Overview
Van, located in Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia Region, stands out with its historical, cultural, and natural richness. Its history dates back to the Urartian era, hosting various civilizations. The Van Castle, built by the Urartians, is one of the city's most significant historical landmarks. Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey, is famous for its stunning natural beauty.
Van’s cuisine is rich and unique. Local specialties such as herbed cheese, murtuğa, kavut, and the famous Van breakfast showcase the city’s culinary delights. The globally renowned Van cat, known for its distinct eye colors and elegance, is one of the symbols representing Van.
Van experiences a continental climate, with harsh and cold winters and hot, dry summers. The city attracts tourists with its historical sites like the Akdamar Church on Akdamar Island, and natural wonders such as Nemrut Crater Lake and Muradiye Waterfalls.