Kars

In the northeastern corner of the country, stands Kars, over a high plateau. The province, famous in Turkish history, lies at the foot of a magnificent fortress, the Kars Kalesi from the 12thcentury. This castle constructed by the Seljuks, was later restored in the 19th- century, and it affords a wonderful view of the land below. Nearby is an old cathedral which was subsequently used as a church, named as the Havariler Museum (the Church of the Apostles) where some relief of the Apostles can be seen.

One of the most important sights in Kars, is the Kars Museum, housing many archaeological finds from the earliest ages. Beautiful wood carvings, and a wide collection of coins found in the area are exhibited here, together with some ethnographic works of art, such as fine kilims, carpets and local costumes.

42 kms east of Kars, lies Ani, a fascinating medieval town, situated on the ancient Silk Road. This impressive place was once the capital of Urartians, later invaded by the Byzantines and the Mongols, and is located near the Arpacay stream which flows between the Turkish and Armenian Republics. The proximity of this ghost town to the border, places some restrictions on visitors, but the ruins of the mosques and numerous churches, together with the cathedral and the citadel, all inside city walls, are really worth seeing.

Fifty kilometers north of Kars, nature lovers may consider excursions to Lake Clidir, with its artificial island. This area, possessing many different kinds of fish and birds, is a naturepreserve, and it is a lovely spot for relaxation and picnicking. 53 kms from Kars, is Sankamls, another pretty town, which is a ski centre surrounded by large pine forests. It is an attractive resort with modern facilities, providing opportunities for every type of winter sport. Kagizman is famous for its rock reliefs belonging to the Neolithic Age. The Aras River canyon is full of wild, natural beauties. The other significant locations are Tuzluca for its salt caves, Gole for its meadows and Aygir Lake, Posof for its forests and mountains is heavenly and Digor where it is believed that the famous Turkish poet Dede Korkut lived.

Regarding the specialties of the region, folkloric values play an important role, and visitors will enjoy the traditional entertainment of rich and interesting folk dances. The kilims and carpets woven in the area are also famous for their colors and designs. Delicious honey is another specialty of Kars, and tasty "kasar" (Keshkawal) cheese is produced by the villagers in this city of pastures and dairy products.

Kars Timeline

A town and district in Northeastern Turkey, 30 miles (48 km.) west of the Armenian border.

To Urartu.......................................c. 900-c. 595
To Persia.......................................c. 595-331
To Armenia.....................................331 BCE-428 CE
- Armenia a Roman client.....................66 BCE-37 CE
- Armenia a Persian client.......................37-47
- Armenia a Roman client.........................47-252
- Armenia a Persion client......................252-287
- Armenia a Roman client........................287-384
To Persia..........................................428-591
To the Byzantine Empire............................591-607
To Persia..........................................607-623
To the Byzantine Empire............................623-653
To the Caliphate...................................653-657
To the Byzantine Empire............................657-658
To the Caliphate...................................658-690
To the Byzantine Empire............................690-711
To the Caliphate...................................711-885
To Armenia.........................................885-961
- Bagratid Military governors (Sparapet, Strategos, Dux) until about 960, then Kings until 1064.
- Shapuh........................................892-905
- Ashot.........................................905-925
- Son of Ashot, unnamed......................c. 925-c. 960
Mushegh............................................961-984
Abbas I............................................984-1029
Gagik-Abbas II (in Tzamndav 1065-81)..............1029-1064 d. 1081
To the Byzantine Empire...........................1064-1071
To the Great Seljuqs..............................1071-1077
To the Rum Seljuqs................................1077-1086
To the Great Seljuqs..............................1086-1092
To the Rum Seljuqs................................1092-1242
To the Mongols....................................1242-1295
To the Persian Il-Khans...........................1295-1343
To the Horde of the White Sheep...................1343-1387
To the Timurid Empire.............................1387-1405
To the Horde of the White Sheep...................1405-1508
To Persia.........................................1508-1514
To the Ottoman Empire.............................1514-1828
To Russia (formal incorporation 1878).............1828-1918
To the Ottoman Empire........................Apr.-Dec. 1918
South West Caucasian Republic.....................1918-1919
To Armenia........................................1919-1921
To Turkey.........................................1921-

TransAnatolie Tour
A - Group License N°4938 - The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism