Erzurum, Turkey - Travel

First impressions are rather important, don’t you think? The mountains that surround Erzurum have seen their fair share of impactful events, creating a looming mysterious presence alike to ghosts. And indeed, nestled between the Paladöken Mountains (Palandöken Dağı) in the east of Turkey (Türkiye), this place awaits visitors to tell them stories of the past and the present.

The capital of Erzurum Province is located 1945 metres above sea level and is home to more than half a million people. It is situated in the eastern part of the Anatolian region, near the Caucasus countries of Armenia and Georgia, and Iran. Historically, this old city has always had a significant Kurdish population and has been tied to a large Armenian Diaspora.

In the present world, Erzurum enchants you with a magical atmosphere that is hard to forget. Yet, it should never be overlooked that this town has had a huge impact on the region. Cobblers, shoemakers, metalworkers, painters, builders, carpenters, and many more traditional and crafts professions were continuously nurtured through the trade opportunities of the Silk Road. In this commerce and cultural exchange network, Erzurum held a crucial role in the context of Anatolian routes. The mountains provided shelter for the travelling merchants, and the famous Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai, or Taşan (Rüstem Paşa Kervansarayı), let them rest at night in comfort and safety.

Erzurum Tours

Being surrounded by the snowy mountaintops, Erzurum is always busy hosting tourists. Whether it’s for being a transfer point for the nearby Palandöken ski resort or staying in the city itself, its mystifying aura tends to attract people. Winters are quite harsh, with temperatures dropping to –35 degrees Celsius. In that regard, January is the coldest, with constant snowfalls that paint the surrounding valleys white.

The mountains aren’t the only appealing feature for the tourists. In fact, you can plan your trip to Erzurum any time you prefer. Summers are mild, and local valleys and waterfalls are particularly mesmerising during this season. Whether you love nature, sports, or arts, Erzurum is worth visiting! So, fasten your seat belt, take a virtual journey in this snowy resort, and plan your trip accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Erzurum

The best time to visit Erzurum is winter, when the holiday season is booming at the nearby Palandӧken ski resort. December, January, and February are ideal months to get the most of it. Consider booking a trip around Christmas and New Year’s Day, as there are a plethora of things to do in Erzurum during the Public Holidays—the festive decorations and snow are surely going to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Those who would like to visit the local landmarks, but are not as keen at the sight of snow, can visit the city in September and witness the local equestrian Javelin Games for unforgettable memories.

History of Erzurum

Modern Erzurum is known for its history, culture, and winter sports. The past is reflected in many aspects, and the present modernity of the city is mesmerising.

The settlement was built on the site of the village of Theodosiopolis-Karin, the ancient Byzantine fortress and once a part of the Arshakuni/Arsacid kingdom of Greater Armenia. Modern-day Erzurum’s name comes from Christians who moved to the city, calling it Artsn Rum (Artze of the Rûm, i.e., Romans) after the Seljuks took the reins of the neighbouring city of Artze.

Erzurum was first linked to the Urartians around the 9th century BC. Later, other civilisations, like the Romans and, eventually, the Byzantines, ruled over it. It was around this time that the city started becoming a trade point and a major military hub.

Seljuk Turks came into play in the 11th century. After taking control, they emphasised the importance of this place, and this is exactly when it flourished. Many of the historical sites and landmarks that are popular among tourists were built during the Seljuk reign, the Double Minaret Madrasah, for instance. In the 13th century, Erzurum was invaded by the Mongols, suffering perpetual mass destruction. Yet, two centuries after that, things started to improve under Ottoman rule. During this time, the city became a significant provincial capital and expanded its culture and architecture.

The late 19th century and early 20th century were especially critical for Erzurum for the tumultuous times. Notably, the Erzurum massacre is known as a historical event when a large part of the Armenian community was mass murdered and highly impacted during the Great War, in 1915-1916.

