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CITY GUIDE / 7 discovery ideas

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Van.

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1. History · Gevaş

   See the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island

   Akdamar’s Armenian Church of the Holy Cross carries a small image of itself on its wall: a western façade relief depicts King Gagik presenting a model of the church to Christ. Find the scene, compare the building in his hands with the church before you, and photograph without touching the relief. Check boat services and visiting conditions beforehand.

   Story and sources →
2. Culture & art · İpekyolu

   Have a Van breakfast

   Try the Van breakfast, famous for its 100-plus varieties, at a classic spot on Breakfast Street — and photograph it.

3. History · İpekyolu

   Tour Van Castle and the Tushpa ruins

   Read the rock inscriptions of Tushpa, the Urartian capital, and watch the Van Plain from the castle — and photograph it.

4. History · Gürpınar

   Climb Hoşap Castle

   See the mountaintop splendor of this 17th-century Kurdish principality castle — and photograph it.

5. Nature · Gevaş

   Swim in Lake Van

   Enjoy swimming in one of the world's largest soda lakes — refreshing thanks to its high salinity — and photograph it.

6. Nature · Muradiye

   Watch the Muradiye Waterfall from the suspension bridge

   North of Van, see the cascade up close via the suspension bridge that crosses over it — and photograph it.

7. Culture & art

   Ride the Van–Tabriz train

   A sleeper that leaves Turkey and arrives in Iran, over a border most people only cross by air. It is slow on purpose and the compartment fills with other people's tea. Photograph the corridor window at dawn.