Guide To Eastern Turkey Discover Its History Experience The Magic

We are headed to Eastern Turkey after visiting Kızkalesi. Looking forward to the next seven days as we discover Eastern Turkeys’ history and experience the magic of this region. Not many tourists take the opportunity to experience this region of Turkey. This post, “Guide To Eastern Turkey Discover Its History Experience The Magic,” is our eighth in a series of posts about Turkey. Our plans is to visit Gaziantep, Sanlıurfa, Mardin, and Kahta.

We are looking forward to what awaits us; we are told that Eastern Turkey is rich in history and famous for its unique foods and flavors. Ugur will be our Guide To Eastern Turkey.

We write about our adventures as we travel across Turkey with ITT Group Turkey. Having purchased this Turkey tour package while visiting Pamukkale. An incredible experience that we have enjoyed, saw and learned a lot about Turkey, its people, and culture, not to mention the vast history of this country.

Guide To Eastern Turkey Gaziantep What To See And Do (map)

After leaving Kizkalesi, we arrived in Gaziantep (previously and still informally called Aintab or Antep) around one afternoon. After checking into our hotel for the night, it was off to find lunch. Our previous guide, Meral, told us that if the world were a house, Gaziantep would be its kitchen. Finding Ciğerci Mustafa Kalealtı restaurant near the castle, Cindy and I both ordered the dish Gaziantep is known for the Aubergine (Patlican) kebab. It is a lamb kebab with eggplant roasted over the coals on a spit. The meal was good, maybe too much eggplant, but tasty. After finishing our meal, we left to visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

Zeugma Mosaic Museum (map)

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is just that, a museum dedicated to the mosaics found at the ancient ruin site of Zeugma on the Euphrates river. In Roman times, a legionary camp was built; the city’s location meant that a wealthy upper class soon settled here, including administrative officials, the military, and merchants who lavishly furnished their villas. Zeugma experienced the “Golden Age” in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The Roman villas with their mosaic and fresco decorations also date from this period.

A fantastic museum of Mosaics that brings the Roman past to us. The detail and colors are stunning; many different mosaics detail life from over 2000 years ago. It took us about one hour to go through the Museum. If you enjoy seeing mosaics from the past, this Museum is a must. Never before have we seen so many in such good shape.

What does it cost to visit Zeugma Mosaic Museum

• The entrance fee is 40 TL
• Audio Guide 30 TL

Gaziantep Kalesi (map)

After visiting the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, we went to see Gaziantep Kalesi, one of the most beautiful examples of surviving castles in Turkey. There is no definite information about when Gaziantep Castle was built. It is known that it was founded on a mound whose history dates back 6000 years ago. Archaeological excavations revealed that the castle was first built as a watchtower in the Roman period and expanded over time in the 2nd-4th century AD. It took its current form in the 6th century AD during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. You pass by coppersmiths hammering away on their next project on the way to the entrance.

Gaziantep Defense and Heroism Panorama Museum

The gallery, located inside Gaziantep Castle, was opened in 2009 and is known as the “Heroic Panorama Museum,” where the heroic struggle in the War of Independence is told. This epic victory of Gaziantep’s people heroically defended their city during the occupation that lasted for ten months and nine days. In the gallery, you will find information chronologically with pictures, reliefs, sculptures, presentations, and models; this struggle is explained in great detail with 79 panels, 41 reliefs, 52 sculptures, and 13 busts, 125 portrait reliefs. There is a lot of information here; it’s hard to take it all in; it’s a very moving presentation, though it explains in great detail the struggles.

What does it cost to visit Gaziantep Kalesi?

• The entrance fee is 10 TL (they do not take cash tap only)

Metanet Katmer (map)

Metanet Katmer is a small restaurant specializing in making Baklava; we stopped here purely by accident. The show of making the Baklava and serving the Baklava was worth seeing, as you will see from the video below. But we got four complete dishes of Baklava when all we wanted were some pieces to sample. The cost of this mistake was expensive, very expensive.

Gaziantep Archeology Museum (map)

We did not have the opportunity to visit the Gaziantep Archeology Museum, which was too bad as this is an experience we do not like to pass upon. We enjoy visiting these museums as they always offer something extraordinary to look at.

