Sorry, no claim packages available. Please, contact the site administrator.
Van, Turkiye
Van: The Ancient Capital of Urartu and a Crossroads of Civilizations
Van is a historically rich city located in eastern Türkiye, on the southeastern shore of Lake Van. As the capital and largest city of Van Province, Van has served as a crucial cultural, political, and military center for thousands of years. It was once the capital of Urartu under the name Tushpa and later became a significant Armenian and Byzantine stronghold before coming under Seljuk and Ottoman control.
A Brief History of Van
Prehistoric Roots and Urartu (ca. 5000 BCE – 6th century BCE)
The region’s human history dates back to at least 5000 BCE, evidenced by archaeological sites such as the Tilkitepe Mound near Lake Van. In the 9th century BCE, Van—then known as Tushpa—became the capital of the powerful Urartian Kingdom. The ruins of Van Castle (Van Kalesi) and cuneiform inscriptions still testify to this early civilization.
Persian, Hellenistic, and Armenian Periods
Following Urartu, the city came under Persian Achaemenid control, evidenced by a trilingual inscription of Xerxes the Great near Van Castle. Later, Van was conquered by Alexander the Great and absorbed into the Kingdom of Armenia during the reign of Tigranes II. The city was known as Tosp, and its surroundings formed the heart of the Armenian highlands.
Medieval Van: Byzantines, Sassanids, and the Kingdom of Vaspurakan
After centuries of conflict between the Byzantine and Sassanid Empires, local Armenian dynasties regained control. In 908 CE, the Artsruni dynasty established the independent Kingdom of Vaspurakan, with Van as one of its rotating capitals. The last king ceded the kingdom to the Byzantine Empire in 1021.
Seljuk, Mongol, and Ottoman Rule
Van fell to the Seljuks after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. It later passed through the hands of the Ahlatshahs, Ayyubids, Mongols, Timurids, and Turkoman federations before the Ottoman–Safavid rivalry intensified control. The Ottomans firmly secured Van in 1639 with the Treaty of Zuhab.
19th–20th Century and the Armenian Genocide
By the late 1800s, Van was a multi-ethnic city with a majority Armenian population and a thriving cultural scene. During World War I, Van was the site of significant violence during the Armenian Genocide. In April 1915, Armenians resisted massacres, and the city changed hands multiple times between Ottoman and Russian forces. Post-WWI, Van became part of the modern Republic of Türkiye.
The Republic Era and the Defense of Eastern Borders
Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Van experienced some of the most turbulent years in its history. During the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923), the city and its surrounding eastern provinces were of critical strategic importance. Under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, and his trusted military commander İsmet İnönü, Turkish forces fiercely defended the country’s eastern borders. Van stood as a symbol of resilience, with many Turkish soldiers sacrificing their lives to preserve national unity and sovereignty. Their efforts ensured that Van remained within the borders outlined by the Misak-ı Millî (National Pact). The legacy of these heroes lives on in the spirit of the modern Republic, and their sacrifice remains an inseparable part of Van’s historical identity.
Cultural and Historical Legacy
Van Castle (Van Kalesi): A massive Urartian fortress overlooking the lake, still standing today.
Xerxes Inscription: A rare trilingual stone inscription carved into a rock face.
Ruins of Old Van: The remnants of the old walled Armenian city, destroyed during WWI.
Ahtamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross: Located on Lake Van, this is one of the most iconic Armenian religious sites.
Van Breakfast
Van Cuisine and the Legendary Breakfast
Van is not only rich in history and natural beauty, but also boasts one of the most distinctive culinary traditions in Türkiye. Van breakfast (Van kahvaltısı) is internationally renowned for its incredible variety and flavors. A traditional Van breakfast table is a true feast, featuring dozens of local delicacies such as otlu peynir (herbed cheese), murtuğa (buttery egg and flour dish), kavut (roasted wheat flour), cacık, kaymak (clotted cream) with honey, and a variety of olives, jams, and freshly baked bread. The experience is not just about food—it’s a cultural ritual that brings families and friends together. In fact, Van even holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest breakfast table. Beyond breakfast, Van cuisine reflects the region’s eastern Anatolian heritage, with hearty dishes based on meat, grains, and wild herbs. Visitors are encouraged to try keledoş, ciğer kebabı (liver kebab), and ayran aşı soup for a full taste of local flavors.
Van Cat – The Iconic Feline of Eastern Türkiye
Van is also famously home to the unique Van Cat, a rare and treasured breed known for its long, silky white fur and its striking eyes—one blue and one green. These beautiful cats are not only loved for their appearance but also for their friendly and intelligent nature. The Van Cat holds a special place in local culture and is protected as a symbol of the city. You can even visit the Van Cat Research Center in Van to see and learn more about these remarkable animals.
How to Get There
Van has a regional airport (Van Ferit Melen Airport – VAN), offering direct flights from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Bus services connect Van to nearby provinces such as Bitlis, Hakkâri, and Ağrı. It’s also accessible via scenic drives along the lake or from Iran through the Kapıköy border crossing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Van is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes around Lake Van are at their most stunning. Spring offers blossoming almond trees, while fall brings crisp air and clear lake views.
