Kars Guide

About Kars

Kars: A Historic Crossroads of Cultures in Eastern Turkey

🏙️ Kars, a city rich in history and culture, blends the past with modern life. As the largest Turkish city near the Armenian border, Kars has been an important political and cultural center throughout history.

🏛️ Twice a Capital

• In medieval times, Kars was the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia.
• Today, it serves as the capital of Kars Province, playing a key role in Eastern Turkey.

📍 For those interested in exploring Kars, we offer various Eastern Turkey tours, including:

• 2-day Istanbul to Kars tour
• 3-day Istanbul to Mount Ararat tour

A History of Power Struggles & Shifting Rule

📜 Early History & The Armenian Kingdom

• Kars had its own Armenian dynasty and was an important cultural center.
• Between 928 and 961, Kars was home to the Church of the Holy Apostles, a cathedral of great significance.
• In 963, the Armenian Bagratuni rulers moved their capital to Ani, making Kars part of an independent state called Vanand.
• After the Byzantine Empire conquered Ani, Kars once again became the capital.

⚔️ Seljuks, Mongols, and Timur

• The Seljuk Turks took over the city but allowed it to function as an emirate, governing itself.
• In 1242, Mongol forces conquered Kars, though it was later recovered by the Georgian military.
• Timur’s armies took control of Kars, followed by various Anatolian Beyliks.

⚔️ Ottoman & Russian Conflicts

• The Ottoman and Safavid Empires spent years battling over the region.
• After the Battle of Kars, the city fell under Russian control, but was eventually returned to the Ottoman Empire.

Must-Visit Historical Sites in Kars

🏰 Kars Citadel – Overlooking the city from a rocky hill, the citadel dates back to the Armenian Bagratuni period. Visitors can still find ancient crosses and inscriptions around its walls.

⛪ Church of the Apostles – Originally an Armenian Christian church, this historic structure was later converted into a museum, then transformed again into an active mosque.

🏛️ Ani: The Ancient City of a Thousand Churches – Once a thriving Armenian capital, Ani was one of the world’s largest and most important cities during the medieval period. Today, its stunning ruins stand as a haunting reminder of its former glory.

Why Visit Kars?

✨ With its deep history, mix of cultures, and impressive landmarks, Kars is an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re exploring medieval Armenian ruins, Ottoman mosques, or Russian-era architecture, Kars offers a unique window into Eastern Turkey’s diverse past.

📸 Join a tour with Alaturca and experience Kars firsthand—where history, nature, and culture come together.