What does it cost to visit Gaziantep Archeology Museum

• The entrance fee is 15 TL
• Audio Guide 30 TL

Hours of Operation

• Summer hours 08:30-19:00 (Monday : Closed) Saturday 08:30-19:00 Sunday 8:30-16:30
• Winter hours 08:00-17:00(Monday : Closed) Saturday 08:00-17:00 Sunday 08:00-17:00

Foods And Flavors Of Gaziantep

Gaziantep is well known for its many types of baklava with pistachio nuts, whole, or powder.

Thoughts On Gaziantep

As I mentioned earlier, Gaziantep is known for its food and has been called the Kitchen Of The World. We wanted to experience more of the foods that this city is known for. We were looking forward to experiencing this kitchen, but we fell short. Limited time and our guide didn’t appear to like Gaziantep. So our time here was one night, not enough time to experience Gaziantep truly.

We are off to Mardin, a four-hour drive from Gaziantep. I’ll say about the roads and highways in Turkey; they are excellent to drive on; some do have tolls, though.

Guide To Eastern Turkey Mardin What To See And Do (map)

Arriving in Mardin around 12:30 pm, we found our hotel, quickly checked in, got settled, and then explored the city. We agree to meet up around 18:00 to go for dinner. The women are off to explore what there is to see or purchase in the many shops found along the street. I went off on my own to take some pictures while exploring some of the back roads. Running out of areas to discover, I found a barber and realized that I could use a shave (face and head). I left my new friend/barber clean-shaven and happy with the experience and the price. I tipped the man generously for his time. Life sometimes just feels simpler with a bit of pampering.

Brief History Of Mardin

Mardin is a stunning ancient city located in the southeastern part of Turkey; it is a historical city established on the fertile Mesopotamian plain and has hosted many different civilizations over thousands of years. While virtually unheard of in the outside world, Mardin is very famous within Turkey for being one of Turkey’s most historic and beautiful cities. Mardin was first settled around the 11th century BC and was strategically located on top of a steep hill overlooking a large valley and the Tigris River.

Guide To Mardin’s Old Town Bazaar (map)

Like every city or town in Turkey, Mardin has a bazaar or street that sells unique items from foods to jewelry and pretty much everything in between. We stayed in the old town area up on the hill, and the main street here has merchants selling everything. We found a jeweler from whom Cindy bought some earrings, nice looking and inexpensive. I’ll be honest; we were waiting to visit Sanlıurfa before buying too many things as there is a vast bazaar there that sells spices and handmade copperware. Meral told us to buy the wine from Mardin as it was said to be good, so we did what we were told and purchased several bottles. Some we sampled, and others saved until we saw Meral again in Cappadocia. All in all, we enjoyed visiting the local merchants, and we did leave some Lira behind.

Dara Ancient City (know as Ephesus of the Southeast) (map)

The ancient city of Dara is located 30 kilometers southeast of Mardin. Dara city is one of the most important settlements in Upper Mesopotamia, and since excavations began, various findings have been unearthed – most notably a 1,500-year-old mass grave. In the sixth century, Dara was considered the last stronghold of the Byzantine Empire in the east. The 18-meter-long and 3-meter-wide walls were constructed encircling the city for defense and cisterns to provide enough water for the population of 40,000. The water cistern, referred to as the “dungeon” by the public, could hold 10,000 cubic meters of water 6 meters deeper than the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.

We visited Dara while in Mardin, which is a definite must-see. Oğuz (ancient city of Dara) is about a 45-minute drive from Mardin. Arriving around 10 in the morning, we found that this place is not all that busy, which for us it is a nice thing. Less activity gives you time to explore the ruins at your own pace and take many photographs. This place was amazing; seeing all the rock caves and then seeing the mass gravesite was astounding. History never ceases to amaze us with its complexity. You are always left wondering why or how, and sometimes even who. Dara is no different as it has more questions than answers. A beautiful place now, I’m sure very different from days gone by.

