as the Flood. The city lived under the rule of the Hurri-Mitani, Hittites, Surs, Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Arabs and the Seljuk Turks. Later, the Mardin branch of the Artuklu Kingdom called "Tabaka Ilgaziyye" was established and the city flourished during this time.

The city used to be known as "Marde" by the Persians, "Mardia" by the Byzantine, "Maridin" by the Arabs and "Merde-Merdo-Merdi" by the Syriac. These were transformed into "Mardin" after the area was occupied by the Turks.

The fortress, Kasimiye Medresse, Zinciriye Medresse and Grand Mosque are important historical sites around the city. Other historical assets in the area worth seeing include Dayrul-Zeferan Monastery and Harizm Medresse.
Dating from 1385, the Sultan Isa Medresse is an interesting, beautiful Turkish monument with its magnificent carved portal.

The Kasim Pasa Medresse, is also significant for its dome of beautiful stonework and the Ulu (Grand) Mosque with its well-decorated minaret, is another sightseeing spot.

The best examples of Artutid architecture can be seen at Kiziltepe, 21 kilometers south of Mardin, with the 13th century Ulu Mosque with its fine mihrap relief and beautifully decorated portal.

At Hasankeyf which is on the borderline with Batman province, you will see the ruins of the ancient 12th century capital of the Artutids. The bridge which once connected the two parts of the city over the Tigris (Dicle) river and the palace, are others. Hasankeyf will be completely flooded when they will finish the nearby dam, a part of GAP Project.

The 15th century Zeynel Bey Mausoleum nearby, is attractively decorated with blue tiles.

Deyr'ul Zafaran Monastery is a Syriac monastery 9 kilometers to the east of Mardin, built in the 9th century. At present, it is a visit place and a shelter for impoverished Syriacs. The monastery used to be a religious centre for the Syriac until 1932. One of the biggest of many monasteries existing in the region, Deyr'ul Zafaran has 52 Syriac Patriarchs buried here. The secret section for worshipping called "mahzen" is the oldest part of the monastery. The monastery was enlarged with additional sections built later. Around the structures which form a trinity with Deyr'ul Zafaran, Church of Virgin Mary and Mar Yakup Monastery, there are three fortresses built for protecting the trinity.

Mar Yakup Monastery derives its name from a priest (Marislium). It was later known as "Marevgan Monastery". According to a hearsay, Marbinyamin, one of the heralds of the east had the bones of his oldest disciple buried here. The monastery was also knows as "Marhonesya" for a time.

The museum is housed in the former patriarchate constructed in 1895 by the Patriarch of Antakya, Ignatios Benham Banni. Now restored to its original condition, the building houses collections dating from 4000 BC up to the present day and representing the Assyrian, Urartian, Hellenistic, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Artuklu and Ottoman periods. Pottery, seals, cylinder seals, coins, lamps, figurines, teardrop bottles, and jewelry are among the many and fascinating exhibits.

Mardin has preserved the old-style carving in its houses. Since located in a volcanic area, the basic input used in local architecture is easily workable calcareous rock. Houses in Mardin, reflecting all features of a closed-in life style are surrounded by 4 meters high walls and isolated from the street. These walls also provide protection from harsh climatic conditions.
Houses have their separate sections for males and females and mostly have no kitchen. The most important feature of these houses is the stone craftsmanship called "Midyat Work". Doors, windows and small columns are dressed with arches and various motif. The central settlement was given the status of urban site area in 1979. Above the house doors are carved pictures of the Kaaba if the owner has made the pilgrimage to Mecca, and the door knockers have a distinctive form resembling the beaks of birds. Often the lanes run through arched tunnels beneath the upper floors of houses. Relief carvings of animals and fruit lend the city a dream-like character, and the modern world seems to fade away.

Syrian Orthodox gold and silver smiths whose work is famous throughout the country still practice their craft here, their workshops side by side with those of Muslim copper smiths. Along with the buildings themselves, it is to be hoped that this living culture can also be preserved.

