Where to Visit in Bitlis?

Bitlis is a treasure for those who want to see the fascinating harmony of history and nature together. Known as the pearl of Eastern Anatolia, this city attracts attention not only with its natural beauties but also with its rich historical past and cultural values.

Located on the shores of Lake Van, Bitlis offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors with its Nemrut Crater Lake, Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, castles and local delicacies. If you are planning to explore Bitlis, this guide we have prepared will inspire you! Let's take a step into the mysterious world of Bitlis together.

Nemrut Crater Lake

Nemrut Crater Lake offers a trip in touch with nature with its unique views and peaceful atmosphere. This wonderful place, which is the second largest crater lake in the world, has become a favorite of visitors not only with its natural beauty but also with the activities it offers.

An Ideal Route for a Family Trip

Nemrut Crater Lake is a perfect place to spend time with your family thanks to the walking paths and resting areas around it. You can have a picnic by the lake, enjoy nature with your children and have a peaceful day. With its structure that appeals to all age groups, it offers a pleasant experience away from the crowds.

An Unforgettable Experience for Nature Lovers

While walking on the hiking trails, you can witness the magnificent view of the crater and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Taking a nature walk accompanied by the sounds of birds or sitting on the benches by the lake and enjoying the view will soothe your soul.

Nemrut Crater Lake is a must-see place in Bitlis with its unique nature and family-friendly facilities. If you are looking for a day trip or a break where you can be alone with nature, this is the place for you!

Historic Bitlis Houses

Each house is like a work of art made of stones and offers an unforgettable visual experience for history enthusiasts. These old houses of Bitlis build a bridge between the past and the present and allow you to get lost in a historical period.

Legendary Examples of Stone Architecture

Historical Bitlis Houses offer the most striking examples of Bitlis' traditional stone architecture. These houses were built with a combination of stone and wood materials in harmony with the climate and geography of the region. The stones used on the exterior of the houses are a reflection of the construction techniques and aesthetic understanding of that period. As you explore the historical texture of Bitlis, the unique architectural features of each house will fascinate you.

A Nostalgic Atmosphere

Historical Bitlis Houses offer a perfect environment for those who want to feel the nostalgic spirit of the past. The fact that these houses are lined up on narrow streets takes you on a journey into the past. As you walk along the streets, the flowers hung on the balconies of the houses and the moss on the old stone walls make you forget how time passes. These areas, which can be visited slowly, are a unique opportunity to understand the traditional lifestyle of the region.

Even though visitors cannot enter the interior structures of the houses, they can have a nostalgic experience by breathing in this historical atmosphere from the outside.

Seljuk Cemetery

This cemetery, which has hosted various civilizations for centuries, bears important traces of the Seljuk period. You can walk quietly in the morning and touch the stones and witness history. This mystical environment also creates a unique opportunity for photographers. Here, you can both follow the traces of the past and enjoy the natural environment.

The World's Largest Turkish-Islamic Cemetery

Bitlis Seljuk Cemetery is one of the largest Turkish-Islamic cemeteries not only in Bitlis, but also in Turkey and even in the world. The elegant inscriptions and symbols carved into the stones in the cemetery provide deep clues about the cultural and religious understanding of that period. This historical area offers its visitors the opportunity to feel the spirit of the past and explore the monuments of the period more closely. Each tombstone tells a different story, and this sacred area is one of the most beautiful examples of Turkish-Islamic culture and heritage.

A Calm and Peaceful Visiting Experience

The Seljuk Cemetery is more than just a historical site, it is a place where you can spend time in a calm and peaceful environment. The cemetery offers inner peace to visitors with its large areas, lush nature and quiet atmosphere. The silence inside the cemetery invites you to meditate or take a peaceful walk. This cemetery is a perfect place not only for history lovers but also for those looking for spiritual peace.

A visit to the Seljuk Cemetery offers a journey into the depths of the past while also providing an inner experience in a peaceful atmosphere. The cemetery area is not only a place that smells of history, but also offers a peaceful atmosphere.

Bitlis Castle

Bitlis Castle is not only a military structure, but also an important structure representing the history and culture of the region. Visitors can travel to the depths of the past by walking around the castle walls and watch the historical city from the castle walls. For photography enthusiasts, this spot offers the opportunity to obtain perfect frames by presenting natural beauties and historical structures together.

Historical Defense Point of the Region

Bitlis Castle is one of the most important symbols of the city's defensive past. Built on a high hill, this castle played a strategic role throughout Bitlis' history and was a critical point in the defense of the region. The castle was used by different civilizations and bears traces from each period. The walls, towers and defensive structures inside reveal the military architecture of the period.