After spending nearly an hour walking around the main necropolis site, we headed off to find the large cistern not that far away from the necropolis. Before reaching the cistern, we see an older woman attending to her animals and small children walking toward her. We are struck by how life is so different from what we are used to, as we are in awe of these ancient ruins that we have come to visit. The people here live their daily life’s within these historical ruins and think nothing of it; for them, I’m sure life is a lot more complicated. Reaching the cistern and climbing into its deep bowels, you are struck by the sheer magnitude of the size of this man-made creation and the beauty of the structure itself—something very oddly beautiful about this place.

After leaving the cistern, we walk through and around the town, marveling and many different things we see, from the historical to the everyday life that we see the locals participating in.

We enjoyed our visit to Dara (Oğuz), the ancient city was incredible, walking around the town was very interesting and seeing all the sights. I would suggest that you need a couple of hours here in Dara to see most things; it is worth the trip to see this fantastic place.

What does it cost to visit Dara Ancient City

• The entrance fee is free

Hours of Operation

• Summer hours 08:30-19:00 (Monday : Closed) Saturday 08:30-19:00 Sunday 8:30-16:30
• Winter hours 08:00-17:00 (Monday : Closed) Saturday 08:00-17:00 Sunday 08:00-17:00

About Deyrulafrazan Monastery (map)

The still-active Deyrul Zafaran Monastery is located 6km outside of Mardin. Built for the Assyrian Christians in 493AD, this monastery is still one of the most important religious centers for the Assyrian Church. It was built on what was originally a sun temple and later used as a castle by the Romans. A small area is open to the public for a fee. There is no public transit to the monastery, so a taxi is your best option.

We stopped and visited on our way back from visiting Dara. We arrived around noonish and found that the monastery was closed until 1:00 pm for lunch. So we had tea as we waited; we paid the 20 TL to enter the monastery at one. I’ll be honest; there is not that much to see; rather disappointing compared to the monasteries that we visited in Georgia. If you don’t have the time, I think this is one stop that I would skip.

Mardin Museum (map)

One of the must-visit places in Mardin opened in 1995 as a public museum. The Mardin Museum is housed in a nineteenth-century building with remarkable architecture. Before you head to explore the exhibits inside, take time to appreciate the beautiful exteriors of the Museum. Inside the Mardin, Museum is displayed antique jewelry from the region of Mardin. An archaeological section in the Museum also features tools, stamps, figurines, and more artifacts from the rich past of major civilizations that once called this part of Turkey home.

We enjoyed our visit to this museum; there are many unique displays set up that date back thousands of years up to the present area. Many exhibitions have information cards that explain what you are looking at. If in Mardin, this Museum is well worth the price of admission.

What does it cost to visit Mardin Museum?

• The entrance fee is 12.5 TL for adults; all others are free

Hours of Operation

• Summer hours 08:30-17:30(Monday : Closed) Saturday 08:30-17:30 Sunday 8:30-17:30
• Winter hours 08:00-17:00(Monday : Close)Saturday 08:00-17:00 Sunday 08:00-17:00

Guide To Eastern Turkey Sanlıurfa What To See And Do (map)

Sanliurfa and the region were known as Urfa until 1983, but the prefix “Şanlı” (Glorious) was added after that date. The change was to recognize the resistance displayed throughout the Turkish Independence War after the French occupation following World War I. Sanlıurfa is the fifth sacred city in the religion of Islam. It is believed that the prophets Abraham and Abu_Ayyab have lived in this region. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Abraham was born here. In this context, the city of Sanlıurfa is associated with the city of Ur, mentioned in the Old Testament. Sanliurfa is also known as “The city of Prophets” in the Middle East.

We were looking forward to visiting Sanliurfa because it is known for its history, food, and religious significance. We planned to spend three days here in Sanliurfa as there was much to see and experience. This was also where we were going to purchase spices and such at the bazaar. Our first stop before reaching Sanliurfa was Gobekli Tepe, a place that I had never heard of but turned out to be an amazing experience. Gobekli Tepe is located 20 km out of Sanliurfa so it is very accessable.

