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Home to many different civilizations, Van manages to fascinate local and foreign visitors with its centuries-old history. While it has not yet surrendered to the freezing cold of winter, it is the right time to go and see this geography, which has a rich history and natural beauties. You too can take a little vacation to see the architectural works in Van, the pearl of the East. Here are the attractive visiting points in Van...

1. Akdamar Church

Akdamar or Aghtamar Church was built by the Architect Manuel by the Gagik I the king of Armenia at the time, in order to hide a piece of the True Cross on Akdamar Island. This church, which is among the brightest works of Armenian medieval art, has an important place in Armenian history. It is possible to come across quotations from the Bible on the exterior of the church, where red andesite stone was used in its construction. There is a chapel in the northeast of the church, a jamadun (community house) in the west, and a bell tower in the south. These add-ons reflect different traditions as they were added at different times.

2. Hüsrev Paşa Mosque

Another place you should definitely visit when you go to Van is Hüsrev Paşa Mosque. Hüsrev Paşa Mosque, which is located in a complex consisting of a soup kitchen, tomb, mosque, and madrasah, is among the works of Mimar Sinan. While cut stone is used on the walls of this mosque, which is located in the Ortakapı District of Van, materials such as bricks are used in its dome. The tiles in it when it was first built have not survived until today. The mosque bears the traces of thousands of years of history from its minaret to its doors. The minarets, doors, or domes that were damaged over time are being restored. There is a mihrab right in the middle of the hollow, which is called the Qibla wall and is still used today. This mihrab was built in a rectangular shape from limestone and has exactly three arches and a niche. This mosque, which was built in 1567, was broken and damaged by treasure hunters in 1992.

3. Van Castle

Castles, which had an important function to ensure the security of the city in the past, are among the most striking historical structures today. The history of the castle, which was the capital of the Urartian State under the name of Tuşpa, dates back to 840 BC. There are traces of Urartians, Persians, and Ottomans in the castle. Located five kilometers from the city center, this castle, built by taking advantage of the location of the rocks, is an ideal place to watch Lake Van. If you visit Van, you can witness the magnificent harmony of the Castle with nature.

4. Van Museum

in the Van Museum; From Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic Ages; from Urartu, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk States; There are artifacts from the Turkish-Islamic and Ottoman periods. The sections where the works are exhibited in chronological order take the visitors on a unique historical journey. The museum, which has an area of 13 thousand square meters, has 26 exhibition areas. You can find traces, coins, and ethnographic artifacts reflecting the folk culture of Van from the Paleolithic Period, which lived about 500 thousand years ago, in the Van Castle. The works exhibited in the museum reflect the social life of the period and its perspective on art, as well as the works of great states such as Seljuk, Roman, and Ottoman.

5. Gevaş Halime Hatun Cupola

This tomb, which has Seljuk traces on it, is located in the Gevaş district. Located just east of the Seljuk Cemetery in Gevaş, this cupola was built by İzzettin Saltuk for his daughter Halime Hatun in 1335. The master who built this cupola is known as Esed, the son of the Pehlivan from Ahlat. The restoration of this cupola, which has many geometric shapes in its architectural plan, was carried out by the Directorate General of Foundations in 2018.

Elite World Van for Accommodation!

You are invited to Elite World Van to see the cultural and geographical beauties of Van, the pearl of the East. Elite World Van will win your appreciation with its decoration reflecting the harmony of neoclassical and palace architecture. With its friendly staff and comfortable rooms, you can make a reservation right away to feel at home during your stay.

You can make your visit much more enjoyable thanks to the food presentations made with various concepts and designs in the Restaurant and Bar section. You can also relieve the tiredness of the day with the Fit Life Spa & Health Center service. Elite World Van, located in the heart of Van, is waiting for its guests.

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