Having a provincial territory of 12,760 square kilometers, Mardin is located in the area where the Southeastern Taurus Range meets the Arabian platform to the south. The area called "Mardin-Midyat Passage" constitutes a large part of the territory of the province.

The population is 646,826 (1997 Census). Mardin's administrative districts are Dargecit, Derik, Kiziltepe, Mazidagi, Midyat, Nusaybin, Omerli, Savur and Yesilli.

Upon the completion of GAP Project, 100,000 hectares of land will be brought under irrigation in Mardin. Newly irrigated areas will mainly grow cotton which is to be processed by enterprises in the Organized Industrial Zone. Besides flour products, fruit processing and seed production, Mardin will also process its local grapes. A part of the phosphorus fertilizers which crop farming needs will be provided by the fertilizer industries existing in the province.

Besides an organized Industrial Zone, Mardin also has a site for small enterprises which provide employment to 1,140 persons with its approximately 190 work places. Finally, Mardin also has its Free Trade Zone.

[Hi-LaL]

Sanlıurfa - An Old History Dating Back 9000 Years


Sanliurfa is a museum city that has a history dating back 9000 years. Sanliurfa is where the Prophet Abraham, the genetic father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, was born; where the Prophet Job lived and which was blessed by Jesus is the most sacred city in Turkey.


The city, which is preparing itself for the industrial and agricultural renaissance in the twenty-first century, along with the GAP project, has experienced many innovations, especially in the field of tourism, in recent years. Balikli Lake and its environs, which is the focal point of tourism of the city, has been closed to traffic and made green in a planned manner. According to belief, King Nemrut of the region had the Prophet Abraham thrown into a big fire that was lighted here and water emerging from the fire saved the Prophet Abraham from burning. The water transformed into the lake of today and the pieces of wood in the fire transformed into fish in the lake. Around the lake in which hundreds of carp live, there are the Halil Rahman and Rizvaniye Mosques and various recreation facilities. The cave where the Prophet Abraham was born is located in the courtyard of the Mevlid Halil Mosque, to the east of Balikli Lake. The Sanliurfa Citadel, extending in a west to east direction, is located to the south of this sacred area. The old Urfa houses, which are on the northern slope from where this sacred and mystic structure can be viewed panoramically, have been restored and transformed into hotels, pensions and restaurants where the traditional Urfa cuisine can be eaten.

[

[Blue Blood]

Bayburt

Bayburt was once an important center on the ancient Silk Route in Anatolia and it was visited by Marco Polo and Turkish excursionist Evliya Çelebi. Xenophan wrote in his book of Anabasis that the city was an Iskit city called as Gymnias. It was a big and prosperous town in Asia Minor.

The history of the city dates as far back to 3000 BC. It's also known that it was founded by the Azzi tribe, than Cimmerians passed thru in the 8th century BC. Meds and Persians were other invaders and settlers of the region. In the 2nd century BC Bayburt was annexed to Pontian Kingdom and than to the Roman Empire who restored Bayburt Castle which was originally built by Urartus. Between 8th and 9th centuries it constantly changed hands between Emevis and Byzantines, and than finally Seljuks and Ottomans.

The city welcomes you with the remains of its Byzantine Castle. There are several interesting mosques, Turkish baths and tombstones in the city as well as the Çatalcesme Underground City which looks like the ones in Cappadocia, and the natural wonder Sirakayalar Waterfall which are all attractive. Some other sites of interest are: Bent, Ali Singah, Meydan, Pashaogullari, Pulur baths, Bayburt Grand Mosque, Kutluk Bey, Pulur, Yukari Hinzevrek Mosques, Hart, Ksanta, Varzahan ruins, Korgan Bridge, Tashan, and Sehit Osman Mausoleums.

The city is very small but deserves notice, although it has been designated as a province just recently in 1989, after being a district of Gümüshane for many years.

