Kars, Turkey

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Kars, Turkey

Region: Kars

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Geographic Coordinates: 40.607800, 43.095800

Climate: Cold and dry winters, hot and dry summers, with moderate precipitation in spring and fall.

Population: 115891

Language: Turkish

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Kars is a city situated in the northeastern region of Turkey, Close to the Armenian border. The city is renowned for its cultural heritage, Architecture and natural beauty. It has a population of around 80, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 9, 500 square kilometers. One of Kars’ most significant landmarks is Kars Castle. This fortress dates back to the 12th century and was constructed by Armenian rulers as a strategic stronghold against invading forces throughout history. Another notable attraction in Kars is Ani Ruins.

This site was once a thriving medieval city that served as an important center for trade between Europe and Asia. Today, Visitors can explore its many churches, Palaces and other structures that have stood for centuries. Aside from historical sites, Kars also has impressive examples of Ottoman-era architecture such as Evliya Mosque built-in 1732 by Ottoman governor Haji Ahmet Pasha.

The natural beauty of Kars can be seen at places like Lake Cildir which sits at an altitude of almost two thousand meters above sea level offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains surrounding it making it one popular tourist destination in Kars.

Kars also boasts vibrant food culture combining Eastern Anatolian flavors with traditional Turkish cuisine featuring local specialties like kete (similar to pizza but made with lamb meat instead), Borani (consisting mainly yogurt mixed with vegetables or meat), Manti (small dumplings filled with minced meat or cheese served with yogurt sauce) and etli ekmek (flatbread topped with ground beef or lamb cooked on hot stones). Overall, Visitors can experience unique blend history, Culture, Nature and gastronomy while exploring ancient ruins admiring stunning architecture or trying out delicious local cuisine making Kars worth visiting!

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1. Ani Ruins: The ancient city of Ani, located on the border with Armenia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important landmarks in Kars.
2. Kars Castle: This medieval castle dates back to the 12th century and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
3. Church of the Holy Apostles: This 10th-century Armenian church is one of the few remaining examples of Armenian architecture in Turkey.
4. Lake Cildir: Located just outside Kars, this beautiful lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.
5. Sarikamis Ski Resort: One of Turkey’s largest ski resorts, Sarikamis offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all levels.
6. Kars Museum: This museum showcases artifacts from throughout Kars’ history, including Ottoman-era weaponry and traditional clothing.
7. Karaca Cave: Located near Erzurum (about two hours from Kars), this cave system features stunning stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years.
8. Mount Ararat: Although technically located in eastern Turkey near the border with Armenia, Mount Ararat can be seen from many parts of Kars province on clear days.

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1. The primary industries and businesses in Kars, Turkey are:
• Agriculture
• Livestock farming
• Tourism
2. The area is famous for producing:
• Wheat
• Barley
• Corn
• Various other crops
3. Livestock farming involves:
• Breeding sheep and cattle
• Manufacturing dairy products like cheese
4. Kars city is a well-known tourist spot because of its:
• Historical landmarks such as the Kars Castle and Ani ruins
• Natural beauty with Lake Cildir and Mount Ararat being popular attractions
5. Furthermore, there are some small-scale manufacturing industries that produce:
• Textiles
• Handicrafts

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1. The Battle of Kars (1855) – A major battle between Ottoman Empire and Russian Empire during the Crimean War.
2. Treaty of Kars (1921) – A treaty signed between Turkey and Soviet Union that ended the Turkish-Armenian War and established the current borders between Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia.
3. Ani – An ancient city located near Kars that was once a thriving center of trade on the Silk Road.
4. Ahmet Arif – A prominent Turkish poet who was born in Kars in 1927.
5. Orhan Pamuk – A Nobel Prize-winning Turkish novelist who set his novel Snow in Kars.
6. Kazım Karabekir Pasha – A military general who played a significant role in the Turkish War of Independence and was born in Kars.
7. Armenian Genocide Memorial Church – Located in downtown Kars, this church is dedicated to victims of Armenian genocide that occurred during World War I.
8. Sarikamis Ski Resort – One of Turkey’s largest ski resorts located near Kars which attracts thousands of tourists every year for skiing and winter sports activities.
9. Aras River – It is mentioned as one boundary river on Old Testament Genesis Chapter 8; it is also known as a natural border line between Eastern Anatolia Region(Turkey)and Caucasus Region(Russia).

