Aside from its rich culture and architecture from the Anatolian and Baltic past, Kars is one of the best places in Turkey with its snow-covered streets, places to visit, university youth, delicious food and surprising places. became one of our favorite routes. Of course, we cannot ignore the effect of the Eastern Express madness that surrounds us in Kars being one of the most popular winter routes.. Nevertheless, we can easily say that; you are going to such a beautiful city in every respect that we are sure that you will look forward to coming here at least once again after you return from Kars.. We couldn’t help praising Kars at the beginning of the article, let’s talk about the places to visit.. Here you go; we’re fastening the belts, here come our Kars Travel Guide!
INFORMATION ABOUT KARS
Kars, one of our border cities in Eastern Anatolia, has a great importance in our history with its history dating back 5000 years and its lands that have hosted various civilizations.. This richness of the civilizations of Kars, where life began with the Urtarians and continued with the Persians, Armenians, Romans, Umayyads and Abbasids, is reflected in all its character from its architecture to its culture.. The dominance of the Turks in the region began with the Seljuks in 1058, and Kars has always changed hands between various Turkish tribes until Suleiman the Magnificent conquered it in 1534.
A strategic point from the past to the present. Kars, which is seen as an important city, was both an important border city and a military base during the Ottoman Period.. In the 343 years until it came under Russian rule in 1877, the city center was decorated with examples of Turkish and Islamic architecture, and the security of the region was ensured by the Kars Castle, which was built long ago.. So what; Kars, which is a bridge to Anatolia, has been under Russian domination for 40 years since this date, and the foundation of Kars architecture, which we see and love today, was laid during these times.. While the Malakan community, which the Russians settled around Kars during this period, pioneered the start of agriculture, animal husbandry and dairy farming in Kars, cheese making, whose cultural heritage has developed, has continued until today, although most of the Malakans later returned to their own lands or migrated to other places.
Kars, which the Russians ceded again to the Ottoman Empire, but actually to England, after a defeat in 1918, was conquered on October 30, 1920 by 15. It was liberated under the command of the Corps Commander Kazım Karabekir Pasha and reached its independence in Turkish lands.. Hosting a wide variety of civilizations for centuries, Kars is undoubtedly one of Turkey’s most important winter and cultural tourism destinations, with its multicultural structure and unique values.
Atatürk Park, Kars
WHEN TO GO TO KARS
We are sure that Kars is beautiful in summer and spring; however, visiting this city and its surroundings amidst the fluffy snow landscapes is completely different! In our opinion, the best time for Kars is winter months. If you want to go to Kars with the Orient Express, see the Ani Ruins in snow, or walk in Lake Çıldır, or if you say ‘C all’, we strongly recommend January and February for this trip.. Seasonal conditions can be variable; but especially about Çıldır, the lake starts to freeze in December.
If you are going to take a trip to Kars with the Eastern Express, in terms of the landscapes you will see on the way, it will be January. The period between the month of April and the first week of April is again one of the best times.. As of April, the snow starts to melt from Kars in the direction of Ankara, so if your aim is to enjoy the train against the snow landscapes, our recommendation is between January and March.
We did not think that we would recommend you to go, but when it comes to Kars, there is no advice other than the hand or the heart! Even if we dress like cabbage and travel like an astronaut, this city will definitely be enjoyed in winter.. Another nice thing about visiting Kars in winter is that if you are interested in skiing, you can combine the trip with Sarıkamış.
Kars with the Orient Express
LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT IN KARS
When we started our tour in the center of Kars, we knew that we would see architectures that would surprise us in terms of its region and history, but we understood the magnificent harmony of these architectures with the snow landscape only when we saw it with our own eyes.. Kars really takes you and throws you into a history book. Of course, not all city architecture is full of these eye-catching structures; After all, we are talking about a city that has been under the influence of different civilizations for centuries, especially the Russians and the Ottomans.. You can think of our Places to Visit in Karslist as a walking route in pursuit of the city’s precious architecture that lifts the bar to the skies.. You don’t need a car while visiting Kars city center; Even if the route is snowy, you can walk slowly through the whole list in 1 day easily.