The Mystery Of Gobekli Tepe (map)

Gobekli Tepe translates as “Potbelly Hill,” one of the most significant archeological discoveries ever made. It is a super ancient Neolithic archeological site in Southeastern Turkey that is believed to date from 9,500 to 8,000 BC. Gobeki Tepe is regarded as one of the most important archeological discoveries. One that has the potential to profoundly change the way we understand a crucial stage in the development of human society. Excavation: As Of 2021, Less Than 5% of the Site Has Been Excavated

What was The Purpose Of Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe was built at the time of the first permanent human settlements in this part of the world. There are no indications that this was built by a permanently settled population. There is no evidence of agricultural cultivation, and it was distant from any known water source (5 km). Therefore Gobekli Tepe is thought to be the first temple used by groups of nomadic or semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. It’s believed that various religious rituals were carried out here, and gods were offered sacrifices. Gobekli Tepe is so important that it can change our knowledge regarding the prehistoric ages; this earned it a place on UNESCO’s World Culture Heritage List.

What To Expect When Visiting Gobekli Tepe

The site comprises several large circular structures supported by massive stone pillars. These are the world’s largest known megaliths (a large stone that forms a prehistoric monument). Many pillars are decorated with human-like details and reliefs of wild animals such as antelopes, snakes, foxes, and lions. Some abstract drawings and characters can also be seen on these columns.

Our Experience At Gobekli Tepe

Arriving at Gobekli Tepe at 11:30 am after driving from Mardin. We were surprised at how busy this archeological site was, with tour buses and such. After purchasing our tickets from inside the souvenir building, we then headed toward the bus pick-up point. Here there is a bus that transports people from the parking lot area to the site of Gobekli Tepe, about a kilometer up the road. We walked the distance, appreciated the stunning landscape and fresh air, and took some pics. Besides, walking is a good form of exercise as we try to make 10k steps daily.

Arriving at the excavation site, a boardwalk makes its way around Gobekli Tepe. The first stop and the most interesting is the covered area where there are several excavated temples showing the giant T-shaped megalith surrounded by smaller ones in a circle. Most of the megaliths have some form of relief carved into them. When you think about these people having no tools, just pieces of flint to cut the megalith out of the mountain. Then, carving out art onto these enormous stone blocks blows your mind.

While standing on the boardwalk, looking down in awe upon these incredible large pieces of T-shaped stone placed here thousands of years ago. It starts to sink in the significance; this place is so old it predates everything one can think of. To be standing here was a moment that I will never forget. We spent about 2 hours between the excavation site and the museum building. Gobekli Tepe is a location that should be on everyone’s must-see list. After visiting Gobekli Tepe, marked sure you visit the Şanlıurfa Museum nearby in Şanlıurfa. The Museum contains findings found at Gobekli Tepe, which are simply incredible.

Gobekli Tepe Dates From the Neolithic Period in Turkey (It’s So Old That It Makes The Great Pyramid Look Young)

Age Of Notable Ancient Sites:

• Göbekli Tepe: 9,500 to 8,000 BC
• Çatalhöyük: 7,500 BC to 6,400 BC
• Stonehenge: 3000 BC to 2000 BC
• Pyramids of Giza: 2,550 to 2,490 BC

How Many Years Before:

• 5,500 to 7,500 Years: Before The Great Pyramids
• 6,000 Years: Before The Age Of Writing
• 6,000 Years: Before Stonehenge
• 6,000 Years: Before Akkadia – The World’s First Empire
• 10,000 to 11,500 Years: Before You Read This Blog

What does it cost to visit Gobekli Tepe?

• The entrance fee is 12.5 TL for adults; all others are free

Hours of Operation: Open every day of the week

• Summer hours 08:00-19:00 April 1 – October 31
• Winter hours 08:00-17:00 November 1 – March 31

What To Do And See When Visiting Harran (map)

Harran is located 47 km south of Sanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey and looks as old as the Bible. In fact, it’s even older; it is said to be first inhabited six century BC. Harran played an essential role throughout most of the region’s history and was the location of many battles. The Book of Genesis says the Patriarch Abraham lived here for a while. The most distinctive aspect of Harran (HAH-Rahn, pop. 7000) is its traditional “beehive” adobe houses, constructed entirely without wood; you can visit these models at the Cultural Center. The design of these makes them cool inside, suiting the climatic needs of the region, and is thought to have been unchanged for at least 3,000 years. Harran also has a fortress dating from the 11th century to 8th-century Ulu Cami (Great Mosque).

