Van Guide

Van: The Jewel of Eastern Turkey

  Nestled on the shores of Turkey’s largest lake, the city of Van is a stunning destination steeped in history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Sharing its name with both Van Province and Lake Van, this region has played a crucial role in trade, warfare, and civilization for over 7,000 years—with historical records dating back to 5000 BCE.

  Population: As of 2010, Van had a population of 367,419, though it has continued to grow due to urban development and tourism.

Van City: A Blend of Ancient & Modern Wonders

Van Castle & The Legacy of Xerxes the Great – Overlooking the modern city, Van Castle is one of the most iconic historical sites in the region. Dating back to the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, the fortress showcases impressive Urartian architecture and features large cuneiform inscriptions attributed to Xerxes the Great, the ruler of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. These inscriptions provide a fascinating glimpse into the rule of one of the most powerful kings of the ancient world.

A City Rebuilt After Disaster – In 2011, a powerful earthquake struck Van, causing severe damage to much of the modern city. Since then, Van has been rebuilt using stronger materials, creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing urban landscape that blends tradition with contemporary design.

Van Museum – Originally damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the museum was rebuilt into a striking glass-fronted structure near Van Castle. Today, it houses a vast collection of artifacts from the region, showcasing the long and complex history of Van.

A Crossroads of Ancient Civilizations

The Kingdom of Urartu – Van was once the capital of the Urartian Kingdom (9th–6th centuries BCE), a civilization that flourished through military strength and rivalry with the Assyrians. However, Urartu eventually fell to a coalition of Cimmerians, Scythians, and Medes, marking the end of its dominance.

Persians, Armenians, and the Fight for Control – Following the fall of Urartu, the area was settled by Persians who referred to themselves as Armenians, but it was governed by Persian and Median satraps. Over time, Van became a contested region with successive invasions from Arabs, Byzantines, and the Seljuk Turks.

Seljuks, Byzantines & Ottomans – In 1071, the Seljuk Turks decisively defeated the Byzantines north of Lake Van, marking the beginning of Turkic rule in Eastern Anatolia. The Seljuks retained control until 1468, when Van became part of the expanding Ottoman Empire.

World War I & The Destruction of Old Van – During WWI, an Armenian faction allied with Russia, aiming to defeat the Ottomans and establish an independent Armenian state. This triggered fierce fighting between Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, and Russian forces, leading to widespread destruction, including the demolition of large parts of the old city of Van.

• Russia held Van until 1917, when the new Turkish Republic regained control, marking the final handover of the region.
• After the war, a new city of Van was planned and built just 4 km from the ruins of the old city.

Lake Van & Tourism

Lake Van is one of Eastern Turkey’s biggest attractions, covering 3,755 square kilometers, offering stunning views, and holding cultural and historical significance.

  For travelers looking to explore this incredible region, we offer:

• A 2-day guided tour around Lake Van, showcasing its natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
• Two comprehensive 12-day Eastern Turkey tours from Istanbul:
  
  • Eastern Turkey Explorer (12 days)
  • Treasures of Eastern Turkey (12 days)
  • These curated experiences promise stunning landscapes, deep historical insights, and unforgettable memories.

  Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations, drawn to breathtaking landscapes, or eager to explore a resilient, thriving city, Van is an unmissable destination in Turkey’s east.