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Information about Erzurum, Turkey
The city of Erzurum (also Erzerum) is located in eastern Turkey at the eastern end of a wide plain bordered by steep mountains, the city is about 1950 m (about 6400 ft) above sea level. It is crossed by the Korasuyu (Karasu) River. There are flights on Turkish airlines, and you may
also reach Erzurum by long distance coach.
The history of the city of Erzurum extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations. One of the important remains are the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum. The Erzurum Museum has two stories, with three halls for displays. Two of these halls are used for archaeological and ethnographical pieces while the other is reserved for coins. The larger part of the archaeological items are the finds from tumuli at Karaz, Pulur, Güzelova and the environs. These are followed by artifacts from Trans, Caucasian, Urartu and Classical periods. The exhibited ethnographic pieces are local costumes from the Ottoman period, jewelry, utensils, beddings, scissors, tobacco boxes and the like. The coins made from gold, silver and bronze belong to various periods: Abbasi, Ilhanii, Seljuk, Ottoman and Republican.
Erzurum is surrounded by earth fortifications, with some forts on the hills above it and others on a ridge facing the east. The city streets are narrow, and the houses are squat and constructed of gray volcanic rock. Erzurum is well known for handcrafted articles of leather and metal. The city is situated in a fertile agricultural region in which wheat, barley, sugar beets, and vegetables are produced. It is the seat of Ataturk University (1957). Erzurum has been identified as the ancient Armenian town of Garin Kalakh (Arabic Kalikale) and as Theodosiopolis, a city of the Byzantines in the 5th century AD. The Seljuk Turks captured the city in 1071, and the Ottoman Turks acquired it in 1515. The Russians captured and temporarily occupied Erzurum in 1828, 1878, and 1916. A Turkish nationalist congress, convened at Erzurum in 1919, indicated the resurgence of Turkey after World War I. Population (1996 estimate) 248,135.
The modern city of Erzurum, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, mingles with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli Medrese, which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine. Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Uc Kumbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th- century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th- century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th- century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rustem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.
Erzurum has a specific local black stone which is used for jewelry or, the like which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan.
For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 km from Erzurum, and Mount Palandoken provide perfect opportunities. Palandoken winter sports resort only 6 km from Erzurum, this winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m. Erzurum is a very province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m, and also has many hot springs and meadows.
Üç Kümbetler (Three Vaults)
One of the three vaults which is placed on an octagonal plan is considered as belonging to Emir Saltuk, who was the founder of the Saltuk State. All three vaults are completely built from cut stones, but the identity of the other two are unknown. They have a special place among the vaults belonging to Turks with their original plans, the material used and their decorations.
Erzurum Castle
The Inner Castle, which was built on a hill was commissioned by Roman Emperor Teodosius in the 5th century. It was used as military barracks by the Turks until recent years. Castle mosque and Clock Tower are important as they are the first examples of the period of the Turkish Architecture. The tower, which is named Tepsi Minare was used as an observation tower in the middle Ages. It was transformed into a clock tower during the baroque Period of the Ottoman Architecture. It was built by Abu'l Muzafferüdin Gazi who reigned between 1124 - 1132. The small mosque, which is covered with a single large dome, displays typical features of Turkish Architecture.
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