During Kars Trip: If you did not come to Kars with a tour, we recommend that you download the Piri Guide‘s Kars tour under the guidance of Ali Canip Olgunlu to your phone to better understand what you will see.. In addition to listening while traveling, if possible, listening before you arrive or during your flight is also very helpful in preparation for your trip.
Kars Municipality, Kars
#1 Atatürk Caddesi:
There are two one of the structures; The Central Mosque, which was used as an Orthodox Church in the Russian period, was later demolished due to neglect and rebuilt with the same stones.. The other is; Atatürk Children’s Library right next to it. This library is also a building built during the Russian period and used as a library.
#2 Municipality of Kars:
Another example of Russian architecture on Atatürk Caddesi; where Kars Municipality is located today. The building, which used to serve as the Nuns’ School, also known as the Girls’ School, is also important as the place where Atatürk addressed the public from the second floor during his visit to Kars.
Atatürk Park, Kars
#3 Atatürk Park:
Atatürk Park has the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on its left, Kars Revenue Office across it, and Kars Governor’s Office on its right.. Adjacent to the three most beautiful examples of Baltic architecture in Kars, this small park has an Atatürk statue, as the name suggests.. We think it goes without saying that the snow scene is amazing..
#4 Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
Definitely one of the most original chamber of commerce buildings in Turkey is located here.. 19. Today’s Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made of cut basalt stones in the 19th century Baltic architectural style, was originally a winter mansion.. In our opinion, the wood and red details in the stone architecture add a very unique atmosphere to it.. Personally, if I were working in the chamber of commerce, I would be dying to be appointed to Kars………..
Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kars
#5 Kars Bookkeeping:
In Kars You can quickly distinguish the Kars Revenue Office, which is considered one of the most important examples of the Russian period that lasted for 40 years, from its yellow color.. It was used as the governor’s office for a while after the proclamation of the Republic; Later it was restored and started to serve as the Revenue Office building.. It has been used for this purpose since 1983.
Kars Revenue Service, Kars
#6 Governorate of Kars:
The Governorate of Kars, which is across from the Revenue Office building, is located in one of the city’s mansions under the influence of Russian architecture.. The governor’s office, which was restored 10 years ago; After the withdrawal of the Russians from the city, it hosted the Southwest Caucasian Provisional Government, which was established to prevent the British occupation for a while.. Another important feature of the mansion is that it is the place where Kazım Karabekir signed the Treaty of Kars in 1921.. This mansion, which started to be used as the Governor’s Mansion after the proclamation of the Republic, also serves as the Governorship of Kars today.
Governorship of Kars, Kars
#7 Hotel Cheltikov:
Russian Cheltikov family This mansion, where he lived until the early 1900s, is one of the most important architectures in the city as it is the first conservatory of Kars.. The building, which was used as a maternity home, warehouse, doctor’s house and hospital, now belongs to Hotel Cheltikov.. Even if you don’t stay in Hotel Cheltikov, one of the biggest and most popular boutique hotels in Kars, you can visit it.. Keep it in mind for the curious.
Hotel Cheltikov, Kars
#8 Tuncer Güvensoy House:
Tuncer Güvensoy House, whose history dates back to 1897, was originally built in Baltic style as a winter mansion and later as a Commodity Exchange. used. The mansion, which later became the person of Tuncer Güvensoy, was restored according to its original state and took its present form.. Since it is in active use, it is not possible to see inside; however, you can see its architecture from the outside by adding it to your walking route.
Tuncer Güvensoy House, Kars
#9 Fethiye Mosque:
Aleksander Nevsky Church, built by the Russians in the 19th century, is a symbol of the liberation of Kars. Then it was converted into a mosque by adding minarets.. Fethiye Mosque, one of the most magnificent structures of the city, served as a sports hall for a period, but was opened for worship after the minarets were added back in 1985.
# 10 Kümbet Mosque:
The Church of the Twelve Apostles, which is the neighbor of Kars Castle and Evliya Mosque, was built by Bagratids between 932-937.. The view is in Georgian-Armenian style, like the church buildings in the ruins of Ani, which you will have the chance to visit on this trip.. The church, which was used as an Archbishopric in the Russian period, was converted into a mosque when Turkish domination began in the region, and its name was changed to Kümbet Mosque, inspired by the architectural style of the Seljuks.. Today, it is still open for worship as a mosque.