One of the most interesting sports here is the Jereed, or javelin. It's an ancient war game like sport since the Turkic States and local people organize tournaments with other Eastern Anatolian cities during festivities and weddings.

I think it is very nice places but I want to learn why k.maraş is absent here ?

[Hi-LaL]

altunay adlı kullanıcıdan alıntı

I think it is very nice places but I want to learn why k.maraş is absent here ?

Kahramanmaraş is coming in accordance with your request as below :

Kahramanmaras

The environs of Kahramanmaras, which is a rich historical province, is surrounded by green forests. Attempts have been made to maintain the historical houses by restoration or preservation in the city. The handicrafts in the city, such as the copperworking and brassworking, wood and mother-of-pearl carvings, are very developed. Besides this, the city is also famous for its gold and silver decorative items and jewelry. The Maras ice cream, which is pounded in a large mortar is liked throughout Turkey.
Historical Background

Kahramanmaraş was a Hittite city-state ca. 1000 BC. The city was called Germanicia Caesarea in the time of the Roman Empire. It is historically also known as Maraş and Marash.

Night View of Kahramanmaras


The city's name was first called Maraş or Marash in the , then later changed to Kahramanmaraş (Hero-Maras in English) by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on October 7th, 1973 for it's heroic people's winnigs against the armies of countries like France, Armenia and GreeceTurkish War of Independence. Heroes like Sütçü İmam are well known heroes of the Kahramanmaraş History.
Kahramanmaraş is also the only city in the world to have a Hero City Gold Medal
In December 1978, Kahramanmaraş was the site of a massacre of leftist Alevis. An extreme right wing group, the Grey Wolves, incited the violence that left over 100 dead. The incident was of key importance in the Turkish government's decision to declare martial law, and the eventual military coup in 1980.[1]

Industry

Kahramanmaraş's industry is mainly based on textile and ice cream. Kahramanmaraş is one of the biggest textile industry cities of Turkey. Companies like Kipaş and Bozkurt are one of the richest companies in the city. Also, many of the American clothing companies like Aéropostale and American Eagle are supplying their yarns from Kahramanmaraş. Some of the internationally-known ice-cream companies like Mado, Yaşar Pastanesi, EDO and Ferah Pastanesi are started their business in this ice-cream city and thousands of people from all around the world are visiting Kahramanmaraş, just because of it's ice-cream (dondurma in Turkish).

Sports

The city has a local football team called; Kahramanmaraşspor which is currently in Turkish Super League, 2nd Division Category B Group C. Kahramanmaraşspor plays it's home games in Hanefi Mahçiçek Stadium Some Turkish super-star players like Mehmet Özdilek and Kemalettin Şentürk were played in Kahramanmaraşspor for some time.


Eshabı Kehf


Ceyhan River



Ceyhan-River

[Hi-LaL]

Kahramanmaras

KAHRAMANMARAŞ
AREA: 14.327 km²
POPULATION: 892.952 (1990)
TRAFFIC CODE: 46
DISTRICTS: Kahramanmaraş (center), Afşin, Andırın, Çağlıyancerit, Elbistan, Göksun, Pazarcık, Türkoğlu.
SITES OF INTEREST: Çamlık, Kapıçam, Pınarbaşı, Başkonuş and Çınar Pass forest recreation areas, Maraş, Hurman and Kız castles, Karahöyük, ruins at Turunçlu and Ufacıklı villages, stone relief at Kaşanlı village Kahramanmaraş, Afşin and Elbistan Grand Mosques, Taş Medrese, Haznedarlı, Hatuniye and Himmet Baba mosques, Eshab-ı Kehf mosque complex, small mosque of İklime Hatun, Taşhan, Tuzhan, Hışırhan and Kuruhan, Ceyhan and Körsulu bridges, Kahramanmaraş Museum.
Provincial Cultural Directorate

