Erzurum

Introduction

Located in eastern Turkey, you will find this high-altitude city situated at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level. As the capital of Erzurum Province, it serves as a significant regional center with a long history dating back to its time as ancient Theodosiopolis.

Before you go

Prepare yourself for a region shaped by its strategic location between Anatolia and the Caucasus. You will encounter architecture influenced by various conquerors who passed through this corridor over centuries, including the Seljuks and the Ottomans. The city's name reflects its history as a refuge for those fleeing nearby lands during periods of conflict.

Dress warmly for the high altitude, as you can expect bitter cold during the winter months. While early summer brings the most moisture, snow often lingers on the ground. If you enjoy winter sports, you can head to the mountain just south of the city to access skiing and other winter activities.

Getting there

You can reach the city by plane at Erzurum Airport, located northwest of the center. Frequent flights arrive from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Antalya, while international specials from Russia and Germany are available during the winter months. Upon arrival, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the heart of the city.

For rail travelers, the Doğu Express runs daily from Ankara, traveling through several cities before reaching Erzurum. During the winter, a tourist version of this train offers extended stops for sightseeing. While a high-speed railway is under construction toward the region, current trains are often delayed. You can also reach the city by bus from various locations including Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzon, Diyarbakır, and Hopa. The Erzurum Otogar serves as a transit point where you can catch a local bus or take a taxi to your destination.

Getting around

You can explore most of the local sights on foot as they are located within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, buses and dolmuşes travel along the main streets to help you navigate the area.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred location and style of comfort. For those seeking a central stay, several options are clustered together; Hotel Tahran is noted as the best choice within this central group, while Lala Grand Hotel offers a comfortable and central experience. Nearby, Arı Otel provides basic but clean rooms with helpful staff in a central location, though the staff do not speak English. Other nearby choices include Grand Çatalkaya Hotel, which receives mostly positive reviews despite some tatty fittings, and Bigg Boss Otel.

If you prefer a more modern experience outside the city center, you can head toward the outskirts. The Hilton Garden Inn offers a boxy, modern stay on the western edge of the city toward the airport. For those heading toward the ski area, Polat Palandöken provides a smart, modern hotel located south on the road to the mountains.

Food & drink

Because the high and cold climate makes growing soft fruits and vegetables difficult, you can expect a local culinary scene centered on hearty meat dishes. You can sample cağ kebap, which features lamb cooked on a horizontal spit rather than the traditional vertical döner kebab.

For something sweet, try kadayıf dolması, the local version of a pastry made with kadayıf sweet fiber. If you are looking for a drink, you can find cafes serving alcohol along Mumcu Cd.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city where several significant landmarks stand in close proximity. You can visit the Twin Minaret Madrasa, a monumental theological school and city symbol known for its two fluted minarets, or step into the nearby Grand Mosque to experience its vast interior. Nearby, you can explore the Erzurum Museum housed in a modern building to view natural history and artifacts from pre-history through Byzantine times. Just across the street, you can view the Three Tombs with their distinctive conical roofs, or visit the Stone Mosque, which was originally a church before being converted into a mosque.

Other notable sites include the Yakutiye Madrasa, featuring fine stonework and serving as an ethnography museum, and the neighboring Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. For a different perspective of history, you can visit the Atatürk House, a 19th-century merchant's residence with a storied past. If you prefer to explore the outskirts, you can see the Mecidiye Fort or travel toward the Palandöken Ski Center. In the warmer months, you can hike up the dirt road from the center to reach the Palandöken summit.

• Erzurum Castle: Climb the 19th-century Tepsi minaret and watchtower for views of the city from this hilltop site featuring Seljuk architecture.
• Traditional Turkish Baths: Experience a local tradition at one of the many hamams located in central spots.
• Football: Watch a match at the Kazım Karabekir Stadium to see Erzurumspor FK compete in the top tier of soccer.

When to go

You can experience a continental climate when you visit Erzurum, characterized by distinct seasonal shifts. Choose the summer months to enjoy warm and dry weather, which provides the most pleasant conditions for your stay.

During the winter, prepare for exceptionally cold and snowy conditions. While the dry climate often limits heavy accumulation, snow cover is frequent throughout the season.

Three days in Erzurum

Day one, you arrive in the city and settle into your accommodation. You can choose to stay at a grand hotel or find lodging nearby such as Arı Otel.

Day two, you explore the history of the region. You can reflect on the heritage of the Seljuks and Ottomans while taking in the atmosphere of the city located in Anatolia near the Caucasus.

Day three, you prepare for your departure from Erzurum. Whether you are traveling toward Istanbul or other destinations like Antalya or Trabzon, you can make your way to the airport or the station.