Erzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to eastern Turkey.
The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations. One of the important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.
The modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli Medresse, which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine. Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Uc Kumbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th- century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medresse of the 13th- century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th- century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rustem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.
Erzurum has a specific local black stone which is used for jewelry or, the like which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan.
For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kms from Erzurum, and Mount Palandoken provide perfect opportunities. Palandoken winter sports resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty. Only 6 kms from Erzurum, this winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m. Erzurum is a very province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m, and also has many hot springs and meadows.
City, eastern Turkey. It lies 6,400 feet (1,950 m) above sea level in a fertile plain surrounded by high mountains. On a caravan route from Anatolia to Iran, Erzurum has been a major commercial and military centre since antiquity and is now a major rail station on the route between Ankara and Iran.
Although its foundation was probably much earlier, Erzurum achieved real importance as Theodosiopolis, a 5th-century-AD Byzantine fortress that fell to the Arabs in 653. Thereafter it was disputed among the Byzantines, Arabs, and Armenians until taken by the Seljuq Turks in 1071; it prospered in the early 13th century under Seljuq sultans. The Arabs and the Turks called it Arzan ar-Rum, or Arz ar-Rum ("Land of the Romans"), from which its present name is derived. It came under Ottoman control in 1515. The city was occupied by Russian forces in 1829, 1878, and 1916-18. It was in Erzurum, in July 1919, that Mustafa Kemal (later Atatürk) presided over the first Turkish nationalist congress, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
Historically important buildings include Seljuq theological colleges (1253 and 1308), the Great Mosque (12th century), and royal mausoleums (12th and 13th centuries). There is a local archaeological museum. Erzurum is the seat of Atatürk University (1957). It is important as a centre for trade in livestock, but it has little industry other than a sugar-beet factory; local craftsmen still excel in metalwork and saddlery. The city has Kurdish population too.
The surrounding region is drained by the Karasu River, a headstream of the Euphrates, and the Aras and Çoruh rivers. Agricultural products include wheat, barley, millet, sugar beets, and vegetables. Pop. (1985) 246,053.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Erzurum
Throughout the ages, Turkey has been the hub of art and architecture and the people here take immense pride in their rich heritage and historical lineage. The country has been invaded and inhabited by many races. Thus, it has come to represent a splendid melting pot of varying strains of cultures. Erzurum is such a quintessential Turkish city of wonders.
Capital of the Erzurum Province, Erzurum is in eastern Anatolia. The largest city in eastern Anatolia, Erzurum lies atop a plateau and enjoys an extreme continental climate where the average temperature in January plummets to minus temperatures.
Erzurum is the commercial, agricultural and transportation nucleus of the region of Anatolia. Lying amidst fertile tracts, the city produces bounties of wheat, barley, millet, sugar beets and an assortment of vegetables. It is also a thriving market for livestock and leather products. Being a transit point for rail, road and air travelers ferrying to eastern Anatolia, further contributes to its importance.
Capital of the Erzurum Province, Erzurum is in eastern Anatolia. The largest city in eastern Anatolia, Erzurum lies atop a plateau and enjoys an extreme continental climate where the average temperature in January plummets to minus temperatures.
Erzurum is the commercial, agricultural and transportation nucleus of the region of Anatolia. Lying amidst fertile tracts, the city produces bounties of wheat, barley, millet, sugar beets and an assortment of vegetables. It is also a thriving market for livestock and leather products. Being a transit point for rail, road and air travelers ferrying to eastern Anatolia, further contributes to its importance.
History of Erzurum
Erzurum’s history is nothing short of spectacularly eventful. The city’s lineage dates back to 4000 B.C. This city has been the seat of many a glorious civilization and has been ruled by great leaders like Tamerlene and Alexander the Great. It has been felled by many nations like Hurries, Urartus, Cimmerians, Scythes, Medes, Persians, Parthes, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanides, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Ilhanides, Safawides and Turks.
The Ottomans captured the city in 1514. During their rule, the Russians stormed and took over the city as many as three times in the 19th century. In these times, Erzurum served a military base for the Ottomans. Throughout history, the city, by dint of its economic and military importance, has been the bone of contention for various tribes and nations.
