Erzurum
An historical city situated on the oxygen-rich skirts of Palandoken Mountain, Erzurum boasts a unique cultural legacy. Having a growing population, Erzurum is one of the largest cities of the Eastern Anatolian Region due to its geographical location at the crossroads of the ancient trade routes,the cultural heritage of Erzurum has been nurtured by many societies since the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Ages, including a rich culinary legacy. Erzurum is a great destination for those following the Anatolian influence in an eastern geography, willing to get carried away in the atmosphere of a remote city.
1. Erzurum Evleri: This stunning old wooden house, signposted from Cumhuriyet Caddesi, is filled with Ottoman paraphernalia. Dishes include soup, borek and tandir kebap served in private alcoves with cushions and low tables.
2. Cifte Minareli Medrese: Lying East of the center, the single most definitive image of Erzurum dates from the 1200s when Erzurum was a wealthy Seljuk city, before suffering attack and devastation by the Mongols in 1242. The twin minarets are decorated with eye-catching small blue tiles. The tops of the minarets are gone, having succumbed to the vagaries of Erzurum's violent history.
3. Kale: For Erzurum's best views,head up to citadel, erected by the emperor Theodosius around the 5th century and subsequently damaged and repaired numerous times. Inside, spiral stairs and a step ladder climb to the top of the 12th century clock tower.
4. Palandoken: On the road from Erzurum to the summit ,the Palandoken ski resort is located at the mountain village called Baskoy, 2.100 m high, and the distance between the station and the city is 4km. The ski trail is the longest in Turkey. Because of the quality of the snow,steepness of the slopes and the length of the trail, Palandoken is known as the best mountain in Turkey for skilled skiers.