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1. Ani Ruins: This ancient city is situated on the Turkey-Armenia border and is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
2. Kars Museum: A local museum that exhibits the history and culture of Kars through artifacts, photographs, and displays.
3. Kars Castle: This medieval fortress was built in the 12th century and offers panoramic views of the city.
4. Church of the Holy Apostles: A historic Armenian church dating back to the 10th century, known for its intricate carvings and frescoes.
5. Karacaahmet Cemetery: This cemetery has ornate gravestones that reflect a mix of Islamic and Christian influences.
6. Sarikamis Ski Resort: A popular winter sports destination with ski slopes, snowboarding areas, and other activities available for visitors to enjoy.
7. Katerina Armenian Church: Another historic Armenian church dating back to the late 19th century known for its unique architecture and intricate details.
8. The House of Russian Writer Alexander Pushkin: The former residence of famous Russian writer Alexander Pushkin during his exile in Kars from 1829-1830 now serves as a museum open to visitors.
9. Lake Cildir National Park: This scenic park located near Lake Cildir offers hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing spots as well as spectacular views over Mount Ararat on clear days.
10. Mençuna Waterfall: Located about an hour’s drive from central Kars this waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery making it a perfect spot for picnics or just enjoying nature’s beauty.

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1. Kars Culture and Art Festival: This festival is held annually in July and features various cultural activities such as music performances, traditional dance shows, art exhibitions, and more.
2. Snowdrop Festival: Held every year in March, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring with the blooming of snowdrops. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, photography exhibitions, and local food specialties.
3. International Kars Jazz Festival: This music festival takes place every August and attracts jazz musicians from around the world to perform in various venues throughout the city.
4. Kars Cheese Festival: Held annually in October or November, this festival celebrates the local cheese-making traditions with tastings, workshops, competitions, and more.
5. Ani Ruins Cultural Tourism Festival: This event takes place every September at the historic Ani ruins near Kars. It features music concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, guided tours of the ruins site and other cultural activities to promote tourism in the region.

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• Kars Kaşarı: This is a type of cheese that is unique to Kars and is made from cow’s milk. It has a salty taste and can be eaten on its own or used in dishes.
• Etli Ekmek: This is a traditional Turkish pizza that is topped with meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Tandır Kebabı: This dish consists of slow-cooked lamb that has been marinated in spices and served with rice or bread.
• Hıdırellez Pilavı: This dish is made with lamb or chicken, rice, onions, carrots, chickpeas, and spices.
• Cihan Lokantası: This restaurant serves traditional Turkish food such as kebabs, soups, stews, and meze (appetizers).
• Köşk Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of Turkish and Georgian cuisine including grilled meats like shashlik (kebab) and khinkali (dumplings).
• Ani Restoran: Located near the ancient ruins of Ani city in Kars province this restaurant serves authentic local dishes such as kelle paça soup (sheep head soup), manti (Turkish dumplings), tandoori breads etc..

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Parks and Recreation

1. Kars Castle is a popular tourist attraction that offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
2. The Ani Ruins, located outside of Kars, are a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive ruins from various historical eras.
3. Sarikamis Ski Resort provides visitors with skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities during the colder months.
4. Lake Cildir is a picturesque lake situated about 70 km from Kars where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding area.
5. Karagol-Sahinkaya National Park offers hiking trails through beautiful forests and mountains as well as camping facilities for visitors to enjoy.
6. The Kars Museum showcases local history through exhibitions on archaeology, ethnography, art, and more.
7. Harakani Tomb & Mosque Complex is an important religious site in Kars featuring an impressive mosque complex with intricate architectural details.
8. Ballica Cave Natural Park is a natural park featuring a cave system with stalactites and stalagmites that visitors can explore on guided tours.
9. Yusuf Pasa Konagi Museum-House is a traditional Ottoman-era house turned museum showcasing local history and culture in an authentic setting.
10. Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasa Mosque & Madrasa Complex is another significant religious site in Kars featuring an impressive mosque complex with intricate architectural details.

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Adventure Awaits!

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