Tel: (344) 235 15 00 - 02 - 03
Fax: (344) 235 15 01

Cultural Centers

A hall of 300 seating capacity for theater, conference, etc.
Gallery

Contact Address: Kültür Merkezi Müdürlüğü
Adana Asvaltı üzeri Atatürk Parkiçi - Kahramanmaraş
Tel: (344) 223 44 84
Fax: (344) 223 44 81

State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate

Sabancı Kültür Merkezi
Atatürk Parkı İçi
KAHRAMANMARAŞ
Tel: (0 344) 223 44 86
Fax: 223 44 81

Museum

Kahramanmaraş Museum
Address: Azerbaycan Bul. Yenişehir Sok. No: 43 -
Kahramanmaraş
Tel: (344) 223 44 87

Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Kahramanmaraş

Sites
Archaeological Sites: 43
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: -
Historical Sites: -
Other Sites
Archaeological and Natural Sites: 1
Total: 45
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 163
TOTAL: 208

Significant Days

Local Days of Celebration:

Arrival of Atatürk at Narlı
Narlı Kasabası
26 Ocak

Day of the Medal
Kahramanmaraş
5 April

Heroism Day
Kahramanmaraş
7 February

Freedom from Occupation Days:

Kahramanmaraş's Freedom Day
Kahramanmaraş
12 February

Expositions:

Agriculture, Industry and Handicrafts Exposition
Kahramanmaraş
In August

Festivals:

Karakucak Wrestling Festival
Center
2nd week of October (Sat., Sun.)

Karakucak Wrestling Festival
Göksün District
On days to be determined starting beginning
of August to end September

Karakucak Wrestling Festival
Afşin District, Arıtaş Town
On days to be determined starting beginning
of August to end September

Karakucak Wrestling Festival
Türkoğlu
On days to be determined starting beginning
of August to end September

Karakucak Wrestling Festival
Andırın
August-end of September

[Blue Blood]

Kayseri

West of Cappadocia, over the mountains in central Anatolia, lies Kayseri, known as Caesarea in Roman times. The city spreads out at the foot of the extinct volcano Mt. Erciyes (3,916 meters). In the winter months the ski center has excellent runs for downhill skiers, and several pleasant hotels cater particularly to skiers.

Close to the Byzantine fortress, the 13th century Huant Hatun Mosque and Medrese, with the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum, comprise the first Seljuk complex, the Huant Hatun Complex, in Anatolia. The Medrese is now an Ethnography Museum. South of the complex, stands the beautifully decorated Döner Kümbet of 1276, a Seljuk mausoleum of classic simplicity. A major Seljuk city, Kayseri was an important center of learning and consequently, there are many medreses (theological schools) among the remaining historical buildings. Those interested in the Seljukarchitectural form should see the Çifte (Giyasiye and Sifahiye) Medrese, the first Seljuk school of anatomy, and one which today is now the Gevher Nesibe Medical History Museum. And nearby is the lovely Sahabiye Medrese. Near the city's bedesten (market hall) is the restored 12th century Ulu Mosque. The Haci Kilic Mosque north of the Çifte (twin) Medrese dates from 1249. In the Cumhuriyet (Republic) quarter, the 19th century Resit Aga Mansion houses the Atatürk Museum which displays Atatürk's personal belongings. Across from the Atatürk Museum, the historical Gupgupoglu Mansion is now an Ethnography Museum.

South of Kayseri, in Develi, stand three more important Seljuk buildings: the Ulu Mosque, the Seyid-i Serif Tomb and the Develi Tomb. Nearby, the Sultan Marshes, the habitat of many bird-species, are of interest both to ornithologists and nature lovers.

North of Kayseri, Kültepe, known in ancient times as Kanesh or Karum, was one of the earliest Assyrian and Hittite commercial cities Dating from 2000 B.C, Kültepe was also one of the world's first cities of free trade. Today, however, only the foundations remain. Many of the findings can be examined in the Kayseri Archaeological Museum or Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum.

