Eastern Anatolia 2

On the first day of our journey we began exploring the historic and cultural beauty of Sivas. Our first stop was the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital. We then visited the history-scented Mühürzade and Abdullah Pasha Mansions and ended the day with the historic Tevrüzlü Houses.

We started the day with Erzincan's historical and cultural beauties. Our first stop was Karanlık Canyon (Dark Canyon); after enjoying and cooling off on the boat tour we drove through the dangerous and narrow roads of Taşyol. We visited Sultan Melikgazi Tomb and said our prayers. After eating the local Lök sweet, we took photographs on the magnificent Ergan Mountain. We cooled off at Girlevik Waterfall. Finally we visited Mamahatun Complex and completed the day.

We explored Erzurum's historical and cultural richness. Our first stop was the Congress Centre where we felt the spirit of the national struggle. We admired the grandeur of Seljuk stone masonry up close at the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Our museum visit bore witness to the city's deep past. After examining the unique architecture of the Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese) we found peace at Ulu Mosque. We observed the panoramic city view at Erzurum Castle. At Yakutiye Madrasa we followed the traces of scholarship and art. At the end of the day we visited the tomb at Nene Hatun National Park and commemorated our ancestors at the fortifications.

We discovered Muş's historical heritage. Our first stop was Murat Bridge; we witnessed the flow of history on this magnificent stone bridge stretching from the 13th century to today. We then visited Muş Ulu Mosque and experienced the spiritual atmosphere of the city. Our last stop was Alaaddin Bey Mosque; we examined the traces of early Islamic architecture in Anatolia.

We discovered Bingöl's natural beauties. Our first stop was the nature miracle of Floating Islands (Yüzen Adalar). We then went to Ilıca Hot Springs and rested in its healing waters. At Dik Village we got a close look at Bingöl's traditional way of life. Finally we walked along the Murat River bank and shook off the day's fatigue.

We toured Elazığ. Our first stop was Ulu Mosque; we experienced a spiritual atmosphere feeling the simple and magnificent lines of Seljuk architecture. Then we climbed Elazığ Castle and witnessed the city's past and its panoramic view.

We discovered Tunceli. Our first stop was Tunceli Museum; we examined the region's archaeological, ethnographic and cultural richness up close. We then went to Munzur Springs and found peace in nature's clear waters.

We were in Malatya. Our first stop was Arslantepe Mound, on the UNESCO World Heritage list; we saw the first traces of the state tradition. Then at the Old Malatya Neighbourhood Life Museum we got to know the city's cultural fabric. We said prayers at the tomb of Hasan Basri. We refreshed in the cool waters of Günpınar Waterfall. At the end of the day we completed the tour in a spiritual atmosphere at Somuncu Baba Complex.