We traveled to Haran to see the beehive houses and were impressed by the size and how long they can last (300 +years). We were guided through the house we visited by the granddaughter of the gentleman who last lived in it. We were told that Granddad had seven wives and 45 children. Things were different back then. After our tour through the house, we said our thank yous and tipped the lady as there was no other fee to visit this unique house. After leaving, we drove by the castle and took some pictures, as the castle was not open to visitors, not sure why.

Our last stop before leaving Haran was to visit the great mosque. Marwan II built the Great Mosque, Ulu Cami, which is believed to be Turkey’s first purpose-built mosque. The 29 m tall square ancient minaret north-east of the Harran hill marks the ruins of this sizeable ancient mosque. The remains include ornately carved stone capitals, arch-stones, and a rebuilt minaret staircase with 105 steps. Still standing are the east wall, mihrab, ablution fountain, the central arch, and the minaret, which also served as an astronomical observatory.

Despite the actual problems in Syria, there are no safety problems while visiting Harran, where everything is quiet and peaceful.

Old Halfeti The Flooded City (map)

About half of the Old City of Halfeti was flooded during the construction of the Birecik Dam in 2000. Halfeti was founded in the 9th century B.C as a place where history lives. Covered by the waters of the Euphrates River, the submerged village offers a glimpse into the past, with ancient stone houses and mosques. The underwater town is a popular boat trip which you can catch in Halfeti. There are many boat tours that go out from here. The cost is 45 TL, and the boat departs when it is full.

Leaving Harran and driving for two hours, we arrived in Halfeti around two in the afternoon. The weather was not promising; the boats do not go out if the lake gets too rough. We purchased our tickets and waited for the boat to fill up; we were told that we would be the last boat out today. The boat trip up the river to see the underwater city was cold as clouds started to roll in and it had started to rain. The scenery along the river was beautiful while passing many interesting sites. The boat trip took about an hour and a half, all in all, an interesting couple of hours. If you are lucky enough to visit in the spring or fall, you might see the black rose that Halfeti is famous for, as these roses only turn black in this area.

Sanliurfa Museum (map)

The Sanliurfa archaeological museum has three levels. Several displays with findings and artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, Bronze and Iron Ages, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras. There is even a section for Prophets. Other interesting sections of the Museum are the Gobeklitepe hall and Nevali Cori hall. Next to the archaeological Museum, another museum features the ancient villa with Haleplibahce mosaics.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Sanliurfa Museum as the displays were impressive, especially the hall dedicated to Gobekli Tepe. If you visit Gobekli Tepe, you should visit this Museum. We are continually being mesmerized by the history that Turkey has been a part of over the thousands of years. There is so much to see and learn here at the Museum. The displays and artifacts are in chronological order, with display boards full of information about the period. We would recommend visiting this facility as it does a great job of taking the visitor on a journey through time.

We spent 2 hours here learning the importance of the Sanliurfa area and its impact on civilization. We purchased the audio guide as its information along the way is invaluable.

What does it cost to visit Sanliurfa Museum?

• The entrance fee is 25 TL for adults (this includes the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum as well)
• Audio Guide 25 TL

Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum (map)

Remains of a Roman Domus (Villa) were discovered at the future site of the Haleplibace Mosaic museum. These mosaics show a high level of refinement and elegance; Haleplibahçe Mosaics represent the hunting scenes of warrior Amazon queens and the life story of Trojan hero Achilleus, both essential elements of Antique Greek Mythology.

The geometrical motif, floral designs, pigeons, wingless Eros, squirrel, duck, tiger, partridge, gazelle, and greyhound figures decorating the borders of hunting scene mosaics are genuinely unique.
The cost of visiting was included in the price of the Sanliurfa Museum entrance fee, we visited for about 1 hour, and these mosaics were a wonder, beautiful in every respect. Definitely worth visiting.

The Religious Significance Of Sanliurfa’s Fish Lake (map)

According to both the Bible and Quran, it is the birthplace of Abraham (Ibrahim). Local Muslim legend differs from that of the other great faiths by the intervention of one cruel King Nimrod, who had Abraham launched from a catapult from the city’s citadel to fall into a pile of burning wood. Happily, God intervened and turned the fire into water and the wood into fish. Today, the visitor to the town can visit the mosque complex surrounding Abraham’s Cave and The Pool of Sacred Fish (Balikligöl) around it. The cruel ruler’s giant slingshot is represented by two Corinthian columns still standing atop the citadel. The Lake of Fish and the cave said to be the birthplace of Abraham are places of pilgrimage for both Muslims and Christians.

Fish lake was bustling with activity with all the people surrounding the lake and feeding the fish (silver carp). The lake is full of fish, and they love their food. The area around fish lake is peaceful and has a sense of calm; it is a beautiful place and good for your soul. Another interesting place to visit is the cave Mevlid-iHalil. Located at the foothills of Urfa Castle and adjacent to the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the cave of The Holy Birth of Abraham, its water is considered to be sacred. Today people come to the cave to pray, drink its water, and make a wish.

When entering the cave, you are required to remove your shoes. The cave has two entrances, one for each gender. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, and headscarves are handed out to women who require one. Inside the cave, there are some artifacts; deeper inside, you will find visitors praying, and you will find taps, where you can fill a container of the said holy water or cups, which are provided to have a drink; this is what we did.

You could easily spend several hours here at fish lake, the cave, and the mosque just wandering around, appreciating the significance of this holy spot.

Shopping In Sanliurfa’s Dergah Çarşısı Bazaar (map)

Dergah Çarşısı Bazaar is located very near Fish Lake; we were looking forward to visiting this bazaar because we were going to purchase our spices. If you have read some of our other posts, you will know that we love our spices as we love to cook and enjoy all kinds of flavors. Entering a local bazaar is like walking into another world, from sights, smells, sounds, and foods. We love the feeling of getting lost in the experience.

This bazaar did not disappoint as there was plenty to look at and experience. Cindy and I were in awe of the many artisans working with copper, creating beautiful art to making practical cookware. We visited several times as we stayed near here the first night and then when we visited fish lake. In the Bazaar, we purchased nearly a dozen different spices that we hoped would bring back memories of Turkey when we used them back at home to cook.

The Copper cookware was handcrafted, and since our passion is cooking, we purchased a couple of heavy frying pans that would complement our kitchen at home. Last to the list of purchases at the bazaar was a couple of copper mugs. We purchased all of our copper from one particular gentleman. He would order us Cay tea as we conversed and haggled over the price of his handcrafted merchandise.

We can’t recommend it enough to anyone; visiting an authentic local bazaar is a must, and the experience is something that will stay with you long past the time when you are back home. People are friendly, the food is fantastic, and the memories are forever.

Guide To Eastern Turkey Kahta What To See And Do (map)

After spending three nights in Sanlıurfa, we were off to Kahta, looking forward to visiting Mount Nemrut. The enormous sculptures found atop Mount Nemrut are synonymous with Turkey and something that we wanted to see. We enjoyed our visit to Sanlıurfa, but it was time to move on. On the way to Kahta, we stop at Ataturk Dam for a few pictures. It’s the 7th largest dam globally, a beautiful vantage point complete with Cay tea.

As we are driving into Kahta, we can see fresh snow atop the mountains; this is not looking good for our visit to Mount Nemrut. After settling into our room in Kahta at the Nemrut Hotel, we were off in the hotel’s van and headed toward Mount Nemrut. Fingers crossed.

Awe Inspring Karakus Tumulus (map)

Karakuş Tumulus is an artificial mound, 35 meters high, located on a natural hill. Its Turkish name means “Black Bird,” and its origin is explained by the column standing at the tumulus, the top of which is decorated with the sculpture of an eagle.

Karakuş Tumulus was our first stop on our way to Mount Nemrut, an interesting spot to stop and look around. A walking path encircles the hill, and the views from this vantage point are magnificent. You can see all the way to the top of Mount Nemrut; I took several pictures using optical zoom. It turns out that would be as close as I would get to see the large statues. There is no cost to visit, and we recommend stopping as it has incredible views. We spent about a half-hour here before moving on.

Magnificent Cendere Bridge (map)

Our next stop was at Cendere Bridge; a bridge built back in Roman times approx 200 BC. This is a beautiful spot just to stop and admire the bridge and the river with its amazing scenery. It only takes a minute, and you will be rewarded with some incredible pictures.