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#11 Evliya Mosque:
The Evliya Mosque, located opposite the Kümbet Mosque, is another structure that Lala Mustafa Pasha brought to the city during the reconstruction of Kars Castle.. Evliya Mosque, which was built in 1579 and is quite magnificent today; It was completed together with the mosque, madrasah and bath sections in it.. Today, you can also see the Abu’l Hasan Harakani Tomb here.
#12 Kars Castle:
Kars Castle, which was started to be built in 1153 by the order of the Sultan of Saltuklu, was destroyed during Timur’s time and was rebuilt by Lala Mustafa Pasha when the Ottoman period began.. The castle, which lost its function as a result of much damage during the Russian period, is made of cut basalt stone, as in the Baltic architectural examples in Kars, and stands quite solid.. Those who have more than one day in the center can also visit the castle by walking or by car.. Let’s not forget that going up the hill in winter will be a little tiring due to the cold and wind..
Kars Castle and Namık Kemal House, Kars
#13 Kars Baths:
You will see several historical baths in Kaleiçi, where you walk towards the Katerina Hotel after Kars Castle. Among the baths remaining from the Ottoman period are the Mazlumağa, İlbegioğlu, Muradiye and Cuma baths.. Mazlumağa Bath, one of these four baths, is also known as Pushkin Bath, because of Pushkin, who stayed in Kars and used this bath during his trip to Erzurum in the 1800s.
Mazlumağa Bath, Kars
#14 Namık Kemal House:
Across the Mazlumağa Bath is the house where Namık Kemal lived for a while with his grandfather, the Governor of Kars.. You can see the busts of the poets who lived until today in the garden of the Namık Kemal House, which has been converted into a cultural center where lovers quarrels are held today.
#15 Katerina Palace Hotel:
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When you continue walking over the historical stone bridge following the Namık Kemal House, you will reach one of Kars’ must-see architectures.. Tsar II in the Russian Era. Catherine Palace, which was built by Nicholas in Baltic style, was used for various purposes such as a mansion, hospital, military unit building during the Republican period, and today it serves as a boutique hotel.. Places fill up long before at the Katerina Palace, one of the two most popular hotels in the city, together with Cheltikov; but even if you don’t stay here, you can stop by in the evening and join the pleasant conversation around the fire.
Katerina Palace Garden, Kars
#16 Kafkas University State Conservatory:
A little ahead of Katerina Palace Hotel in our opinion One of the most beautiful conservatory buildings of our country is waiting for you! rightly; Before we came here, we knew that Kars had a university, but we never thought that this university would also have a faculty of fine arts.. The Conservatory building, like the Catherine Palace, was also built by Tsar II.. It consists of a hunting lodge built by Nikolay for his son and military buildings around it.. We can’t even imagine what works of art will emerge in these buildings, which were converted into conservatories after the foundation of Kafkas University!
#17 Kars Museum:
The history of Kars Museum, which houses the archaeological values of Kars, the first settlement of Anatolia, dates back to the end of the 1950s.. The archeology museum, which was first opened in the Kümbet Mosque, was moved to its present location in 1981 as a result of the increase in findings.. Like its counterparts in Anatolian cities, in this museum you can see archaeological objects and ethnographic artifacts in chronological order.. If you have time to visit the museum, do not forget to examine the stone works in the garden as well as inside.. The entrance is free, the location is on Istasyon Street.
Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha Mansion, Kars
#18 Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha Mansion:
For those who say that much Baltic architecture is enough, we also have our own get a suggestion from our culture. The wooden detailed stone mansion is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman civil architecture in Kars.. The mansion, which was used as a headquarters for a period, is now an art gallery after its restoration.
#19 İsmet Paşa Primary School:
Ismet Pasha Primary School, which should be on your walking route, was completed in 1888 and after the liberation of Kars, it was converted into a boarding school specially for orphan boys by Kazım Karabekir Pasha.. The recently restored building is still open for education as a primary school.. However, our perception of school architectures has dropped so much that it is only a matter of time before we return to our education life in the face of Kars’ approach to this issue!
