DOĞUBAYAZIT
Doğubayazıt, which is the eastern gate of
Turkey, hosted for various tribes and
civilizations during history. During this long
adventure continued for centuries, after being
under sovereignty of Urartu, Assyria, Med,
Persia, Rome and Byzantium district had faced
with Islamic raids during Caliph Hz. Osman.
While Doğubayazıt is holding the signs of all
tribes, lived, fight and established
civilizations and cultures within Anatolia, it
also gains importance with its natural
beauties and folkloric richness day by day.
History
Before Malazgirt victory, in 1064, Doğubayazıt
was added to Seljuk lands with the conquest of
Kars, but then it had its share of Timur
occupation with Mongol invasion. District,
which was ruled by Akkoyunlular and
Karakoyunlular from time to time during latter
period, had been conquered by Safevis at the
end of XVth century, and finally is added to
Ottoman lands in 1514, after Çaldıran War.
During the initial years of republic, after
banners had been turned into cities,
Doğubayazıt became a city center with the same
name. But in 1927, with carrying city center
to today's Ağrı, Doğubayazıt was turned into a
province of this city.
How to Go
By Road
As Doğubayazıt is on the transit road of
Turkey - Iran, it is very easy to reach here
by road. The commercial bus firms are
performing regular voyages to Ankara,
Istanbul, İzmir, Erzurum, Ağrı, Van, Iğdır and
other important centers.
By Air
Also in case of coming to Ağrı, Van and
Erzurum via scheduled flights, it is possible
to reach Doğubayazıt from these places by road
during every hour of each day.
Where to Visit
İshakpaşa Palace
Mountain Ağrı
Mount Ağrı, which is not only Turkey's but
also Europe's most highest peak with a height
of 5137 and mounting on the north - eastern
part of Doğubayazıt valley, is one of the
volcanic mountains which has the highest
potential in connection with mountaineering
tourism of our country.
Mount Ağrı has all the characteristics that
people who are interested in mountaineering
seek for. The mountain has not only easy
routes for amateur mountaineers to climb
easily, but also it has difficult routes for
professionals. Having a high distance of
ascent and reaching to the starting point of
ascent by motorised vehicles are also
important advantages.
Mount Ağrı, which drew attention of wanderers,
scientists and tribes for centuries, is a
mount that mostly has been a subject of folk
songs, legends, researches and mythology in
our country and in the world. For centuries,
it is said that the ship in which Noah and his
accompanies were aboard, landed on Mount Ağrı
when the waters receded after Noah's Flood.
One of the characteristics of Mount Ağrı is
its rapid rise as a single piece mass when
looked at from the plain which is at the base
of the mountain. Other high mountains such as
the Himalayas and the Andes are lack of the
splendour of Mount Ağrı as this rise is seen
in stages on them.
Doğubayazıt is not only an important threshold
for reaching to this mysterious and majestic
mountain but also a great possibility. Because
the district, which is a resort place for lots
of wanderers for centuries, has the years
experience for mountaineering tourism.
Meteor Crater
It is at a distance of 2 km. from Iran
territory and 35 km. from east of Doğubayazıt.
The crater was formed due to a meteor fall in
1892. It is the second biggest meteor crater
after the one in Alaska according to its width
(55 m) and depth (60 m).
Noah's Ark
It is a natural monument in a region between
Telçeker and Üzengili villages of Doğubayazıt.
It is 4 km. far from Turkey - Iran transit
road. The monument appears as a ship-shaped
silhouette. Due to the similarity, it is said
that the silhouette is of the ark which landed
on Mount Ağrı as a result of Noah's Flood.
Because of these rumours, many scientists came
to the region in order to make searches. This
natural monument, visited by many tourists
every year, is under protection as a nature
conservation area and an open-air museum.
Balık Lake
It is located 60 km north-east of Doğubayazıt.
Balık Lake, with its 2241 meters elevation, is
one of the highest lakes in Turkey. The lake
is fed by the small brooks coming from the
mountains in the surroundings, springs at the
shores and underground water. There is an
island with an area of 4 thousand sq. meters
on the north side of the lake. On the island,
there are historical remains. The island, with
a population of velvet ducks that brood on the
island, is one of the 100 important bird areas
in Turkey. The lake is famous for its red
spotted trout that are breeding naturally in
the region. However, in winter, serving this
naturally bred trout as a meal is not as easy
as it is thought. As the lake is coated with
ice layers during winter, the fishermen make
holes in the ice to fish.
Doğubayazıt Reedbed
It covers the cavity between Doğubayazıt and
Mount Ağrı where two lakes are located in and
the swampy area lying between these lakes.
This reedbed is also among the most important
100 bird areas in Turkey. It is fed by the
brooks coming from Balık Lake and Tendürek
Mountains. Some of the Bird Species common in
the region are Great White Egret (Egretta
Alba),Pochard (Aythya Ferina), Crane (Grus
Grus), Common Redshank (Tringa Totanus) and
Tufted Duck (Aythya Fuligula).
Ice Cave
It is on a plain ending at the foothills of
the Little Mount Ağrı in the north-east of
Doğubayazıt. The cave is 7-8 meter
underground. There are many ice stalagmites
and stalactites in the size of a lemon or a
human body within the cave which is 50 meters
in width and 100 meters in length.
The ice pieces, shine like a crystal and
change their colour when light is shed on,
amaze the visitors. One of the most important
characteristics of the cave is being cold in
summers and hot in winters. There are
continuous hot and cold draughts at the
entrance of the cave.
Garden of the Monk
It is a big, very green garden with an
appearance just like an oasis just under Old
Doğubayazıt. It is rumored that 16th Century
existed supposed and become notorious for
centuries "Kerem and Aslı" story is happened
in here. Story tells the tragic love of two
juvenile who could not marry as they are
belong to different religions.
Doğubayazıt Castle
At a distance of 7 km from the district
centre, the Castle, was built on a steep rocky
place near the İshakpaşa Palace. It is not
known when the castle was built. However, an
embossed grave found here reveals that this
castle is an Urartu work. The castle, having
experienced the rule of many states throughout
history, was captured by Ottomans during the
Çaldıran Campaign of Yavuz Sultan Selim.
Bayazıt Mosque
It is located in the south side of Doğubayazıt
Castle. The Mosque is assumed to be built by
the Ottoman Ruler, Yavuz Sultan Selim. The
side of the valley where the mosque is placed
now, was smoothed by building a wall and a
flat terrace was formed. The mosque was built
on this terrace. Although the mosque has not
been destroyed much up to day, it cannot serve
people due to its distance to the settlement
places.
Ahmed-i Hani Tomb
The Tomb belongs to Ahmed-i Hani who was born
in 1651. But his date of death is not known.
He was the author of the book named 'Mem u Zin'.
What to Eat
People visiting Doğubayazıt not only see its
natural and historical assets but also taste
the dishes of its rich local cuisine. For
instance, one can taste a big orange sized
Abdigör Meatball only here in Turkey. One can
also enjoy himself sipping the semovar tea
steeped on the glowing coals.
Don't Leave Without
Visiting İshak Paşa Palace and Doğubayazıt
Castle,
Seeing Balık Lake, Ice Cave and Meteor Crater,
Tasting Abdigör Meatball,
Buying wool knitted socks and gloves.