Incredible Kahta Castle (map)

After leaving the bridge we headed to Kahta Castle which dates back to the Romans 1 or 2nd century AD. The castle was closed for renovations when we visited. We were able to get some interesting photos, of the unrenovated part of the castle from the road. Therefore, it may be worth a quick detour if you’re on your way to Arsameia and Mount Nemrut.

Arsameia on the Nymphaios (map)

Arsameia, located at the foot of Mount Nemrut, is a magical place that is hidden in the shadow of its famous cousin. The ruins of ancient Arsameia silently wait for someone to drop by. We did stop here as this is as far as we were going to get because the road to Mount Nemrut was closed because of snow. Disappointed yes, but we were able to explore Arsameia. Once we parked the van and we were off up the path towards the top, where we found a cave that was blocked off and you could not enter. Below this sp[ot there is a landing that has a monument of sorts. From this point, we headed toward the Relief depicting the handshake between Heracles and Mithrydates. We took some time to take photos re-enacting the handshake.

From this point, we headed to the top of the mountain to see the remains of some ruins plus get a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. Beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains. After this, we headed back to relief where there was an entrance to a cave that I believe goes down into the earth 150 meters, not that we walked it. Found at the entrance to the cave is what is called The Great Cult Inscription of Arsameia. The longest Greek inscription is found in Turkey. It is written in Greek in five columns and reports in detail the benefactions of Mithridates’ son, Antiochus I Theos, to Arsameia. 1st century BCE. We spent a little over an hour here enjoying the views and the history that surrounds this place.

After leaving Arsameia we headed back to Kahta, disappointed in not getting to see Mount Nemrut, maybe some other day if we make it back.

Mount Nemrut (map)

Mount Nemrut or Nemrud is a 2,134-metre-high mountain in southeastern Turkey, notable for the summit where a number of large statues are erected around what is assumed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century BC. It is one of the highest peaks in the east of the Taurus Mountains. The summit is home to one of Turkey’s most iconic sights and a fascinating ruin.

Under the 50-meter-high, man-made burial mound on the summit, Antiochus’ tomb is said to be concealed (though despite extensive archaeological work here, his tomb has never been found), but on top of the mound is one of eastern Turkey’s prime tourist attractions.

Most visitors time their visit for either sunrise or sunset to experience the true magic of the setting. Note that due to snow closing the road to the summit, the mountain is only regularly accessible from around May to October. This happened to us, the road was closed due to snow. Be advised that from the summit car park to the funerary terraces, there is a 600-meter uphill walk.

Foods And Flavors Of Eastern Turkey

The food and flavors of Eastern Turkey were incredible. Gaziantep is well known for its many types of baklava with pistachio nuts, whole, or powder. Turkey serves up a variety of meats including chicken, lamb, goat, and beef served in various ways like stewed in clay pots, skewed on a stick called a kebab, and grilled. For every meal, some form of bread is included like flatbread, Pidesi (round bread served daily but especially during Ramadan), and simit (sesame seed rings). All the bread is baked fresh daily and makes your mouth water with the aromatic smell of the bread cooking.

Chronological Timeline Of Turkey

Paleolithic Age (Early Stone Age) 60,000 – 10,000 BCE	Mesolithic Age (Mid Stone Age) 10,000 – 8,500 BCE
Neolithic Age (Late Stone Age) 8,500 – 5,000 BCE	Chalcolithic Age (Copper Age) 5,000 – 3,000 BCE
Bronze Age 3,000 – 2,000 BCE	Hatti and Hurrian Civilization 2,500 – 2,000 BCE
Troy – II Settlement 2,500 – 2,000 BCE	Hatti and Hittite Principalities Period 2,000 – 1,750 BCE
Great Hittite Kingdom Hurri Civilization 1,750 – 1,200 BCE	Troy – VI Civilization 1,800 – 1,275 BCE
Aegean Migration and Invasion From Balkans 1,200 BCE	The Anatolian Principalities during the Iron Age 1,200 – 700 BCE
Urartu Civilization 900 – 600 BCE	The Civilization of Phrygia 750 – 300 BCE
Lydia, Caria, and Lycia Civilizations 700 – 300 BCE	Ionian Civilization 1,050 – 300 BCE
Persian Conquest 545 – 333 BCE	Hellenistic And Roman Age 333 BCE – 395
The Byzantine Civilization (Eastern Roman Empire) 330 – 1453	The Seljuk Empire 1071 – 1300
The Ottoman Empire 1299 – 1923	The Republic of Turkey Since 1923

