Kars Guide

Kars: Where History Meets the Eastern Border

Located in northeastern Turkey, Kars is a city where centuries of history blend with modern life. As the largest Turkish city near the Armenian border, it has long been a strategic and cultural crossroads. Kars has served as a capital city twice in its past—first as the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Armenia, and today as the capital of Kars Province.

For guided experiences, check out our Kars Eastern Turkey tours, including 2-day trips from Istanbul to Kars and 3-day tours from Istanbul to Mount Ararat.

A Complex and Layered History

The early history of Kars is not well documented, though it is known that the city had its own Armenian dynasty. Between 928 and 961, the city was home to the Church of the Holy Apostles, serving as a cathedral and spiritual center.

In 963, the Armenian Bagratuni dynasty moved its capital to Ani, leaving Kars to briefly serve as the center of an independent Armenian state known as Vanand. After the Byzantine Empire conquered Ani, Kars regained prominence. Later, the Seljuk Turks took the city but allowed it to function autonomously as an emirate.

In 1242, the Mongols captured Kars, although it was later reclaimed by the Georgian military. The region then passed through the hands of Timur, various Anatolian Beyliks, and became a contested area between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavids.

Following the Battle of Kars, the city fell under Russian control in the 19th century but was eventually returned to the Ottoman Empire through treaty agreements.

Places of Interest

• Kars Citadel: Overlooking the city from a rocky hilltop, this imposing fortress dates back to the Bagratuni Armenian period. Around the site, you’ll find stone crosses and ancient inscriptions.

• Church of the Holy Apostles: Originally an Armenian church, it was converted into a museum, and today serves as an active mosque. Its unique architecture reflects the region’s layered religious history.

• Ani – The Ancient City of Ghosts: Once a bustling medieval metropolis and capital of the Armenian Kingdom, Ani now lies in atmospheric ruins near the border. Its churches, walls, and cathedrals stand as haunting reminders of a lost era, shaped by wars and earthquakes.

Why Visit Kars?

Kars is a destination unlike any other in Turkey — a fusion of Armenian, Turkish, Russian, and Persian history, surrounded by stark beauty and wide open landscapes. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities, standing atop fortified hills, or tasting local cuisine, this region tells the story of civilizations that have risen and fallen at the edge of empires.

Take a step into living history with Alaturca Tours, and experience something truly different.