Van, the pearl of Eastern Anatolia, stands out not only for its famous breakfast, but also for its historical buildings, natural beauties and the world-famous Van Cat. In this article, we will discover why Van is so special and what makes it stand out
So, what is famous in Van? What should you see in Van? And what should you eat in Van? Let's explore together👇
Van is the largest province in the Eastern Anatolia Region and the 19th most populous city in Turkey, with a population of over 1 million 140 thousand. The city is located on the shores of Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, and attracts attention with its historical richness as well as its natural beauty. Urban transportation in Van is well-developed; you can easily travel by bus and minibuses. You can make transportation more practical with the BELVAN card you will get as soon as you step into the city. Savat art, one of the cultural heritages of Van, is a traditional handicraft made with black mud applied on silver. This art, which comes from the Arabic word “eswad” (black), is also defined and protected by the Ministry of Culture. Savat jewellery and objects can be a meaningful and aesthetic souvenir for yourself and your loved ones during your visit to Van.
Van attracts attention with its many historical buildings and these castles reveal the rich past of the city. Van Castle, located 5 km from the city center, has a history dating back to 800 BC. Built by the Urartian King Sarduri I, this castle attracts attention with its walls, towers, rock tombs and military structures. The castle, which was also used for military purposes during the Ottoman period, is one of the most important historical sites of the city.
Another important castle in Van is Hoşap Castle. Located in the Gürpınar district, this castle also dates back to the Urartians. Today, the ruins of the mosque, the ruins of village houses, the harem, the observation pavilion and the selamlık can be seen in the castle. Hoşap Castle, which has remained intact over the years, has managed to become one of the symbolic structures of the city.
Finally, Çavuştepe Castle is another historical castle in the Gürpınar district. Çavuştepe Castle, which emerged with excavations between 1961-1986, is a very remarkable structure with its stables, temple, palace buildings and cuneiform inscriptions. A unique castle in terms of both history and architecture, Çavuştepe is definitely worth a visit.
The Seven Churches are actually five churches, a jamatun (monastic school), a library and a bell tower. It is located on the borders of the village of Yukari Bakracli and on the slopes of Mount Erek. This region is very important both historically and religiously and is one of the places you should add to your list of places to visit in Van.
Akdamar Church, one of the most well-known buildings of Van, is located on Akdamar Island in Gevaş district. First built as a palace church, this structure was later converted into a monastery. With its elaborate wall decorations and Central Asian Turkish art influences, Akdamar Church is one of the most popular historical sites in Van and a must-see.
Finally, the Hüsrev Pasha Mosque is an important monument in the complex in Ortakapı. Built in 1567 by Beylerbeyi Köse Hüsrev Pasha, the mosque was built with the impeccable workmanship of Mimar Sinan. In addition to the mosque, the complex also includes a madrasah, a tomb and an imaret. This building bears witness to history as one of the most elegant temples of the city.
Lake Van is one of the most well-known natural beauties in the city. 120 km long and 80 km wide, Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and the world's largest soda lake. Often referred to as the “Van Sea” by the locals, this lake has a unique structure with both fresh water and salty-soda properties. It is one of the places you should definitely see when you come to Van.
Lake Erçek is located to the east of Lake Van and is a set lake. It is described as “the little brother of the Van Sea” by the people of the city. Lake Erçek is also a bird sanctuary and is home to many bird species. It attracts attention with its natural richness and should definitely be among the places to visit.
Another natural beauty of Van is Muradiye Waterfall. Located in the Muradiye district, where it takes its name, this waterfall is 80 km from Van city centre. The waterfall, which offers different landscapes every season with its strong flow, is also a popular area for camping lovers. It is an enormous natural wonder that must be seen by those who come to Van.
Another waterfall is Kanispi Waterfall. Located 75 km from the city centre and only 5 km from Çatak district, this waterfall flows with enthusiasm, especially in April and almost dries up in September. During this period, it will be a great experience to taste the trout in the facility near the waterfall. Kanispi Waterfall is an ideal place to visit for those who want to spend a day in touch with nature.
Source: Van 65 Haber
Van Cat House is one of these special places. The Van cat is famous around the world and is known for many things: its multicoloured eyes (often blue in one eye and amber in the other), its snow-white fur, and its sociable and playful nature. Van is the homeland of Van cats, and the Van Cat House is a must-visit for those who want to see them up close. This special place is located in the Zeve Campus of Yüzüncü Yıl University, 13 km from the city centre.
Source: Türkiye Kültür Portalı
Vanadokya is famous for its fairy chimneys located in the Başkale district of Van. This region, called “Vanadokya” by the locals, attracts attention with its similarity to Cappadocia in Ürgüp. Surrounded by numerous tunnels and caves, this region has become a centre of attraction for both local and foreign tourists. Don't forget to add Vanadokya to your list of places to visit to discover these unique natural structures in Van.
Source: İpekyolu Belediyesi
Finally, we should mention the Devil's Bridge. Built in the 19th century on the Bend-i Mahi Stream in Muradiye district, this bridge is 17-18 meters above the ground and has a very narrow structure. The name of the bridge is based on an interesting story. A wedding procession had an unfortunate fall into the water while crossing the bridge and after this incident, the bridge became known as “Devil's Bridge”. The Devil's Bridge, one of the most unusual structures in Van with both its history and interesting story, is definitely worth a visit.
Van breakfast has become a rich traditional delicacy due to the city's location on the Silk Road. Prepared entirely with natural products, this breakfast is one of the best examples of Turkish breakfast and has become famous all over the world. In Van, you should definitely try a breakfast of piyaz with tzatziki, honey and clotted cream, and rabbit's blood tea.
After Van's breakfast, there are some famous dishes that should be tasted for those who want to get to know the city better. These include:
Çiriş pilaf: A delicious combination of Van-specific herbs and rice.
Van fish: We recommend that you taste the rich seafood of the lake.
Borani: A kind of dish made with yoghurt and various herbs.
Herbed cheese: Cheese flavoured with herbs unique to Van.
Spoon dessert: Ideal for a light and sweet closing.
Each of these flavours is a great opportunity to discover Van's culinary culture! Enjoy your meal in advance!