Bitlis

Bitlis is a historic city in eastern Turkey, located in a deep mountain valley near Lake Van. It’s known for its stone architecture, Ottoman-era buildings, and rich mix of Kurdish, Turkish, and Armenian cultural heritage.

What it’s known for:

• Bitlis Castle (Bitlis Kalesi): Built on a steep hill in the middle of town, originally a Urartian fortress and later expanded by the Byzantines and Ottomans. It dominates the city’s skyline.

• Historic Mosques and Madrasas: The old town is full of impressive stone structures from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, such as:

  • Ulu Cami (Great Mosque)

  • Serefiye Mosque

  • Bitlis Madrasa

• Stone Houses and River Views: Traditional houses and narrow streets cling to the hillsides, with rivers and bridges winding through the valley — very atmospheric and largely untouched by mass tourism.

• Mount Nemrut (Bitlis): Not to be confused with the more famous Nemrut in Adıyaman. This one is a dormant volcano near Tatvan, with a crater lake and stunning high-altitude landscapes.

• Tatvan: A town in Bitlis Province, right on the shore of Lake Van, and a good base for exploring the volcanic side of Nemrut and the lake itself.

The vibe: Rugged, historic, and authentic. Bitlis is quieter and more local-focused than nearby cities like Van or Diyarbakir, but packed with character for those who appreciate architecture and mountain towns.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall. Winters are harsh and snowy due to the elevation.