Van Castle is a rock fortress on the shore of Lake Van, dating from the era of the Kingdom of Urartu (around the 9th century BCE). The Urartians called themselves "Biainili" — the name Van derives from this root. The castle holds one of the most important written sources of the Urartian period in its cuneiform rock inscriptions.
Old Van City at the foot of the castle was largely destroyed during the events of the early 20th century and today lies mostly in ruins.
Highlights
Urartian rock inscriptions
Monumental cuneiform inscriptions can be found at various points around the castle.
Lake Van views
The castle stands at a point overlooking Turkey's largest lake, offering a famous view at sunset.
Old Van City ruins
South of the castle, mosque and building remains from the old settlement can be seen.
Proximity to Akdamar Island
Visits to Van Castle are often combined with the 10th-century Armenian church on Akdamar Island, reached by boat.
Living Today
Who lives on this land today — what they cook, what they tell.
Bir Buçuk Saatlik Kahvaltı
Van'da kahvaltı öğün değil, program. Otlu peynir, murtuğa, kavut, kaymak ve bal aynı sofraya gelir; kalkmak için acele eden misafir sayılmaz.
Otlu Peynirin Sırrı
Sirmo ve mendi gibi yayla otları peynirin içine karışır, tuz küpünde aylarca bekler. Her ailenin ot oranı farklıdır ve kimse tarifini tam vermez.
Akdamar'a Giden Tekne
Adaya giden tekne yirmi dakika sürer. Kilisenin taş kabartmaları ile gölün rengi arasındaki o kısa yolculuk, Van'ı anlatan en sade an.