On the same road is Sultanhan, a caravanserai built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the early 13th century and a favorite stop for tourists.
Caeserea was also an important city of Christianity in the early years of Byzantine Empire. One can remember bishop Basil the Great from 4th century who traveled in Cappadocia as well to organize early Christian communities.

Karpuzbasi Waterfall is 76 km south from Kayseri. In this beautiful natural site, seven different springs on the mountainside fall from heights ranging between 30 and 70 meters.

Kayseri is one of the most important carpet and kilim production centers in Anatolia. Bünyan is the most famous carpet production center and Yahyali is the most famous kilim production center. Rugs woven in finely knotted floral patterns continue a centuries-old tradition.

On March 29, 2006, Total Solar Eclipse will be seen in Kayseri as well at 14:03pm local time.

[Blue Blood]

Bursa

Known as "Green Bursa", this province stands on the lower slopes of Uludag (Mount Olympos of Mysia, 2543 m) in the Marmara region of Anatolia. The title "Green" of Bursa comes from its gardens and parks, and of course from its being in the middle of an important fruit growing region. In Bursa there are things you should not miss. First of all you are in the homeland of the delicious "Iskender Kebap", one of the best dishes of world - famous Turkish Cuisine. The candied chestnuts (Kestane Sekeri) are a specialty of desserts and have an unforgettable taste. The peaches of Bursa are unique. As for something to purchase; Bursa is a center of the silk trade (since first silk cocoons were brought here with the caravans of the Silk Road) and towel manufacturing. It is also the homeland of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagöz and Hacivat shadow puppets.

Because of its being the first Ottoman capital, Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques, and tombs (turbes), baths. One of the places to be seen in Bursa is the Yesil Cami (Green Mosque), with its carved marble doorway which is one of the best in Anatolia. It is an elaborate and significant building in the new Turkish style. Just opposite, is the Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb), set in a green garden with an enchanting exterior decorated with turquoise tiles. Near the tomb, the Medrese complex (old theological school) now houses the Ethnographical Museum which certainly deserves visiting. The Yildirim Beyazit Mosque is important as it is the first one built in the new Ottoman style and is accompanied by the Emir Sultan Mosque which lies in a peaceful setting. The province is decorated with these monuments, each of which is a masterpiece. Here are the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) built in the Seljuk style, with impressive calligraphic wall decorations. The Orhan GaziMosque; the "Hisar", an attractive part of the province; the Mausoleums of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi are other important sites to visit. The Muradiye Complex has a delightful view with its mosque and tombs of important characters from the Ottoman era, and their tiles and charming decorations appeal to the sightseers. The Ottoman Museum offers a lively exhibit of the traditional life style of Ottomans.

Something you will enjoy in Bursa are the warm, mineral-rich springs; indeed most of the hotels in this province have thermal bath facilities. The Turkish baths (hamam) are great places which should be visited in Bursa. The Eski Kaplica (Old Spring) of Çekirge district is the oldest in the province. The Karamustafa Pasa Baths are famous, and boast the best hot, mineral waters.
As for souvenirs, you should visit the Covered Bazaar, "Bedesten", or the Koza Han, an attractive Ottoman building with its architectural style and also a center of silk trade. It is certain that Bursa will take some of time for you to see and add some more delightful experiences to your memories.
Environs:

Uludag is the largest and most celebrated winter-sports and skiing center in Turkey. It is 36 kms from Bursa and easily accessible by car or cable-car (teleferik). The area is also a national park and is worth a visit at any time of the year. The accommodation is high quality offering the opportunity to enjoy the mountain, with a variety of entertainment and sports activities. On the way up don't miss the 600-year old plain tree.

Mudanya is a seaside resort town with fine fish restaurants and night-clubs, so you can have a pleasant vacation there. The old train station now serves as a charming hotel.