Erzurum eventually became a part of the Turkish Republic with the victory of the Turks led by the valiant Mustafa Kemal Ataturk over the Russians in the Turkish War of Independence in 1923.
The Ottomans captured the city in 1514. During their rule, the Russians stormed and took over the city as many as three times in the 19th century. In these times, Erzurum served a military base for the Ottomans. Throughout history, the city, by dint of its economic and military importance, has been the bone of contention for various tribes and nations.
Erzurum eventually became a part of the Turkish Republic with the victory of the Turks led by the valiant Mustafa Kemal Ataturk over the Russians in the Turkish War of Independence in 1923.
Erzurum
Erzurum
Erzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to Eastern Turkey.
The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in Anatolia. One of the most important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.
Erzurum was captured and ruled by many different nations like Hurries, Urartus, Cimmerians, Scythes, Medes, Persians, Parthes, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanides, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Ilhanides, Safawides, and of course Turks. The Ottomans captured the city only in 1514 and ruled until the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. Some great historical figures like Alexander the Great and Tamerlane can be added to the list of rulers.
The city has always been a point of collision of forces coming from various directions and served as a base of operation. In the 19th century it became the main Ottoman fortress against the Russians who occupied it three times. The resistance against the supreme in powers of the west was initiated with the War of Independence. Atatürk gathered a Congress of National Delegates here on July 23, 1919 where the foundation of national unity and independence were laid down.
Cifte Minareli Medrese in ErzurumThe modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli (Double Minaret) Medrese (theological school), which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.
Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rüstem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.
For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kilometers from Erzurum, and Mount Palandöken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kilometers from Erzurum. This winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m (150 ft). Erzurum is a province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m (10,000 ft), and also has many hot springs and meadows.
Jereed is an ancient war game like sport and proudly practiced in Erzurum, especially during festivals and weddings.
One of the best meals here is Oltu Cag Kebab, which is considered as a traditional meat dish of world famous Turkish Cuisine.
Oltu Stone
Oltu Stone of ErzurumErzurum has a specific local black stone (Oltu tasi, Jet) which is carved to produce jewelry, rosary beads, key-chains, pipes and boxes, which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan.
Oltu stone, which has been carved in Erzurum since the 18th century, is one of the best examples of semi-precious stones to be found in the world. Oltu is excavated generally around Yasakdag, especially in Dutlu, Hankaskisla, Alatarla and Cataksu villages between the months of March and October. There are approximately 600 oltu quarries. Out of a total of 287 quarries in the Central Dutlu Region, 120 quarries are still being worked.
Jet is obtained from mountainous areas which are dug perpendicularly to the general surface and have galleries 70-80cm in diameter where only two or three miners can work. It's a very compact velvet-black mineral of the nature of coal. Beds of this organic substance are 70-80 centimeters in thickness. Jet is formed when fossilized trees are subject to diastrophism resulting in folding.
The most attractive characteristic of oltu stone is that it is very soft when excavated and only begins to harden when it is exposed to the air. Therefore, it is very easy to carve this mineral. It generally comes in black, but can also be blackish brown, grey or greenish. When put near gas, this mineral bursts into flames and leaves behind a certain amount of ash. When rubbed, the oltu stone attracts, by way of static electricity, light substances such as dust.
Various ornaments made from oltu are some of the best examples of Turkish aesthetic arts. Oltu stones are mostly used to make ornaments including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, tie pins, pipes, studs, cigarette-holders, and prayer beads. It is also used in the electric and electronics industries.
Even though artificial jet is produced, it is easy to distinguish the real oltu stone from the artificial. To be certain if a stone is real jet just heat a pin and see if it penetrates the stone, then the mineral is not real jet. Real jet leaves behind brown residue when scraped with a knife. When you take an oltu stone in your hand and blow on it, vapor is left on the stone.
Erzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to Eastern Turkey.
The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in Anatolia. One of the most important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.
Erzurum was captured and ruled by many different nations like Hurries, Urartus, Cimmerians, Scythes, Medes, Persians, Parthes, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanides, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Ilhanides, Safawides, and of course Turks. The Ottomans captured the city only in 1514 and ruled until the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. Some great historical figures like Alexander the Great and Tamerlane can be added to the list of rulers.