Later, the Erzurum Congress was held from 23 July to 4 August 1919 by the nationalist movement that had emerged. Atatürk, the founding father of the modern Republic of Turkey, resided in Erzurum for some time, as he was elected chairman of the Erzurum Congress. This Congress was decisive in the conduct of the future War of Independence. As a matter of fact, the Turkish War of Independence in 1920 changed the course of the country's history forever. The newly liberated Turkey started rapidly developing in all areas.

What to Do in Erzurum

Things to do in Erzurum are endless. From the dreamy mountains that make this city cosy, to the football matches that will leave you rooting for local athletes and Erzurumspor FK (Erzurumspor Futbol Kulübü), widening your horizon, both literally and figuratively, is going to be the biggest outcome of your Erzurum tour.

Landmarks and Attractions in Erzurum

Start your journey from the Erzurum Forts (Erzurum Tabyaları). They were originally used as a defence mechanism during the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian war and have gained great historical significance. After you stroll through the grounds, you can take a rest and enjoy the surrounding gardens in the recreational zone.

The Twin or Double Minaret Madrasah (Çifte Minareli Medrese) should be the next stop on your list. It is also known as Hatuniye Madrasah and is thought to have been completed in 1265 before the end of the Seljuk rule in 1277. Due to the intricate designs, the true diamond of the building is the grand entrance flanked by two minarets.

300 metres from the Double Minaret Madrasah, you will find the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler), which consists of three individual mausolea and a fourth small square-shaped structure close to them. Due to its simple structure, the latter was left out of the name, as it has not been determined whether it is a tomb or a small mosque. People buried in two of these tombs are unknown, while the largest of the three tombs, built in the late 12th century, is thought to belong to Emir Saltuk.

If you’re particularly interested in the mosques of this city, you can visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), built in 1179; the Erzurum Bakırcı Mosque (Erzurum Bakırcı Camii), built in 1720; and the Caferiye Mosque (Erzurum Caferiye Camii), with Ottoman architecture and built in 1645. The former is located right across the street from the Double Minaret Madrasah and can hold up to 10 thousand worshippers.

Erzurum Museums

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s name is particularly significant for residents of this town, since he spent some time here when the nationalist movement was rising in the country. The residence he was staying at became the Erzurum Atatürk House Museum (Erzurum Atatürk Evi Müzesi) and can now be visited by tourists. From paper clippings and hand-written notes to clothes, you can see a variety of items linked to the founding father of the Republic of Turkey.

Next, move to the Erzurum Castle (Erzurum Kalesi), constructed by the Byzantines. It is in the centre of the city and dates to the 5th century. The castle has a Kale Masjid and a Tepsi Minaret as well, built during the Saltukoğulları period, which makes it even more unique. Parts of this site are the oldest Turkish structures in the city and have withstood centuries of hardships.

If you’re into visual art and sculptures, you’re surely going to appreciate the Erzurum Painting and Sculpture Museum (Erzurum Resim Heykel Müzesi). It was established in 1963 in an edifice originally constructed in 1864 and has been operating in the Erzurum Congress building since 2016. The museum exhibits pieces of various periods of Turkish painting.

Erzurum Archaeology Museum (Erzurum Arkeoloji Müzesi) is open every day and can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The entrance fee is rather affordable, only about 110 Turkish liras, as of January 2025. The museum started operating in 1942 as the “Erzurum Museum” inside the Double Minaret Madrasah. Over the years though, the location changed a couple of times, and Erzurum Museum eventually became Erzurum Archaeology Museum. The facility displays artefacts from the 4th millennium BC to the Seljuk period and those of the Karaz, Pulur, and Sos ancient settlements, and many other excavation sites.

Erzurum Turkish-Islamic Arts and Ethnography Museum (Yakutiye Medresesi Türk İslam Eserleri ve Etnografya Müzesi) is located in the building of the Yakutiye Madrasah, a 14th-century educational institution. The museum started operating in 1994 and has since welcomed visitors interested in viewing traditional Turkish clothes, jewellery, accessories, weapons, coins, and other culturally and historically significant items.

Additionally, you can visit the Ata Ice Museum and Cafe to view beautiful ice sculptures all year round.

