Translation

Van

Van, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in eastern Turkey, is eagerly waiting to be discovered. Besides having Turkey’s largest lake, Van is also renowned for its natural wonders and historical legacy, hosting several civilizations that have each left behind a part of itself.




The origins of the city’s name remain unclear, but Evliya Celebi, the famous Turkish traveler who lived in the 1600s, wrote that Alexander the Great recorded in his journal that he had named it after a sanctuary called Vank. Other stories claim it was an ancient city that was given the name Shahmerimekerd after the Assyrian Queen Shah Mariam. But during the last half of the Kuyan Empire, a governor named Van had expanded the city and launched beautifying projects. Inhabitants began referring to the city as Van in his honor.
Van Castle, a must-see for any visitor, is a fascinating site constructed during the Urartian period. At the top is an amazing view of the lake and the city. It is also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
There is a plethora of other landmarks: famous sites include Horhor cave, Akdamar and Adir islands, the Seven Churches, the Charpanak Church, the tomb of Halime Hatun, Cavustepe, Hosap Castle, Muradiye waterfall, Ganisipi waterfall, the Van museum, currently under renovation, Edremit pier, Husrev Pasha Mosque and the Kaya Celebi Mosque. Other locations include the Gevash and Artos mountains and the Izzettin Sir Mosque, where scenes for the movie “Vizontele” were taken. The list sounds overwhelming, but tourist can see the area in just one week.

Lake Van’s islands and their legends
Lake Van’s islands must not be left out of any itinerary. There are boat tours to Akdamar, Charpanak, Adir and Kuzu islands, the most popular of which is a 20-minute cruise to Akdamar to view a spectacular Armenian church. Built by King Gagil I Artunsi between 915 and 921, the church is currently under renovation. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to re-open the church as a museum in April 2007.
The island is also a favorite destination for monks, who go there for spiritual retreats due to its seclusion from the outside world. The story of how the island got its name is quite interesting. According to legend, there was a beautiful young girl named Tamara who lived on the island. Tamara fell in love with a young man renowned for his swimming abilities. The two began to meet secretly each night. Tamara would hold a lamp for her sweetheart. But a few monks learned of their secret and began looking for ways to catch the young man. One stormy night, Tamara did not hold a lamp. Monks were notified of the situation so they decided to deceive Tamara’s sweetheart by holding their own lamp. When the young man saw the lamp, he assumed it was Tamara and immediately jumped into the lake to swim toward the island. But the storm made the waters turbulent. The young man drowned, crying, “Oh Tamara, oh Tamara.” The island was given the name “Oh Tamara” in honor of their love and has come down to the present day as Akdamar.

Lake Van (aka Van Sea)
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey. The-120 kilometer-long lake is sandwiched between the cities of Van and Bitlis, and one city center, six towns and hundred of villages are located on its shore. Inhabitants of Van usually refer to the lake as a sea, which is understandable considering its busy traffic: ferryboat tours between Tatvan and Van, cargo ships and dozens of small fishing boats regularly cross the lake.
The lake is very salty, making it impossible for wooden vessels. Despite its attractions, boaters or jet skiers are rarely seen.

Lake Van monster
The stories of a monster in the lake -- Turkey’s version of the Loch Ness Monster -- have gained wide coverage both in Turkey and abroad. The claim prompted an increase in tourism, but shortly afterwards it was discovered that people had made up the story to boost local tourism. Nevertheless, those who still insist there is a Lake Van Monster.

Winter tourism and mountain climbing
Aside from seeing the sights, both historical and natural, tourists can enjoy skiing, mountain climbing, water sports and much more. In anticipation of growing winter tourism, a ski center will be built on Mt. Kurubas in the village of Gurpinar. Van also hosts several unique birds during the summer season, including flamingos and seagulls. Mountain climbers are attracted to the Artos, Suphan, Erek and Tatvan mountains.

Unique fish in Lake Van
A type of fish known as inci kefali (Chalcarburnus tarichi) lives in the lake’s extremely salty water. In the past, the fish were being caught before they reproduced, creating serious concerns of extinction. In response, the government established a fishing season that allows an uninterrupted breeding period running from April through June.
The best way to prepare for a great tour is to begin the day with a healthy breakfast, with breakfast cafes on almost every corner in Van. On a typical breakfast table is honey, yogurt, cream and butter, yogurt mixed with cucumbers, herbed cheese, breaded cheese, white cheese, eggs, olives, cucumbers and regional dishes. One of the most popular breakfast cafes is Yusuf Konak Bak Hele Bak. Van has a special herbed cheese, the main ingredient of which is herbs grown in the mountains. Aside from cheese, there is murtugadir, made from flour, butter and eggs. One can sample various dishes at tents set up near Van Castle during the summer.

The Van cat
Aside from its lake, Van’s other claim to fame is its cat, which has one amber, one blue eye. These cats are endangered and are currently being protected at the Yuzuncu Yil University Cat House. Locals think these cats create an emotional bond with their owners. Among the most famous of these optically multi-colored felines was Sultan Abdulhamit’s Van cat Pamuk.
There is no shortage of transportation or accommodations in Van. Among the preferred accommodations are the Sahmaran Merit, Tamara, Akdamar and Urartu hotels. One foreign company and one domestic company are planning to construct a five-start hotel in the village of Gevas. The Sahmaran Merit Hotel is 15 kilometers from the city center. Most of the other hotels are located in the heart of the city. Prices range from 30 to 120 YTL ($20-80).

Everything you need at Russian Bazaar
Van is famous for its cheap bazaars, particularly the Russian Bazaar, which is actually several bazaars sitting side by side. One can find just about anything, from gifts to clothes to art, and prices are much lower than those in the stores 100 meters away. People also enjoy visiting the Iran and Egypt shopping districts as well as the Japanese Bazaar.
Tourists will not only enjoy the tours and shopping experiences but also the warmth and hospitality of the inhabitants of Van. Visitors will never forget their hospitality and the amazing view of Lake Van. It truly is a magnificent place, isn’t it?

Four domestic airlines fly to Van
Van is located near the Iranian border. Bus trips from Istanbul take about 26 hours, Izmir, 27 hours and Ankara 18 hours, provided by 300 buses from varying bus companies. Two years ago Turkish Airlines began scheduling flights from Ankara and Istanbul to Van. Now several other airlines such as Pegasus, Sun Express and Izair Airlines have also initiated flights to the region. Turkish Airlines has two flights from Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen Airport and one flight from Ankara.


24.01.2007
YAHYA ÖYLEK  VAN
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