The city has always been a point of collision of forces coming from various directions and served as a base of operation. In the 19th century it became the main Ottoman fortress against the Russians who occupied it three times. The resistance against the supreme in powers of the west was initiated with the War of Independence. Atatürk gathered a Congress of National Delegates here on July 23, 1919 where the foundation of national unity and independence were laid down.
Cifte Minareli Medrese in ErzurumThe modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli (Double Minaret) Medrese (theological school), which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.
Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rüstem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.
For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kilometers from Erzurum, and Mount Palandöken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kilometers from Erzurum. This winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m (150 ft). Erzurum is a province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m (10,000 ft), and also has many hot springs and meadows.
Jereed is an ancient war game like sport and proudly practiced in Erzurum, especially during festivals and weddings.
One of the best meals here is Oltu Cag Kebab, which is considered as a traditional meat dish of world famous Turkish Cuisine.
Oltu Stone
Oltu Stone of ErzurumErzurum has a specific local black stone (Oltu tasi, Jet) which is carved to produce jewelry, rosary beads, key-chains, pipes and boxes, which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan.
Oltu stone, which has been carved in Erzurum since the 18th century, is one of the best examples of semi-precious stones to be found in the world. Oltu is excavated generally around Yasakdag, especially in Dutlu, Hankaskisla, Alatarla and Cataksu villages between the months of March and October. There are approximately 600 oltu quarries. Out of a total of 287 quarries in the Central Dutlu Region, 120 quarries are still being worked.
Jet is obtained from mountainous areas which are dug perpendicularly to the general surface and have galleries 70-80cm in diameter where only two or three miners can work. It's a very compact velvet-black mineral of the nature of coal. Beds of this organic substance are 70-80 centimeters in thickness. Jet is formed when fossilized trees are subject to diastrophism resulting in folding.
The most attractive characteristic of oltu stone is that it is very soft when excavated and only begins to harden when it is exposed to the air. Therefore, it is very easy to carve this mineral. It generally comes in black, but can also be blackish brown, grey or greenish. When put near gas, this mineral bursts into flames and leaves behind a certain amount of ash. When rubbed, the oltu stone attracts, by way of static electricity, light substances such as dust.
Various ornaments made from oltu are some of the best examples of Turkish aesthetic arts. Oltu stones are mostly used to make ornaments including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, tie pins, pipes, studs, cigarette-holders, and prayer beads. It is also used in the electric and electronics industries.
Even though artificial jet is produced, it is easy to distinguish the real oltu stone from the artificial. To be certain if a stone is real jet just heat a pin and see if it penetrates the stone, then the mineral is not real jet. Real jet leaves behind brown residue when scraped with a knife. When you take an oltu stone in your hand and blow on it, vapor is left on the stone.
Erzurum - Turkey
Erzurum lies in a high plain at 1850 meters, near the Palandöken mountains (3125 meters) and the Kargapararı mountains (3288 meters). It used to be of great importance as a station along the Silk Road and still is the most important city in Eastern Turkey. During a period of over 2000 years it was part of the empires of the Armenians, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, Ottomans and Russians. In an earlier text I gave an explanation for its name that triggered so much discussion (see below) that it forced me to change this text: I give up on that subject. If you feel like it you can join the discussion (as long as you do not use offensive language or incite to hatred). The city has several fine Seljuk buildings, and a �feel� that is wilder than in the cities to the West.
June 2006 I made a lot of new pictures, a selection of which I now publish. As a result the pictures from some major munuments are a strange mixture between Kodachrome scans and digital pictures, different seasons, all that. Lokman (see comment below) can be happy: apart from some more kids I added lots of modern aspects of this city. I hope he does not consider me that stupid any more, though he seemed to be one of those people who only see themselves as bright. And hey what, maybe he is? If you feel like congratulating him, send him an e-mail at lcguven@hotmail.com . I think he will be pleased.
