Van, Turkey Attractions
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Eastern Anatolia
Van Excavations
The earliest excavations in Van began in 1827 and were important in unraveling the mysteries of Urartian civilization and language. Istanbul University conducted further excavations in 1959/1960 and established a "Center for Historical and Archeological Research of Van" in 1967.
History
Ca. 840 B.C. the Urartian ruler Sardur I built a citadel and the town of Tushpa, the capital of his empire, on the rocky outcrop. To the west of the modern town this later became Van fortress (Van Kalesi). The region was inhabited in the third millennium B.C. by the Hurrians, regarded as the ancestors of the Urartians and also as the first tribe to create a political and cultural entity in eastern Anatolia.
Van Excavations
The earliest excavations in Van began in 1827 and were important in unraveling the mysteries of Urartian civilization and language. Istanbul University conducted further excavations in 1959/1960 and established a "Center for Historical and Archeological Research of Van" in 1967.
History
Ca. 840 B.C. the Urartian ruler Sardur I built a citadel and the town of Tushpa, the capital of his empire, on the rocky outcrop. To the west of the modern town this later became Van fortress (Van Kalesi). The region was inhabited in the third millennium B.C. by the Hurrians, regarded as the ancestors of the Urartians and also as the first tribe to create a political and cultural entity in eastern Anatolia.
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Old Town
The Old Town area of Van is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important repository of notable monuments from the Islamic period.
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Rock Tombs
The Tushpa Rock Tombs are the final resting places of the Urartian rulers. The burial chamber of King Ardisti I features Urartian cuneiform texts detailing the life and times of the king.
Van Surroundings
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Ahtamar Adasi
Located in Lake Van, the island of Ahtamar Adasi is home to the ruins of a monastery complex which was likely established in the 10th C.
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Gevas - Domed Tomb, Turkey
The Domed Tomb dates from the mid 14th C, and features impressive decorations and a pyramid roof.
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Hosap, Turkey
The Hosap is a massive complex dating from the mid 17th C. Contained within its walls are baths, mosques, a medrese, a well, cisterns, prison, and 360 rooms.
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Yedikilise, Turkey
Yedikilise has the remains of religious buildings, many of which are in a state of disrepair. The Church of St Mary is the best preserved, and features paintings from the 11th C.
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Yedisalkim
Yedisalkim is an area featuring a deep gorge and over 60 caves with prehistoric paintings.
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Çavustepe
The Urartian castle at Çavustepe was once the seat of King Sardur II (764-735 B.C.). Much of the castle still remains, including the walls, workshops, and the Temple of Chaldi.