Erzurum, a city in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, is a great destination for travelers seeking to explore the country’s rich culture and history. With its impressive fortresses, ancient mosques, and stunning natural landscapes, Erzurum offers plenty of attractions for tourists to explore. Here are the top 20 places to see in Erzurum, Turkey.
1. Ulu Mosque: This 14th-century mosque is one of the most important religious sites in the city. It is a large, rectangular structure with a single minaret and a large courtyard. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful interior decoration, including a large dome, intricate stonework, and colorful tiles.
2. Erzurum Citadel: This impressive fortification dates back to the 12th century and is one of the city’s main attractions. It was built to protect the city from invaders and is now home to several historical monuments, including a mosque, several tombs, and a caravanserai.
3. Yakutiye Medresesi: This 14th-century medresse (school) is one of the most important Ottoman monuments in Erzurum. It is a large complex with a mosque, library, and several classrooms. The building is decorated with beautiful stonework and colorful tiles.
4. Palandöken Ski Resort: Located just outside of Erzurum, this ski resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in Turkey. It has several slopes of varying difficulty and is a great place to ski in the winter months.
5. Erzurum Archaeological Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region, including pottery, coins, and jewelry. It is a great place to learn about Erzurum’s history and culture.
6. Erzurum Castle: This castle was built in the 11th century and is one of the city’s most important historical sites. It is a large structure with several towers and an impressive gate. Inside the castle, visitors can admire the beautiful stonework and explore the various chambers.
7. Çifte Minareli Medrese: This 14th-century medresse is one of the most impressive religious monuments in Erzurum. It is a large, rectangular structure with two minarets and a grand courtyard. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate stonework and colorful tiles.
8. Yakutiye Külliyesi: This complex was built in the 13th century and is one of the city’s most important religious sites. It is a large complex with a mosque, library, and several classrooms. The building is decorated with beautiful stonework and colorful tiles.
9. Erzurum Atatürk Kültür Merkezi: This modern cultural center is home to several museums, including the Erzurum Atatürk Museum and the Erzurum Archaeological Museum. It also houses a theater, library, and several shops.
10. Erzurum Clock Tower: This impressive clock tower was built in the 19th century and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It is a large, rectangular structure with a large clock and several arches.
11. Erzurum Archeopark: This park is home to several archaeological sites, including the ruins of a 4th-century Roman fortress. It is a great place to explore the region’s history and learn about its ancient civilizations.
12. Erzurum Grand Mosque: This impressive mosque was built in the 13th century and is one of the city’s most important religious sites. It is a large, rectangular structure with a single minaret and a large courtyard. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful interior decoration, including a large dome, intricate stonework, and colorful tiles.
13. Erzurum Atatürk Stadium: This stadium was built in the 1950s and is one of the city’s main sports venues. It is a large, rectangular structure with several seating tiers and a large playing field.
14. Erzurum Bazaar: This bustling bazaar is one of the city’s main attractions. It is a large, covered market with hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing and jewelry to spices and carpets.
15. Erzurum Atatürk Congress and Culture Center: This modern building is one of the city’s main cultural attractions. It houses several museums, a theater, and a library.
16. Erzurum Zoo: This small zoo is a great place to take the kids. It is home to several species of animals, including lions, tigers, and monkeys.
17. Erzurum Botanical Garden: This garden is a great place to explore the region’s flora and fauna. It is home to several species of plants and trees, as well as several species of birds and animals.
18. Erzurum Ski Center: This ski center is one of the city’s main attractions. It has several slopes of varying difficulty and is a great place to ski in the winter months.
19. Erzurum Atatürk Stadium: This stadium was built in the 1950s and is one of the city’s main sports venues. It is a large, rectangular structure with several seating tiers and a large playing field.
20. Erzurum Historical Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region, including pottery, coins, and jewelry. It is a great place to learn about Erzurum’s history and culture.