Erzurum Travel Guide
City of the Twin Minarets
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Erzurum sits in a bowl of mountains, a lonely yet important trade-route city and capital of the northeast. Increasingly modern its wide, tree-line boulevards bely its historic past, of which its historic Seljuk remains are the most important.
The city has been conquered by countless armies since its foundation standing as it does on important Silk Route trade routes. Its modern history dates from Ottoman times when Selim the Grim was the latest of this procession, taking the city in 1515. Briefly held by Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries it has connections with Atatürk who appealed to the nation for unity and the formation of a Republic from here.
Attractions in Erzurum
The main attration in the city is the Çifte Minaret Madressa which dates from the 13th century. This twin-minaret demonstrates the importance of the town in Seljuk times prior to the Mongol invasion. Its façade is an example of the Seljuk approach to symmentry with each panel either side of the door being of similar size, yet each a different design. Next door stands the Ulu Cami, less spectacular but somehow just as impressive.
The city has several tombs to discover, the Üç Kümbetler being the most worthwhile perhaps with their coloured stone and conical roofs. Inside the Yautiye Medrese is the Turkish-Islamic Arts & Ethnography Museum which has a wonderful dome with ornate stalagtites; displays include costumes, handicrafts and jewellery made from the town's famous black amber.
Activities in Erzurum
Allow around a half-day to see the city's sights.
Relaxing
Enjoy some retail therapy shopping for the city's black amber, made into great jewellery here in Erzurum.
Getting Around
Most of the sights are situated conveniently close together along the main street or accessible by taxi.
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