Coming by Plane to Kars
THATS TO VISIT CLOSE TO KARS: PLACES TO SEE AROUND KARS
When you come to Kars, it is not enough to just see the center, it is necessary to reach around a little bit.. If you have enough days, be sure to add Ani Ruins and Çıldır Lake to the list.. Three more suggestions for those who say these are in the pocket, what else is there; the first is the village of Boğatepe, famous for its Gruyere cheese, the second is Sarıkamış for ski lovers, and the last is İshak Paşa Palace in Ağrı.
#1 Boğatepe Village, Kars:
We can define the village of Boğatepe, 50 km from the center, as a small settlement founded by Malakan families who migrated from the Caucasus in the 30s. ; but the ingenuity of the village has exceeded the boundaries of the region. Bringing the animal husbandry and dairy farming cultures to Kars, the Malakans have brought many cheese varieties to this region.. Malakans produced the familiar cheeses and similar dairy products in the dairy they established for many years, then this knowledge was passed on from generation to generation and Kars became a cheese heaven over the years.
The origin of our cheese variety, which today became famous as Kars Gruyere, is also from this village.. Swiss cheese producer David Moser, who visited Kars in the early 1900s, established a dairy in Boğatepe, whose nature he liked very much, and started to produce gruyere cheese, the production of Kars Gravyeri started to spread to the region.. Among the cheeses produced in Boğatepe, there are not only gruyere, but also tulum, çeçil, cheddar, white cheese and moldy varieties.
Of course, how cheese making continues today as well as the village itself. It is also important that. At this point, we will suggest you to listen to the TedX speech of the invaluable Ilhan Koçulu.. You can find more detailed information about the village of Boğatepe by browsing the videos afterwards.. If your trip to Kars coincides with the winter months, reaching Boğatepe, where traditional village life continues, can be a bit of a challenge; because roads can be closed especially in January and February. If you are planning to go, it is useful to learn about the route beforehand.. If you go to the village early, you can contact the cooperative and be a guest in the houses that serve local village breakfast, the fee is 30 TL.
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#2 Ani Ruins, Kars:
The city of Ani, which you can reach in half an hour from the center of Kars, was founded on the Silk Road in the 10th century by the order of Ashot, king of Bagratlı.. Ani, once one of the strongest cities of Anatolia, with a population of 100,000 in its prime, has hosted many civilizations after the Bagratids.. Unfortunately, the value of Ani ruins, which was visited only by tour companies until the Eastern Express madness, is only recently understood.. That’s why we think you should definitely come and visit Ani while Kars plans are being made.
Ani on the banks of the Arpaçay river that draws the border between Turkey and Armenia. The ruins of the city actually cover a very large area.. Among the most striking structures of the Ani Ruins, the Great Cathedral, which is also known as Fethiye Mosque but has been under restoration for a while, Abughamrents Church, which is the symbol of Ani, and the Seljuk period on the slope of Arpaçay. There are the Manuçehr Mosque, the city walls of Ani and the caves in the Arpacay valley where the people of Ani live.. You can visit Ani Ruins between 08:00-19:00 in summer and between 08:00-17:00 in winter.. Entrance fee to Ani is 12 TL per person, free for those with Müzekart.
Ani Ruins You can go by car or by joining the tours in the center.. We went by car, we did not have any problems on the road.. Those who go by car can leave their cars in the car park at the entrance of Ani, the parking lot is free.. It would be better to choose the morning as the arrival time, everyone in Kars recommends go to Ani in the morning. We think it’s probably because it was windy in the afternoon..
You won’t see many signposts or information boards inside Ani. For this reason, we are sure that listening to the relevant sections in the Kars guide of Piri Guide will make this place more enjoyable.. Let’s make a suggestion about your travel route; After entering the city walls, we recommend that you walk to the right. As the tours usually start from the left, Fethiye Mosque section is quite crowded, while the right side is very quiet.
