ISHAK PASHA PALACE
The Ishak Pasha Palace, the pride of Doğubeyazıt, is built on a rocky hill and resembles an eagle’s nest from a distance. Constructed in the Ottoman, Moroccan, and Seljuk architectural style, the palace is made of cut stone and features reliefs and decorations on the east facade portal that are characteristic of Seljuk architecture. The palace has two courtyards and is surrounded by various structures. Some of the buildings in the first courtyard have collapsed, while the second courtyard consists of rectangular sections for the harem and selamlık (male quarters). The palace has two floors and contains a total of 336 rooms . The area between the first courtyard and the harem section constitutes the most important part of the palace. The construction of the palace began in 1685 under Çolak Abdi Pasha, the Atabeg of Chaldir and was completed in 1784 (in 99 years) during the time of Küçük İshak Pasha. The architects were craftsmen from Ahıska. The palace measures 115X50 meters, has a leveled terrace on Karaburun Hill, and consists of two courtyards surrounded by various buildings. It covers an area of approximately 7,600 m² in the east-west direction. Some sections are built as single, while others have two or, including the basement, three levels. All the necessary sections for a palace (harem, harem rooms, kitchen, bath, mosque, servant and stable rooms, guard barracks, prison, food storage, armory, various service rooms in the basement, etc.) are present.
PLACES TO VISIT IN VAN
Van, one of the most populous cities in Eastern Anatolia, has hosted many civilizations, which means there are many artifacts to see. You can enjoy Van's famous breakfast, get a close look at its eye-catching cats, and travel on Lake Van.
VAN CASTLE
One of the most important structures in Van, Van Castle is definitely a place you must see during your visit, and it's also a popular spot for tourists. The castle, which dates back to the Urartian period and M.Ö. 885,has a story that we will hear from our guide.
AKDAMAR CHURCH
You reach this uniquely beautiful church by crossing Lake Van. Located in the southern part of Lake Van, Akdamar Island is one of Van's exquisite beauties. As the largest island in Lake Van, Akdamar Island is a frequent stop for travelers due to the historic Akdamar Church, also known as the Surp Harç Armenian Church.
The Akdamar Church was built in honor of the Holy Cross between 915-921 by King I. Gagik of Vaspurakan and was dedicated to Monk Manuel. The chapel in the northeast of the church was added between 1296-1336; the jamaton (sacristy) to the west was built in 1763; and the bell tower to the south was added in the late 18th century. The history of the north chapel is unknown. Initially constructed as a palace church, it later transformed into a monastery church. After undergoing restoration in 2007, it has been serving as a Monument Museum. The church attracts attention not only for its architecture but also for the sculpted stone reliefs on its exterior. In terms of plan, it has a centralized dome with a four-leaf clover-shaped cross plan. The central space features a high tambour covered with an inward dome and an outward pyramidal roof. The elevated dome clearly enhances the vertical effect in the church. Entry to the church is through doors from the west and south.
