Hizan Attractions

The town of Hizan is situated high up in a side valley of the Büyük Dere 50km/30mi or so east of Bitlis. By hiring a local guide it is possible to visit the medieval - and later Kurdish - fortress at Eski Hizan (10km/6mi away) and the several ruined 10th and 11th century monasteries which lie widely scattered in the surrounding area. These include the Monastery of Our Lady of Hzar, a four-hour walk from Nizar Köprüsü (Pira Nizar), the Monastery of the Holy Cross of Hizan (Chinitzor) near Bereket Köyü, and the Monastery of Our Lady of Baritzor with its interesting Göçimen Kilisesi.