EASTERN ANATOLIA
The Toros (Taurus) Mountains which parallel Turkey's southern
border and the Black Sea Mountains in the north join together
to form a mighty mountain range which defines the country's eastern
border. The tremendous diversity of the eastern and southeastern
lands surprises travelers: he red ochre plateau of Erzurum; the
forests, waterfalls, and green pastures of Kars and Agri: the
permanent snow-cap on biblical Mount Agri (Ararat); the immense
Lake Van with its deep blue waters. Dwellings and modes of life
also vary greatly in this large region. Small, earth-roofed houses;
build close to the ground typify houses around Kars; Despite a
generally austere life, the people of the area are generous and
hospitable.
The region's long and turbulent history has left monuments to
its various civilizations : Byzantine monasteries and churches,
Seljuk mausoleums and caravanserais, elegant Ottoman mosques and
hilltop citadels. To the inveterate traveller and lover of adventure,
this region of Turkey fascinates, astonishes and informs.
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