#3 Sarıkamış, Kars:
If you like winter sports, if you want to combine a cultural trip with a ski holiday, then Sarıkamış can be added to the plan.. It takes 45 minutes to reach Sarıkamış from Kars center.. Ski is an excuse for business; While you are there, visit Katerina Hunting Lodge, taste local dishes at Culture House.
Çıldır Lake, Ardahan
#4 Çıldır Lake, Ardahan:
Lake Çıldır, 1.5 hours from Kars, is another favorite route of Kars excursions. Whatever they say about Çıldır, however much they praise this place, they are right until the end.. Especially, when winter comes and the lake freezes completely, the beauty of this place is revealed.. For those who don’t know, let me explain; Lake Çıldır is the largest freshwater lake in Eastern Anatolia and the second largest lake in the region.. Therefore, it is inevitable to host all kinds of activities.. Although eating yellow fish is the most popular activity in the establishments around Çıldır, our reward goes to walking on the frozen lake and fishing.
Çıldır Lake starts to freeze in mid-December and thaws from mid-April starts. The most guaranteed periods; Last 15 days of January and February and March. Since the freezing and thawing process varies according to seasonal conditions, it would be good to research the date you are considering on the internet before planning your trip; There are also news on the subject.. For general information, it is possible to walk in Çıldır Lake starting from January.. We insist on this; because walking on Çıldır Lake is one of the most amazing feelings you can ever hear in your life.. The view of the lake’s white nothingness in this period is indescribable.
Eating yellow fish at the establishments around the lake is also a Çıldır classic.. Usually, most people recommend Atalay’s Yeri to eat. We wanted to go very much during this trip, but we had to turn halfway because the road was closed as a result of a lorry stuck in the snow.. If you encounter a situation like us, Arpaçay Kütük Evi, which is a touristic facility, may also be an alternative.. Even if you can’t go further down the road, you can still fish and walk on the lake.. If you are curious about ice fishing, call Atalay’in Yeri or Günay’in Yeri a few days before you go and ask them how it is done and how much it costs.
Çıldır Lake is located between Kars and Aradahan. For a comfortable transportation renting a car is the most sensible. Another alternative is to join the tours organized in the center of Kars. Those who have enough time can reach Çıldır in 1.5 hours by setting off early in the morning, and if you have a tighter schedule, you can visit Ani Ruins and Çıldır in the same day.
Ishak Pasha Palace, Agri
#5 Ishak Pasha Palace, Agri:
If you intend to spend a longer time in and around Kars, keep in mind the İshak Pasha Palace in Ağrı, which you will reach in approximately 3 hours from the center.. We couldn’t go because we couldn’t extend the program too long, but let’s give a short summary for those who are thinking of going here.
Construction of Ishak Pasha Palace, where Bayazit sanjak was ruled until the First World War Completed in 1784. The palace, where Turkish palace traditions are applied, but built a little outside of the Ottoman style in architectural style, is considered one of the best examples of palaces together with Topkapı.. Ishak Pasha Palace, the last work of the Tulip Era>, took its name from the Ottoman grand vizier of the time.. The architecture of the palace is truly magnificent; but its panoramic view is even more beautiful than that. You can visit the palace, which is currently a museum, between 08:00-19:00 in summer and between 08:30-17:00 in winter.. Entry fee is 7 TL per person, free if you have Müzekart.
Hangel, Honeysuckle Home Cooking, Kars
WHERE TO EAT IN KARS: SUGGESTIONS FOR EATING AND DRINKING IN KARS
#1 Hanımeli Home Cooking: Hanımeli has become one of our favorite places in Kars. If you want to try the local dishes of Kars, we say that you should definitely add this place to your list.. At Honeysuckle we tried Evelik Vaccine, lamb meat Piti, dumplings Hangel and Noodles Rice. We loved them all, but our favorite is definitely Evelik Vaccine with its sour taste made with evelik herb.. You can also taste Kars’ local halva Umaç here.. If you want to go in the evening, it’s better to make a reservation, they have alcohol on their menu.