ITT Group Turkey

ITT Group Turkey is a Company that offers exceptional tour packages that can be customized to your specific needs, wants, and expectations. In this series of posts that you will be reading, we have teamed up with the ITT Group Turkey to highlight our travels throughout Turkey. What started as a search for a transfer from Pamukkale to Fethiye has become so much more. The ITT Group Turkey pays great detail to customer satisfaction, meaning that they go out of their way to provide a high standard of service for a very competitive rate. ITT Group Turkey can customize a tour package for you, just let them know what you would like to see and do, it’s that easy.

Meral our tour guide for most of our travels would call ahead of our destinations to find restaurants that served a specific dish or find tickets to the Whirling Dervish when we stayed in Konya. My point is that your guide or driver will go out of their way to make your trip one of those life moments that will stay with you forever. All the small details are taken care of just sit back relax and enjoy your private guided tour.

We babyboomerbudgettraveler did not receive any form of compensation, we enjoyed our trip with ITT Group Turkey and would like others to have the same experience. If you follow one of our links to ITT Group Turkey and book using the phrase “3btraveler” you will receive a discount rate of a minimum of 5%.

How To Apply For Turkey eVisa

The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System allows visitors traveling to Türkiye to quickly obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr) in approximately three minutes. It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 everywhere with an internet connection. After filling in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport, and travel dates, the applicants can obtain their visa and pay the visa fees online. It truly is that easy; We would recommend having a printed copy as well, just because.

Our Thoughts “Guide To Eastern Turkey Discover Its History Experience The Magic”

We loved our trip to Eastern Turkey, an incredible region well worth visiting. Initially, we had no plans of visiting Eastern Turkey but were talked into going by Meral who was our guide when we visited Pamukkale. We only spend seven days touring the East and could have easily spent another seven, maybe then we might have been able to visit Mount Nemrut.

Sanlıurfa was our favorite city and area to visit, could have spent more time here. Gaziantep we didn’t spend enough time, one day does not do this area justice. There is just so much to see and experience, I’m sure a lifetime would not be enough.

Next Stop

Cindy and I, and my sister, are on our way to Cappadocia, hoping that the winter weather is finally behind us. We are looking forward to being reunited with Meral our incredible tour guide. Meral has guided us through most of our trip but could not make Eastern Turkey. We look forward to the famous balloon ride, a must when visiting this area. We have three days planned in Cappadocia, looking forward to whatever experiences we can find.

Support Our Blog And Its Unique Travel Content

You can support our site by using the links through our travel Essential. If you purchase items using our links, we will receive a small commission. There are no extra or hidden costs to you. These commissions assist us in our travel, so we can provide unique content to you through each blog post. If you enjoy our blog and find it interesting and informative please share it with friends. Subscriber, so you never miss a new post. Thank you.

Recommended Travel Essential

Cindy and I call ourselves nomadic, so we use certain essentials to make this way of life easier and more comfortable with our lifestyle. With this in mind, we have composed a list of what we feel are essentials and some tips you might use to plan or take your next travel adventure.

• Travel Packing Essentials to help organize and make this task less stressful
• Travel Safety Essentials to make your life on the road a little safer, giving you peace of mind
• Living essentials to make life a little more comfortable, be this resting, working, or playing.

Accommodation Options While Traveling The World

• Booking.com is one of our go to’s when we are looking for a place to stay for a couple of days or longer
• Agoda.com we find is best to use when in Southeast Asia, but hey you never know what you might find
• Airbnb.com used to be our go-to but some of their cancelation policies are reasonable, give them a try as well

Travel Insurance

We always travel with travel Insurance, just medical or complete trip coverage. We use Heymondo as we find their costs reasonable. Remember, don’t travel, and without coverage, the savings are not worth the possible costs.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning if you buy a product using our link, we may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Disclaimer.