Erzurum Theatres

Erzurum isn’t richly endowed with theatre groups. Yet, there are many municipal cultural centres where a large variety of events take place. Still, there are some noteworthy theatres and performance groups you can learn more about in the local performing arts.

Start from the Erzurum State Theatre (Erzurum Devlet Tiyatrosu). From musicals to children’s plays, there is a wide variety of plays actively being performed on their stage. The next most significant group of performers is the Rabarba Erzurum Children's Theatre (Tiyatro Rabarba Erzurum Çocuk Tiyatro ve Organizasyon Şirketi). If you’re looking for a more specific and niche performance for children, you need to see them live. They’re a travelling theatrical group that holds workshops, organises various events, and has dedicated its time and energy to performing in even the smallest villages to make sure they reach every single child.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Erzurum

Entertainment

Erzurum is most famous for its nature and winter activities. One of the most explored ski resorts in the country, Palandöken (Palandöken kayak merkezi) or Ejder 3200, is only a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The resort sits at 2,148 metres above sea level, with the peak towering at 3,185 metres, and is a perfect place for skiing and snowboarding. The season opens in early December and ends in mid-April, which gives tourists a rather lengthy period for winter holiday opportunities.

There are particularly many wedding halls in Erzurum, so if you’re planning to get married or want to renew your vows, consider booking one of them. Further, visit the local curling facility (Spor Genel Müdürlüğü Curling Salonu) to have a fun time on ice.

Parks of Erzurum

One of the most fascinating places in the city is the Ata Park Botanical Garden (Ata Park Botanik Bahçesi). Here, you can see a large variety of local species from different plant families. Strolling through the paved paths, with multiple bridges built over superficial ponds, makes for a more scenic view. Due to the high altitude, it is currently the highest Botanical Garden in Turkey.

Tavsanli Park (Tavşanlı Parkı) is especially majestic during the winter months. The snow makes everything look better, and the wooden gazebos create a cosy feel. After you get tired of walking around and playing with the bunny rabbits local to the park, you can sit down and enjoy a nice, warm cup of tea in the cafe. There’s even a small store you can buy all the essentials and snacks from.

If you’re looking for a more children-friendly option, the 100th Anniversary Park (100 Yıl Parkı) would be a great choice. Right next to it is the Aziziye Park (Aziziye Parkı), which is a famous tourist destination for its central location. It is rather close to hotels, cafes, and even some of the city’s most prominent landmarks, like the Erzurum Castle and Atatürk’s House, so you can start your exploration from here. The park is home to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s statue and a gorgeous central fountain that creates many photo opportunities. Nearby, a tea house serves delicious hot beverages to make your stay even more memorable.

Shopping in Erzurum

Erzurum has a variety of shops where tourists can easily find handmade items and souvenirs. Walking around the city, you will see a plethora of small local establishments where you can find memorable merchandise. Finding better deals by bargaining with sellers is a widely accepted custom here.

Other than minor boutiques, Erzurum has a wide variety of shopping centres you can choose from. Two of the most highly rated places are:

• MNG AVM—the fifth biggest shopping centre in the Eastern Anatolian region and the largest one in Erzurum. It is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Forum Erzurum—smaller in size, but it has a wide range of shops that offer high-quality items suitable for all tastes.

Lastly, if you want to get a taste of Erzurum’s local produce, do visit the Kars Bakkaliyesi store. This place has shelves and fridges full of nuts, cheese, charcuterie, and many more. The store also has a website (www.karsbakkaliyesi.com), where you can get products delivered to other provinces too.

Food in Erzurum

Turkish Cuisine

Erzurum is famous for its Cağ Kebabı and Stuffed Kadayif (Kadayıf Dolması). The former is a kebab variety that is made of lamb meat and spices, served in a flatbread, while the latter is a dessert made of kadayif dough that is thinly shredded and is then wrapped around a nut filling. Before frying it, the dolma is given a light egg wash. Local dairy products are rather popular among tourists, as well.