#2 Kosor Cag Kebap: If you like cag kebab, Kosor for one meal We recommend that you add Cağ Kebab to the list.. It’s a shabby place, the meat is also very tasty. We add it to our Kars food and drink suggestions with our eyes closed.. Go get your fill of meat. Its place is right next to Hanımeli.
#3 Milkbar Brother’s: Milkbar is one of the cafes you can go to both for a meal and a coffee.. It mostly appeals to young people, and its menu includes many fruity and flavored milk drinks, breakfast alternatives and hookahs.
Milkbar Brothers , Kars
#4 Craft Coffee No:74: Craft is by far one of our favorite cafes in Kars; The place has no difference from its European counterparts in terms of decoration.. Usually a place preferred by university students. We came here every evening in Kars because of its environment and coffee varieties.. We thought we would check before sharing the article, we saw that it was closed in Google location.. ☹ We hope it’s a mistake, and if it’s still open, we suggest you go.
#5 Kılıçoğlu Patisserie: There are plenty of sweet alternatives in Kars where you can have a good breakfast. Kılıçoğlu Patisserie is one of the beautiful places. Until this year, smoking was allowed inside, we think they have stopped this practice.. We are very happy about this, because no one wants to eat in cigarette smoke.
#6 Kars Goose House: There were a few other places we couldn’t go without visiting; Kars Goose House is one of them.. This is one of the places where you can taste the famous but extremely expensive goose meat in Kars.. Although it is a suggestion that seems like a gathering center for touristic and tour companies, if you want to try goose meat, you can take note of this place.. Whole goose is 280 TL, soups are around 8 TL, local plates are between 15-25 TL. Every evening at 21:00, a Caucasian dance show is held.. Better make a reservation.
Piti, Honeysuckle Home Cooking, Kars
#7 Han-ı Hanedan Restaurant: This is one of the top class restaurants in the city.. Its menu includes meat varieties and local dishes; Alcohol is also served. We did not hear anyone who went and was not satisfied; but let’s say that the prices are above Kars normal. Better make a reservation.
#8 Pushkin Restaurant: Another popular restaurant in Kars is Pushkin, but unfortunately there are many people who complain about its service.. If you are looking for a restaurant with a higher standard where you can taste local dishes, you can consider this place.. It is well written that the service is bad during peak hours, it is better to be cautious.
Ani Ruins, Kars
WHERE TO STAY IN KARS
Our trip to Kars was shaped by the last minute ticket to be found on the Eastern Express. To be honest, we didn’t have much time to worry about where to stay in Kars.. We did not have many alternatives since our train ticket was finalized 10 days before our departure date, so we stayed at the İpekyolu Hotel, where we could find a place in the city center without any expectations.
If you can plan your trip to Kars at an earlier date, you can also look at hotels such as Hotel Cheltikov, Hotel Katerina Palace, Hotel Kent Ani.
Fethiye Mosque, Ani Ruins, Kars
KARS’ TA CAR RENTAL AND TRANSPORTATION
If you are planning to go to Lake Çıldır with the Ani ruins during your trip to Kars, we recommend you to rent a car for the days you leave the center.. Of course, let’s add that there are not many agencies you know in Kars and this is usually handled by local companies.. To rent a car in Kars, you can ask for support from the hotel where you will stay, or you can resolve this issue via Zeplin Car as we did.. We picked up the vehicle we rented from Zeplin Car and left it at the same point.. We did not have any problems with their services, we recommend them.
Kars Municipality Airport Shuttle, Kars
How to Get from Kars Airport to the Center
Planned according to flight times after leaving Kars Airport You can go to the center by taking city buses or taxis.. Both are waiting in the airport exit area. The municipality buses going between Kars Airport and the Center are 5 TL per person, the distance takes up to 10 minutes.
We have come to the end of our Places to Visit in Kars: Detailed Kars Travel Guide with the subject of renting a car in Kars and getting to the center from the airport.. You can access all of our photos and travel notes about Kars from the account on Instagram with the hashtag #journavelkars. Follow us! >
HOW TO FIND A TICKET TO THE EASTERN EXPRESS: TICKETS TO BUY EASTERN EXPRESS TICKETS
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE EASTERN EXPRESS AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
We are at Kars Train Station