Spectacular Views from the Summit

Bitlis Castle not only allows you to see a historical structure, but also to discover the natural beauties around it. When you climb to the top of the castle, you can dominate the magnificent view of Bitlis. Watching the city and the surrounding mountains, valleys, lush green areas and rivers in a panoramic way offers an unforgettable experience.

Watching the view from the top of the castle, especially at sunrise or sunset, creates a visual feast. A visit to Bitlis Castle provides a very impressive experience in terms of both history and nature.

Lake Van

Lake Van is the largest lake in the Eastern Anatolia Region and attracts attention with its unique landscape and surrounding natural beauty. Located just east of Van city center, this lake is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region with both its historical and natural riches. The lush green nature around the lake, combined with its deep blue water and surrounding mountains, offers a peaceful atmosphere to visitors.

An Infinitely Wide Lake View

Lake Van offers its visitors a sea view with its magnificent width. While walking around the lake or cruising by boat, you may get the feeling that the lake extends into infinity. The waters of the lake create a visual feast, especially in the morning and evening hours, taking on different shades of blue and green. The beaches on the lakeside provide a relaxing atmosphere for visitors with both the view and the resting areas.

Activity Options in Touch with Nature

The area around Lake Van offers a wide range of activities for those who want to do activities in touch with nature. You can take walking and cycling tours around the lake, and experience adrenaline-filled moments with various nature sports. Boat tours are a great option to explore the surrounding islands and historical sites by diving into the depths of the lake. In addition, outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing or camping in the lake are also very popular. In the summer months, it is also preferable to relax and cool off on the beaches by the lake.

Double Tomb

Çifte Kumbet in Bitlis, which bears traces of Seljuk architecture, is a historical treasure. The magnificent design of the structure will fascinate you. When you come here, take the time to examine the details of the tombs and discover the elegance of Seljuk stonework. You can enjoy the silence and peace by visiting here especially in the morning hours.

The Magic of Two Historical Buildings

Bitlis Çifte Kumbet is one of the most striking examples of the city's historical texture. These structures, consisting of two different tombs, are elegant monumental tombs that bear the traces of ancient civilizations and the Ottoman period in the region. Each of the tombs, although belonging to different periods, stand out especially with their domes, elegant stone carvings and figurative motifs. These structures are not only tombs, but also important historical works that reveal the art and culture of the period.

A Visit for Mystical Peace

Çifte Kumbet offers visitors a peaceful experience with its mystical atmosphere. The calmness around the tombs is complemented not only by their architecture but also by the peaceful environment created by nature. In addition, resting in the shade of the tombs and listening to the silence of the surrounding nature provides visitors with a relaxing spiritual calm. You can walk around these tombs in the morning and examine the figures on their stones.

Ihlasiye Madrasa

The Ihlasiye Madrasah, which holds an important place in the history of education, is an impressive structure dating back to the Seljuk period. While walking around the courtyard of the madrasah, you can breathe in the historical atmosphere and examine the detailed stone carvings. During your visit, you will be impressed to learn how this place was a place of knowledge in the past.

Education Center of the Seljuk Period

Ihlasiye Madrasah is of great importance as the educational and cultural center of the Seljuk period. Built in the 14th century, this madrasah has a deep history where the sciences of the Seljuk period were taught, scholars were trained, and it reflects the educational understanding of the past. Visitors can tour the rooms of the madrasah, get clues about the scientific world of the period, and deeply feel the historical atmosphere here.

Magnificent Architectural Details

Ihlasiye Madrasah also draws attention with its magnificent architecture. The exterior of the building is adorned with elegant examples of Seljuk stonework, and every detail has been carefully crafted. The large door of the madrasah offers visitors a historical visual feast before entering. The arched passages opening to the courtyard and the stone walls made with fine workmanship reflect the elegant texture of Seljuk architecture. The interior is surrounded by rooms arranged around a large courtyard, each designed in accordance with the architectural understanding of the period.

Goodwill Mosque

Şerefiye Mosque, one of the simple and elegant examples of Ottoman architecture, is an ideal place for those who want to pray in a peaceful environment or just feel a spiritual atmosphere. While discovering the eye-catching details and peaceful atmosphere inside the mosque, you can also closely examine the stonework on the exterior architecture.

The Mystical Texture of the Ottoman Empire

Bitlis Şerefiye Mosque is an important structure that bears the elegant and mystical traces of Ottoman architecture. Reflecting the spirit of the period in which it was built, the mosque draws attention with both its exterior and interior decorations. Especially its minaret, decorated with stonework and geometric patterns, reveals the artistic power of the Ottomans. When you step into the mosque, the details in every corner invite you to delve into the depths of the past.