Zeytinbagi (Trilye) is a town of typical Turkish architecture and lay-out. There are sea bus and ferry connections with Istanbul.

Gemlik (27 km north), is another seaside resort with a wide, sandy beach. One of the best olive oils of Turkey comes from this town.

Iznik (Nicaea) lies 85 kms northeast of Bursa, at the eastern tip of Lake Iznik. The town had a great importance for Christians because of the Ecumenic Councils, and witnessed many civilizations which have left their marks all over the land. This town is famous for its unique tiles and has been the center of tile production in the 16th century. Iznik tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottomanarchitecture. The turquoise-tiled Yesil Mosque and Nilüfer Hatun Imareti are among the Islamic works in the town.

[Blue Blood]

Mersin

Mersin is one of the most modern provinces of the palm lined avenues, city park and modern hotels and a good base for visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. Mersin is the largest port on the Turkish Mediterranean region. There is also a Free Trade Zone here and it is a business centre. In Mersin you may find all the comforts of a modern city and all the characteristics of the Mediterranean cities. Fish is abundant as well as most delicious in this region and in the Mersin fish market you will find inexpensive fish restaurants which are really enjoyable for those who love fish and "Raki" or wine. Although Mersin dates only from the 19th century, it occupies an extremely ancient site. At Mount Yumuktepe the excavations proved that there had been twelve successive settlements beginning from the Neolithic Period.


Icel has also hunting, fishing, picnicking, mountaineering and caving attractions for sports fans.

Anamur

Two hours west of Mersin, Anamur is a lovely town situated in the mountains and surrounded by banana plantations thanks to its climate. There are the ruins of ancient Anemorium, 10 kms to the west of the town on a fine beach. Anamur Castle is well preserved and provides a fascinating views of the landscape. The road between Anamur and Silifke passes through the pine clad mountains which descend to the sea offering splendid views of cliffs, coves and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.


Aydincik is a cute village with pleasant beaches. After Aydincik, to the east, is the most beautiful coastline in Turkey.

Silifke

Silifke, 90 kms from Mersin, is a little bit inland, on the site of the acropolis of ancient Seleucia and Colycadnos. The old bridge crossing the Göksu River, the theatre and the temple from Roman times are of interest.


To the north of Silifke there is an excellent excursion opportunity, to Uzuncabur?
The road up to the magnificent ancient site of Olba - Diocaeserela is lined with large tombs. In the ancient city there are the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Olbius and the Temple of Tychaion, and numerous arches, theater, Byzantine church and tower.


Outside Silifke, on the road to Tasucu is the archaeological museum, while further on AyaTekla is the tomb and church of St. Thecla who was the first female martyr.


Tasucu is a pleasant resort town with good accommodations and fine sandy beaches, especially the Aphrodite Beach. The harbor includes regular sea bus services to Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Between Silifke and Mersin there is the little fishing village Narlikuyu which you should not pass by without trying the delicious fish by the turquoise bay. In Narlikuyu you can see a Roman mosaic depicting the Three Graces.
Around Narlikuyu an exciting excursion is to Cennet - Cehennem (Heaven and Hell), and the Astim Dilek Caves which are deep chasms, one of which has a chapel. They are really fascinating and you will understand why they carry these names once you visit.


60 kms from Mersin, to the west, is the ancient city Korykos, which is now the resort town of Kizkalesi, with sandy beaches and camping sites. There are important remains which are symbols of that region like The Castle of Korykos on the beach faces the Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle) which stands on an islet 200 m offshore. The two castles once used to be joined by a sea wall but now they are separated as the wall submerged. The road from Silifke to Mersin is very enjoyable along the coast; the ancient basilicas, tombs and ruins are on one side of the road and beautiful coves with sandy beaches on the other side.


Ancient Pompeiopolis, founded by Rhodians in 700 BC, provides many remarkable ruins. The modern name of the city is Viransehir and it is 13 kms west of Mersin. At Kanlidivane you will see the ruins of the ancient city Kanytelis clinging on the sides of a deep chasm.

