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Places to be seen

Kars - Ani Ancient CityThe surrounding place of Ani Ancient City which is 42 km away from city center is surrounded by walls at the height of 4,5 km. The history of Ani Ancient City which was established on 78 hectares area totally dates back to B.C 5.0 Inner Castle was built by Karsakians in 4th century and the exterior facade walls of the city were mostly built by Bagratians. Ani was under the control of Bagratians, Seljukians, Georgians, Saltukians, Karakoyunlu tribe, Akkoyunlu tribe and Ottoman’s prevail during the history. Being the capital for Armenian Kingdoms, the city had gained a signicance in terms of trade and religion because it was the first settlement spot for Silk Road during Middle Era (especially in 10-12 centuries.) The first Turkish mosque in Anatolia, Ebul Menuçehr Mosque, Great Cathedral (Fethiye Mosque), the biggest church in Anatolia, Tigran Honents Church, Seljukian Caravansary, Aziz Prkich (Keçel) Church, Silk Road Bridge are the most significant contructions to be seen in the Ani Ancient City.



Kars - Sarıkamış Ski CenterThere are 9 different ski platforms in the Sarıkamış Ski Center where there is crystal snow which is exclusive to Apls and which surrounding is covered with scotch fir forests. And these 9 platforms have their own difficulty levels and their total length is 25 km. There is a computer-aided chairlift with capacity for 2.400 people for hour in the facility. There is also Corss Country spot for 50 km of which 5 km is certified by International Ski Federation.



Kars CastleKars Castle built by Firuz Akay, the vizier of Melik İzzeddin, the Sultan of Saltukians in 1153 was planned as two separate parts as internal and external. The castle ruined because of several attacks and renovated again during some periods shows great differences compared to the first version. While there were 220 constellations in the walls for 3,5 km made out of cut basalt stones, there are only 7 constellations today. There are 4 entrance totally as Su (Çeribaşı), Kağızman (Orta), Behram Pasha and Main Gate which opens to the cliff.



Kars - Baltic Architecture ExamplesKars was under Russian prevail for 40 years following the 1877-1878 Ottomon-Russian war. the architectural approach of Russia applied in Baltic Seashores was applied in Kars and a new city which was planned on a grate shape cutting themselves vertically and numerous constructions were built in the city out of flat cut basalt stone.



Kars - Ebul Hasan Harakani Mausoleum

Ebul Hasan Harakani, one of the first saints Alperens arriving to Anatolia, was born in Khorasan in Iran in 963 and he was affected by the islamic mysticism of Beyazid-i Bestami who lived one centry earlier. By participating in Seljukian incursions from Turkmenistan to Anatolia, Ebus Hasan Harakani came to Anatolia and he was martyred in the war carried out agains Byzantinum militaries in Yahni Mountain in 1033. Ebul Hasan Harakani provided service with his students for the expansion of Turkish and Islam culture into Anatolia. Mevlana and Ahmed Yesevi were affected by the opinions of him.



Kars - Kuyucuk Bird HeavenKuyucuk River Wild Life Development Field located on the biggest bird migration road of Anatolia has 245 hectares size and includes 224 kinds of birds within itself. Kuyucuk Bird Heaven, which is the 13th and 1st and only RAMSAR area of Turkey and Eastern Anatolia respectively was deemed worthy for Whitley Golden Award which is the most prestigious environment award of England in 2008 and was elected as the European Selective Tourism Center by European Commission in 2009.



Kars Çengilli Church

This historical place located on the village which has the same name with itself is within the boundaries of Kağızman district and 28 km away from the district center. There is an inscription on it which states that the church is under the control of Georgian Patriarchate.



Kars Katerina Hunt Pavillon

The pavillon which is estimated to have been built by Czar II. Nicola in 1890 - 1914 is located on the northwest of Sarıkamış. The most interesting part of the building designed as fully wood on a rectangular plan is that it was built by the method of intertwine of the woods without using any nail.



Kars Camuşlu Rock Inscriptions

Camuşlu where monumental inscriptions which belong to the old periods of the history of humanity have taken place is 50 km away from Kars city center. Rock paintings in the village with the same name date back to Paleolithic Era. Human, deer, chevrotain and donkey figures are drawing attention on the paintings on the shoulders of a basalt rocky hill.



Kars Beşkilise

The church which is the closest to the center is Beşkilise in Digor where historical churches are located. From the Beşkilise (Five Churhes) concept includuing Aziz Karapet, Meryem Ana, Aziz Stefanos, Aziz Krikor and Aziz Sarkis churches, only one can survived up to day which is Aziz Sarkis Church where inscriptions dating back to 1033 are placed. This church drawing attention with its architectural structure and stone craftsmanship is of importance for Orthodox world.



Kars Churhes

Various churces are located within the boundaries of Kars and the most important ones among all are Alakilise (Şehitemin) and the ones on the route of Hamamlı Village on Sarıkamış.