Other outstanding dishes from the Turkish cuisine include Et Döner, Şiş Köfte, Büryan Kebabı, Yavalama Çorbası, Erzurum Pide, Tarator, and Aşure.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Restaurants and cafes in Erzurum serve meals made of high-quality, fresh food. Even though there aren’t any strictly vegetarian or vegan establishments, you can find plant-based options at most places in the city.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Coffee and tea are an integral part of Turkish culture. As you walk, you will often spot teahouses or people enjoying a delicious cup of sand-brewed coffee. Coffee houses and bakeries are concentrated in the city centre, and you can often find them near the main roads.

Bakeries and pastry shops are full of delicious cakes, croissants, and biscuits, as well as local culinary stars such as Kadayıf Dolması. Tea with sugar and lemon is also pretty favoured in Erzurum, so be sure to give it a taste.

City Transport in Erzurum

Road infrastructure in Erzurum is well-developed. Two of the main roads in the entirety of the country run through the city:

• D100—connecting the West to the East; from Kapıkule, at the Bulgarian border checkpoint, to Gürbulak, the Iranian border;
• D950—connecting the North to the South; from Hope on the Black Sea coast to the Syrian border. Buses and shuttles.

Public buses are comfortable and affordable here. You can catch them at various bus stops throughout the city and even go to the nearby skiing resort of Palandöken.

Taxis

Hailing a taxi is quite easy along the main streets of the city centre. Depending on one’s needs and requirements, a suitable company can be found swiftly. If you have decided to travel long distances, we advise you to negotiate the price before you embark on the journey.

Car rental

Renting a car in Erzurum is simple, even in the middle of the night. Rental companies like Erzurum DAS auto car rental are open 24/7, ready to provide service to the guests. Companies usually have their own policies, so please be sure to choose the one suited for you. We also advise tourists to read local road safety rules and guidelines to ensure maximum safety.

Other Modes of Transport

The city is relatively small, so walking is the best option to get its true essence while sightseeing. But, if this isn’t for you, enjoy a bicycle ride by renting one in one of the shops downtown.

How to Get to Erzurum?

Erzurum can be accessed by plane, bus, car, or even train. The Erzurum Airport (ERZ) is quite close to the city centre, approximately 14 kilometres away. Companies like Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress all actively operate there. It is most convenient to arrive in one of the big cities (e.g., Istanbul) first and depart towards this province from there.

Moreover, Erzurum has a train station that regularly operates from nearby big cities. Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi), an overnight passenger train, runs in 7 provincial capitals: Ankara, Kirikkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars.

Additionally, there’s a bus terminal that is in service every day. Buses arrive from nearby cities, as well as nearby countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and others.

Languages Spoken in Erzurum

Turkish is the official language here. Yet, as a popular holiday destination, English can be heard there quite frequently. Particularly, near the landmarks, at the car rental companies, taxis, and hotels in Erzurum.

Our tour guides speak several languages other than Turkish, like English and Russian; nevertheless, communicating with the locals is not hard with a friendly attitude.

The Erzurum dialect sounds very similar to Azerbaijani, so understanding between tourists from Azerbaijan and local residents should not be a problem. Moreover, Erzurum has a large Kurdish diaspora, so you will often hear Kurdish, too.

Currency in Erzurum

The official currency throughout Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). You can exchange money at the airport or in the city. We advise you to do it in advance to be more prepared.

ATMs are concentrated in the city centre and bigger shopping facilities. However, small shops might not have up-to-date payment options, so it is better to keep some cash on you.

Security in Erzurum

Turkey is generally safe for everyone, and Erzurum is no exception. It is advised to use common sense when travelling abroad and keep your valuables and money in a safe place. To fully enjoy your voyage, it would be best to carefully read road and safety guidelines and to get information on local laws and customs.

4G service is widely available in Erzurum; thus, keeping in touch with your loved ones or having the local emergency numbers close at hand is another precaution you can take.

One more useful thing you can do is keep your identification documents on you to not lose them. This will also come in handy when you rent a car or decide to travel to a nearby city for more adventures.