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Turkey Travel Tips : AĞRI
Ağrı is one of the far eastern provinces in Turkey that has the following districts: Diyadin, Doğubayazıt, Eleşkirt, Hamur, Patnos, Taşlıçay and Tutak. The population of the city is about 550.000 including the districts, villages and city center. Ağrı is considered as one of the coldest cities in Turkey during winter seasons. There are great touristic areas in the city however we do recommend you to visit those areas during spring or summer seasons since the snow might be a big problem in some regions within the province boundaries. But if you are a fan of snowy weathers, you are in the right place!
Let’s see where you should consider to visit during your trip to Ağrı.
5 Places To Visit in Ağrı
Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı)
Ağrı Dağı is the highest mountain in Turkey with an elevation of 5,165 m and an ice cap on its summit. There are two major volcanic cones on the mountain. The mountain is located between Doğubeyazıt district and Iğdır province. The city of Ağrı is famous with the mountain. The mountain is considered as the resting place of Noah’s Ark. The snow on the top of the mountain stays there all the time during four seasons. It is a great experience to climb to the mountain during summer.
Meya Caves
Meya Caves are located in Günbuldu Meya village 15km south to Diyadin. The caves are in within the rocks standing side by side and only 400m away from the village. In the caves, you will see various areas to be used as shelters, temple, place of worship and multi-purpose room. Some rooms have their doors and balconies in front of the windows. From what we see is that the area might have hosted several different religions throughout the history. Some of the ruins are mihrab carved on rocks, stones with cross mark on and Islamic and Yezidi burials. There are also stones on which are considered to be the footprints of Hz.Ali’s horse.
Ice Cave (Buz Mağarası)
Ice Cave, known as Buz Mağarası in Turkish, is one of the great natural beauties in the region. It is located just between the district of Duğubeyazıt and Gürbulak. You will reach the cave 3 km after the Hallaç village. There is no road to the cave for vehicles so you will need to park your car about 500m after the Hallaç village. If you visit the cave during spring or summer, you will see how fresh the air is inside. As you go through the cave, the air gets colder and you see the ice masses. If you like walking and are an adventurous personality, it will be a great experience for you.
Urartu Castle
Urartu Castle is located 5km east of Doğubayazıt. The exact date for the building of the castle is not known. However, it is considered to be one of the castles built during Urartu reign. Inside the castle are Urartu tombs and architectural ruins from Ancient Age. The castle has three main sections and in the middle of it are caves and remains of a temple.
Ishakpaşa Palace (İshakpaşa Sarayı)
Ishakpasa Palace should be on the top of your list if you are going to visit Ağrı. It is an Ottoman-period palace that reflect the history of Ottomans in Modern Turkey. It is located in Doğubeyazıt. The palace is well established looking at the sections existed there. There is a mosque in the palace, hall for ceremonies, and dungeons in the palace. It also has a system heating the whole area centrally. You should definitely visit Ishakpasa Palace in order to see the beauties reflecting the 15th century. You can visit our post on how to go to Ishakpasa Palace.
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