June 2006 I made a lot of new pictures, a selection of which I now publish. As a result the pictures from some major munuments are a strange mixture between Kodachrome scans and digital pictures, different seasons, all that. Lokman (see comment below) can be happy: apart from some more kids I added lots of modern aspects of this city. I hope he does not consider me that stupid any more, though he seemed to be one of those people who only see themselves as bright. And hey what, maybe he is? If you feel like congratulating him, send him an e-mail at lcguven@hotmail.com . I think he will be pleased.
Erzurum
Erzurum (also written as Erzerum in some texts until the early 20th century, formerly known as Arzen during the Roman period, Theodosiopolis (after Theodosius I) during the Byzantine period and Կարին (Karin) in Armenian) is a city in eastern Anatolia, Turkey. The current name "Erzurum" derives from "Arz-e Rum" (literally The value of the Romans in Persian.)
Erzurum has a population of 361,235 (2000 census.) It is the capital (merkez) of Erzurum Province. Erzurum is the largest province in the Eastern Anatolian Region and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The city is situated 1757 meters (5766 feet) above sea level and has an extreme continental climate with an average January temperature of -11°C (12°F). Temperatures often drop below -30°C in the winter, with heavy snowfall.
Nene Hatun of Erzurum has become synonymous with the patriotism and bravery of Turkish women who defended the city and its province from Russian attacks during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, resigned from the Ottoman Army in Erzurum which had been the gateway and portal to Turkish tribes migrating to Eastern Anatolia throughout history, and was declared the "Honorary Native" and the freeman of the city, which issued him his first citizenship registration and certificate (Nüfus Cuzdanı) of the new Turkish Republic.
Erzurum Congress is known as one of the cornerstones of the Turkish War of Independence. The fourth President of Turkey, Cemal Gürsel, was a native of Erzurum.
Erzurum offers winter tourism attactions and a major skiing center at the Palandöken Mountain as well as its regional academic medical center, rich architectural historical sites and great monuments from the Seljuk period such as the Çifte Minareli Medrese. International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Winter Games, 2011 Winter Universiade, will be held in Erzurum.
One specialty of Erzurum's cuisine is Cağ Kebab. Although this kebab variety is of recent introduction outside its native region, it is rapidly attaining wide-spread popularity around Turkey.
Erzurum, known as "The Rock" in NATO code, has served as NATO's southeasternmost air force post during the Cold War.
The city uses the double-headed Anatolian Seljuk Eagle as its Coat of Arms, which was based on the double-headed Byzantine Eagle that was a common symbol throughout Anatolia and the Balkans in the medieval period.
Erzurum has a population of 361,235 (2000 census.) It is the capital (merkez) of Erzurum Province. Erzurum is the largest province in the Eastern Anatolian Region and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The city is situated 1757 meters (5766 feet) above sea level and has an extreme continental climate with an average January temperature of -11°C (12°F). Temperatures often drop below -30°C in the winter, with heavy snowfall.
Nene Hatun of Erzurum has become synonymous with the patriotism and bravery of Turkish women who defended the city and its province from Russian attacks during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, resigned from the Ottoman Army in Erzurum which had been the gateway and portal to Turkish tribes migrating to Eastern Anatolia throughout history, and was declared the "Honorary Native" and the freeman of the city, which issued him his first citizenship registration and certificate (Nüfus Cuzdanı) of the new Turkish Republic.
Erzurum Congress is known as one of the cornerstones of the Turkish War of Independence. The fourth President of Turkey, Cemal Gürsel, was a native of Erzurum.
Erzurum offers winter tourism attactions and a major skiing center at the Palandöken Mountain as well as its regional academic medical center, rich architectural historical sites and great monuments from the Seljuk period such as the Çifte Minareli Medrese. International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Winter Games, 2011 Winter Universiade, will be held in Erzurum.
One specialty of Erzurum's cuisine is Cağ Kebab. Although this kebab variety is of recent introduction outside its native region, it is rapidly attaining wide-spread popularity around Turkey.
Erzurum, known as "The Rock" in NATO code, has served as NATO's southeasternmost air force post during the Cold War.
The city uses the double-headed Anatolian Seljuk Eagle as its Coat of Arms, which was based on the double-headed Byzantine Eagle that was a common symbol throughout Anatolia and the Balkans in the medieval period.
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