A Relaxing Visit Experience

Şerefiye Mosque is an ideal place for those who want to spend time in a peaceful environment. The calm atmosphere of the mosque, the simple beauty of the interior and the silence of the surrounding nature offer visitors a deep peace. When you enter the mosque, you find not only spiritual tranquility but also visual aesthetics.

Ruined City

One of the historical spots of Bitlis, Ruined City is like an open-air museum. While walking around this ancient settlement, you will see the ruins of old houses and traces of life.

The Splendor of Ancient Times

Bitlis Ruined City offers a real treasure for those who want to explore the history of the region in depth. These ancient city ruins bear the traces of the civilizations that once ruled these lands. Stone-made structures, old settlements and historical city walls bear witness to the magnificent lives of the people who lived here in the past. Ruined City is like an open-air museum for history lovers and offers a story to be discovered in every corner.

The Feeling of Time Stopped

While walking around the Ruined City, time seems to stand still. While following the ancient stone paths, you can establish an emotional connection to the life of lost civilizations. As you travel back in time with each step, seeing traces of the past in the ruins around you is like taking a journey through time. Ruined City is a perfect place for both historical discovery and relaxation.

Grand Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Bitlis, Ulu Mosque attracts attention with its architecture and history. You can find a peaceful atmosphere in the interior of the mosque and admire the stonework on its exterior.

Elegant Ottoman Architecture

Bitlis Ulu Mosque is one of the most beautiful examples of elegant architecture of the Ottoman period. The mosque, which has preserved its original structure from the 16th century when it was built to the present day, offers a fascinating atmosphere with its stonework and details. Especially the stonework and minaret at the entrance of the mosque impress its visitors by reflecting the finesse of Ottoman art. Its interior has a simple but elegant decoration. With its large courtyard and dome, this mosque is not only a religious structure, but also aesthetically striking.

A Peaceful Visit

The Grand Mosque offers a peaceful visit experience with its calm atmosphere. While spending time here, you can get away from the noise and feel only the peace inside the mosque. In the early morning or during evening prayers, you can feel better how deep and spiritual the atmosphere inside the mosque is. At the same time, it is quite enjoyable to take a short walk in the garden around the mosque and discover the natural beauties around this historical structure.

Emir Bayindir Bridge

One of the architectural masterpieces of Bitlis, the Emir Bayındır Bridge has maintained its solidity from the past to the present. While walking on the bridge, you will both feel the history and discover the beauty of the surrounding nature. Looking down from the bridge and watching the flowing stream is a very peaceful experience. Don't forget that it is a great spot to take photos!

A Historical Crossing Point

Emir Bayındır Bridge has an important place among the historical structures of Bitlis and is one of the oldest bridges in the region. This bridge was an important transportation point in ancient times and was used especially as a passageway for merchants on the Silk Road. Dating from the 15th century, this bridge has survived to the present day as a vivid memory of the region's trade and transportation network.

Enjoy the View from the Bridge

Emir Bayindir Bridge is not only a historical structure, but also a point with an impressive view. While crossing the bridge, you can witness the fascinating view of the surrounding nature. The mountains and valleys around the bridge offer a visual feast to visitors. In addition, the peaceful sound of water and the green tones of the natural environment create a calm atmosphere specific to the bridge when looking down from the bridge.

Bashan Khan

Located on the historical Silk Road, Bashan Inn was once a merchants’ stop. This inn, which still preserves its historical texture today, will take you on a journey through the past. While visiting here, you can walk among the stone walls and feel the spirit of old times. Sitting in the inn, drinking tea and enjoying this atmosphere is one of the best activities you can do in Bitlis.

A Historical Resting Place

Başhan Hanı is one of the most important inns on the Silk Road in Bitlis and is a historical stopover point preferred by traders, travelers and travelers in the region to rest after long journeys. This inn, which has survived from the 16th century to the present day, leaves deep traces of the commercial life of that period. Today, Başhan Hanı offers a perfect destination for both history enthusiasts and visitors who want to spend time in a calm atmosphere.

Unique Architecture

The architecture of the Bashan Inn is a structure decorated with elegant details that blend the Ottoman and Seljuk influences of the period. The meticulous workmanship of the stonework and arches are the most important features that distinguish this structure from other inns. The inn's large courtyard, calm atmosphere and spacious interiors once offered comfortable resting areas for travelers staying here. Today, it offers visitors the opportunity to spend time in the peaceful atmosphere of a historical structure.