Erzurum Province

Top Attractions in Erzurum

Erzurum Essentials

Erzurum Province showcases a diverse architectural legacy, from the 13th-century Seljuk tilework of the Twin Minaret Madrasa to 10th-century Georgian Orthodox monasteries like Öşvank and Khakhuli. The regional capital features a medieval citadel and traditional 19th-century dwellings, while the surrounding landscape is defined by the 48-meter Tortum Waterfall and strategic mountain fortifications like Ispir and Oltu. Historical sites also include the Ottoman-era Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the 19th-century Aziziye Redoubts, which played a critical role in the Russo-Turkish War.

Erzurum Essentials — Map

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Twin Minaret Madrasa

Çifte Minareli Medrese may refer to:

Jean & Nathalie / CC BY 2.0

B

Öşvank Church

Oshki is a Georgian Eastern Orthodox monastery from the second half of the 10th century located in the historic province of Tao, now part…

Serafita / Public domain

C

Bana cathedral

Bana is a ruined early medieval cathedral in present-day Erzurum Province, eastern Turkey, in what had formerly been a historical marchland…

Unknown (10th-12th century) / Public domain

D

Haho Khakhuli Monastery

Khakhuli Monastery was a Georgian Orthodox monastery in historical Medieval Georgian Kingdom of Tao, in one of the gorges of the Tortum…

E

Erzurum Evleri

A complex of interconnected 19th-century traditional Ottoman houses. Now operating as a restaurant and living museum, it features authentic interior decor, period furniture, and regional ethnographic artifacts.

F

Erzurum Kalesi

A 5th-century citadel established by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius. The site includes a 12th-century Saltukid-era mosque and a landmark clock tower that offers views over the city center.

G

Erzurum Muzesi

This museum displays archaeological finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Urartian periods, alongside ethnographic exhibits documenting local life, crafts, and the history of the region's military defense.

H

Tortum waterfall

One of the tallest waterfalls in Turkey, dropping 48 meters into the Tortum River. It is most active during the spring snowmelt and includes a staircase and viewing platform for visitors.

I

Olto Castle

A medieval fortress situated on a rocky outcrop in the Oltu district. The structure features defensive walls and towers dating back to the Georgian and Ottoman periods.

J

Ispir Castle

Perched on a hill overlooking the Çoruh River, this medieval fortress dates back to the Ilkhanid and Saltukid eras. It contains a small 12th-century mosque and provides strategic views of the valley.

K

Aziziye Redoubt no. 1

A 19th-century military fortification built to defend Erzurum during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. It is a site of historical significance, commemorating the local civilian resistance led by Nene Hatun.

L

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

The first Ottoman mosque built in Erzurum, dating to 1562. Designed by an architect from Mimar Sinan’s school, it features a classical single-dome structure and a minaret with geometric stonework.

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