Van, Turkiye
Van: The Ancient Capital of Urartu and a Crossroads of Civilizations
Van is a historically rich city located in eastern Türkiye, on the southeastern shore of Lake Van. As the capital and largest city of Van Province, Van has served as a crucial cultural, political, and military center for thousands of years. It was once the capital of Urartu under the name Tushpa and later became a significant Armenian and Byzantine stronghold before coming under Seljuk and Ottoman control.
A Brief History of Van
Prehistoric Roots and Urartu (ca. 5000 BCE – 6th century BCE)
The region’s human history dates back to at least 5000 BCE, evidenced by archaeological sites such as the Tilkitepe Mound near Lake Van. In the 9th century BCE, Van—then known as Tushpa—became the capital of the powerful Urartian Kingdom. The ruins of Van Castle (Van Kalesi) and cuneiform inscriptions still testify to this early civilization.
Persian, Hellenistic, and Armenian Periods
Following Urartu, the city came under Persian Achaemenid control, evidenced by a trilingual inscription of Xerxes the Great near Van Castle. Later, Van was conquered by Alexander the Great and absorbed into the Kingdom of Armenia during the reign of Tigranes II. The city was known as Tosp, and its surroundings formed the heart of the Armenian highlands.
Medieval Van: Byzantines, Sassanids, and the Kingdom of Vaspurakan
After centuries of conflict between the Byzantine and Sassanid Empires, local Armenian dynasties regained control. In 908 CE, the Artsruni dynasty established the independent Kingdom of Vaspurakan, with Van as one of its rotating capitals. The last king ceded the kingdom to the Byzantine Empire in 1021.
Seljuk, Mongol, and Ottoman Rule
Van fell to the Seljuks after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. It later passed through the hands of the Ahlatshahs, Ayyubids, Mongols, Timurids, and Turkoman federations before the Ottoman–Safavid rivalry intensified control. The Ottomans firmly secured Van in 1639 with the Treaty of Zuhab.
19th–20th Century and the Armenian Genocide
By the late 1800s, Van was a multi-ethnic city with a majority Armenian population and a thriving cultural scene. During World War I, Van was the site of significant violence during the Armenian Genocide. In April 1915, Armenians resisted massacres, and the city changed hands multiple times between Ottoman and Russian forces. Post-WWI, Van became part of the modern Republic of Türkiye.
The Republic Era and the Defense of Eastern Borders
Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Van experienced some of the most turbulent years in its history. During the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923), the city and its surrounding eastern provinces were of critical strategic importance. Under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, and his trusted military commander İsmet İnönü, Turkish forces fiercely defended the country’s eastern borders. Van stood as a symbol of resilience, with many Turkish soldiers sacrificing their lives to preserve national unity and sovereignty. Their efforts ensured that Van remained within the borders outlined by the Misak-ı Millî (National Pact). The legacy of these heroes lives on in the spirit of the modern Republic, and their sacrifice remains an inseparable part of Van’s historical identity.
Cultural and Historical Legacy
Van Castle (Van Kalesi): A massive Urartian fortress overlooking the lake, still standing today.
Xerxes Inscription: A rare trilingual stone inscription carved into a rock face.
Ruins of Old Van: The remnants of the old walled Armenian city, destroyed during WWI.
Ahtamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross: Located on Lake Van, this is one of the most iconic Armenian religious sites.
Van Cuisine and the Legendary Breakfast
Van is not only rich in history and natural beauty, but also boasts one of the most distinctive culinary traditions in Türkiye. Van breakfast (Van kahvaltısı) is internationally renowned for its incredible variety and flavors. A traditional Van breakfast table is a true feast, featuring dozens of local delicacies such as otlu peynir (herbed cheese), murtuğa (buttery egg and flour dish), kavut (roasted wheat flour), cacık, kaymak (clotted cream) with honey, and a variety of olives, jams, and freshly baked bread. The experience is not just about food—it’s a cultural ritual that brings families and friends together. In fact, Van even holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest breakfast table. Beyond breakfast, Van cuisine reflects the region’s eastern Anatolian heritage, with hearty dishes based on meat, grains, and wild herbs. Visitors are encouraged to try keledoş, ciğer kebabı (liver kebab), and ayran aşı soup for a full taste of local flavors.
Van Cat – The Iconic Feline of Eastern Türkiye
Van is also famously home to the unique Van Cat, a rare and treasured breed known for its long, silky white fur and its striking eyes—one blue and one green. These beautiful cats are not only loved for their appearance but also for their friendly and intelligent nature. The Van Cat holds a special place in local culture and is protected as a symbol of the city. You can even visit the Van Cat Research Center in Van to see and learn more about these remarkable animals.
How to Get There
Van has a regional airport (Van Ferit Melen Airport – VAN), offering direct flights from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Bus services connect Van to nearby provinces such as Bitlis, Hakkâri, and Ağrı. It’s also accessible via scenic drives along the lake or from Iran through the Kapıköy border crossing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Van is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes around Lake Van are at their most stunning. Spring offers blossoming almond trees, while fall brings crisp air and clear lake views.