Erzurum is the largest province in
Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 meters). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to Eastern
Turkey.
The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in
Anatolia. One of the most important remains from this period is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.
The modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and
university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu (Grand)
Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli (Double
Minaret)
Medrese (theological school), which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk
architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.
Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate
mosque built by the great architect
Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rüstem Pasa
Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.
For
nature lovers, Lake Tortum, 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Erzurum and Mount Palandoken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and
skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kilometers (3,7 miles) from Erzurum. This winter
sports spot is competitive with those of Europe, and the 2011 Universiade Winter Games will be held at these facilities between January 27th - February 6th. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful
lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 meters (150 feet). Erzurum is a province suitable for
mountaineering with peaks of 3000 meters (9,842 feet), and also has many
hot springs and meadows.