AREA: 18.557 km²
POPULATION: 349.437 (1992)
TRAFFIC CODE: 36
In the northeastern corner of the country, stands Kars, over a high plateau. The province, famous in Turkish history, lies at the foot of a magnificent fortress, the Kars Kalesi from the 12thcentury. This castle constructed by the Seljuks, was later restored in the 19th- century, and it affords a wonderful view of the land below. Nearby is an old cathedral which was subsequently used as a church, named as the Havariler Museum (the Church of the Apostles) where some relief of the Apostles can be seen.
One of the most important sights in Kars, is the Kars Museum, housing many archaeological finds from the earliest ages. Beautiful wood carvings, and a wide collection of coins found in the area are exhibited here, together with some ethnographic works of art, such as fine kilims, carpets and local costumes.
42 kms east of Kars, lies Ani, a fascinating medieval town, situated on the ancient Silk Road. This impressive place was once the capital of Urartians, later invaded by the Byzantines and the Mongols, and is located near the Arpacay stream which flows between the Turkish and Armenian Republics. The proximity of this ghost town to the border, places some restrictions on visitors, but the ruins of the mosques and numerous churches, together with the cathedral and the citadel, all inside city walls, are really worth seeing.
Fifty kilometers north of Kars, nature lovers may consider excursions to Lake Clidir, with its artificial island. This area, possessing many different kinds of fish and birds, is a naturepreserve, and it is a lovely spot for relaxation and picnicking. 53 kms from Kars, is Sankamls, another pretty town, which is a ski centre surrounded by large pine forests. It is an attractive resort with modern facilities, providing opportunities for every type of winter sport. Kagizman is famous for its rock reliefs belonging to the Neolithic Age. The Aras River canyon is full of wild, natural beauties. The other significant locations are Tuzluca for its salt caves, Gole for its meadows and Aygir Lake, Posof for its forests and mountains is heavenly and Digor where it is believed that the famous Turkish poet Dede Korkut lived.
Regarding the specialties of the region, folkloric values play an important role, and visitors will enjoy the traditional entertainment of rich and interesting folk dances. The kilims and carpets woven in the area are also famous for their colors and designs. Delicious honey is another specialty of Kars, and tasty "kasar" (Keshkawal) cheese is produced by the villagers in this city of pastures and dairy products.
DISTRICTS: Kars (center), Akyaka, Arpaçay, Digor, Kağızman, Sarıkamış, Selim, Susuz.
SITES OF INTEREST: Mt. Ağrı, Sarıkamış winter sports and skiing facilities, Soğuksu and Karıncadüzü forest recreation areas, Kars, Ardahan and Şeytan castles, city walls among the ruins of Ani, Great Cathedral , Surp Gregor Church, Çoban Church, Keçeli (Halaskâr) Church, Ebul Muammeran and Menuçehr mosques, Stone Bridge (Taş Köprü), Iğdır Selçuk Inn (caravansary), Kars Museum
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (474) 212 46 16
Fax: (474) 212 46 23
Cultural Centers
A hall with 350 seating capacity for theater, conferences, etc.
Contact Address: Cumhuriyet Mah. Şehit Yusufbey Cad.
Lise Sok. No: 28 Kars
Tel: (474) 223 85 70
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate
Kültür Merkezi
KARS
Tel: (0 474) 223 52 47
Fax: 223 33 11
Museum
Kars Museum
Address: İstasyon Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. No: 365 - Kars
Tel: (474) 223 24 53
Historical Sites and Ruins
Ani Ruins - Ocaklı Village
Köşevenk Ruins - Ocaklı Village
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Kars
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 9
Urban Sites: -
Natural Sites: 1
Historical Sites: -
Total: 10
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 321
TOTAL: 331
Significant Days
Conquest of Kars by Seljuk TurksLocal Days of Celebration
Commemoration Day for General Kazım Karabekir
Kars
26 January
Commemoration Day for Çanakkale Victory
Kars
18 March
Commemoration Day for Air Force Martyrs
Kars
21 March
Kars
16 August
Celebrating Atatürk's Arrival at Kars
6 October
Nevruz Holiday
Kars
21 March
Ram Introduction
Kars
25 October
Freedom from Occupation Days
Freedom Day - Kars
Kars
30 October
Significant Weeks
Libray Week
Kars
27 Mach -2 April
Museum Week
Kars
18-24 May
Tourism Week
Kars
18-24 May
Festivities
Local Mistrels celebrations
Kars
Every Night at the Minstrels' Coffe Shop
Korkut Ata Culture Festivity
Kars
30 October
