Isakpasa Palace Travel Guide
Romantic Palace-Fortress in the Shadow of Ararat
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Those intrepid travellers that come to the little town of Doğubeyazit usually do so to see the stunning fortress-like Işakpaşa Palace. Perched like an eagle’s nest above the plain the dramatic setting of rugged mountains only enhances the beauty of the 18th century palace which sits close to the border with Iran and in the shadow of the biblical Mt Ararat.
It takes an effort to get to many of Turkey’s best sites and Işakpaşa Palace just outside the little border town of Doğubeyazit is no exception. Here the mountains form a natural border between countries and, at one time, empires. The Ottoman governor who built the Işakpaşa Palace (said by some to have taken 99 years) incorporated Persian, Armenian, Seljuk as well as Ottoman styles in its construction. The palace comprises a lavish 366 rooms which include 2 courts, a harem with a beautiful dining room, the seramlık or mens’ quarters and a small but beautiful mosque.
Attractions in Isakpasa Palace
The town of Doğubeyazit has little to recommend it in itself however the Işakpaşa Palace is the principle draw. Outside of town and close to the Iranian border lies a meteor crater and there are hot springs at Diyadin 51km away. Climbers come to Doğubeyazit either just before or just after a climb of Mt Ararat which is possible with permission from the Ministry of Tourism and help from a Turkish climbing specialist (avoid agencies in Doğubeyazit). Each year the town hosts an annual Culture and Arts Festival held over the last weekend of June which celebrates Kurdish life and art.
Activities in Isakpasa Palace
The palace and additional sites can be explored in the course of a day. A guide is not really necessary as the history of the palace is documented in guidebooks; the pleasure in a visit comes from absorbing the setting as much as anything else. Climbers come to this region to climb 5165m Mt Ararat.
Relaxing
Nightlife in Doğubeyazit is decidedly low key but a visit to the hamam is a great way top spend a couple of hours.
Getting Around
Most travellers build in a visit to the palace into their itinerary either en route to or from Van and Kars; the region is served by dolmuşes which connect with larger neighbouring towns and thence intercity buses. A private tour with a driver guide gives the ability to stop and explore en route to Doğubeyazit and sightsee at leisure whilst there. Once in Doğubeyazit it is possible to walk the 8km from Doğubeyazit to the palace however the road is uninspiring; a dolmuş tour is a better idea and may also take in the hot springs and meteor crater.
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