Tarsus

Tarsus is the birthplace of St. Paul. Situated on the edge of the fertile Cukurova plain in the city is middle of cedar groves. The city is also the meeting place of legendary loves Antony and Cleopatra, and there is the commemorative Cleopatra Gate. To reach St. Paul's Cistern you pass through narrow streets of the city; the old houses on the sides will prepare for the things you will see . Then you may head for a rest to the Tarsus waterfalls and shady trees. The tombs of Prophet Daniel, Lokman Hekim, a famous legendary medical doctor, are here. There are also many historical places to visit such as Cleopatra's Gate, the Gozlukule, Justinians Bridge, and the Tarsus Museum.

[Blue Blood]

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 travelers coming to Eastern Turkey.

The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in Anatolia. One of the most 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.

Erzurum was captured and ruled by many different nations like Hurries, Urartus, Cimmerians, Scythes, Medes, Persians, Parthes, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanides, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Ilhanides, Safawides, and of course Turks. The Ottomans captured the city only in 1514 and ruled until the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. Some great historical figures like Alexander the Great and Tamerlane can be added to the list of rulers.

The city has always been a point of collision of forces coming from various directions and served as a base of operation. In the 19th century it became the main Ottoman fortress against the Russians who occupied it three times. The resistance against the supreme in powers of the west was initiated with the War of Independence. Atatürk gathered a Congress of National Delegates here on July 23, 1919 where the foundation of national unity and independence were laid down.

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 (Grand) Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli (Double Minaret) Medrese (theological school), which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljukarchitecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.

Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese 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 Rüstem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.

For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kilometers from Erzurum, and Mount Palandöken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kilometers 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 (150 ft). Erzurum is a province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m (10,000 ft), and also has many hot springs and meadows.

Jereed is an ancient war game like sport and proudly practiced in Erzurum, especially during festivals and weddings.
One of the best meals here is Oltu Cag Kebab, which is considered as a traditional meat dish of world famous Turkish Cuisine.

Oltu Stone

Erzurum has a specific local black stone (Oltu tasi, Jet) which is carved to produce jewelry, rosary beads, key-chains, pipes and boxes, which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan.

Oltu stone, which has been carved in Erzurum since the 18th century, is one of the best examples of semi-precious stones to be found in the world. Oltu is excavated generally around Yasakdag, especially in Dutlu, Hankaskisla, Alatarla and Cataksu villages between the months of March and October. There are approximately 600 oltu quarries. Out of a total of 287 quarries in the Central Dutlu Region, 120 quarries are still being worked.

Jet is obtained from mountainous areas which are dug perpendicularly to the general surface and have galleries 70-80cm in diameter where only two or three miners can work. It's a very compact velvet-black mineral of the nature of coal. Beds of this organic substance are 70-80 centimeters in thickness. Jet is formed when fossilized trees are subject to diastrophism resulting in folding.
The most attractive characteristic of oltu stone is that it is very soft when excavated and only begins to harden when it is exposed to the air. Therefore, it is very easy to carve this mineral. It generally comes in black, but can also be blackish brown, grey or greenish. When put near gas, this mineral bursts into flames and leaves behind a certain amount of ash. When rubbed, the oltu stone attracts, by way of static electricity, light substances such as dust.

Various ornaments made from oltu are some of the best examples of Turkish aesthetic arts. Oltu stones are mostly used to make ornaments including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, tie pins, pipes, studs, cigarette-holders, and prayer beads. It is also used in the electric and electronics industries.

Even though artificial jet is produced, it is easy to distinguish the real oltu stone from the artificial. To be certain if a stone is real jet just heat a pin and see if it penetrates the stone, then the mineral is not real jet. Real jet leaves behind brown residue when scraped with a knife. When you take an oltu stone in your hand and blow on it, vapor is left on the stone.