Kars

You are in one of the eastern border cities of the country. With its mountainous landscape, temperature is mostly low in Kars which makes it a winter sports destination. Other than the special crystal snow which you will enjoy at “Sarikamis” ski-run, Kars is well known with its being the inspiration source for the artists. There are many awarded Turkish novels and movies written and shot in the city.

Kars, a transit point between Anatolia and the Caucasus, has an outstanding beauty in itself, magnified by Ani Ruins – a medieval city once called "City of 1001 Churches".

The city center of Kars looks quite different from other cities located on eastern part of the country. Kars, one of the cities that embraces its past, is one of the routes every traveler should put in their discovery plans with its historical places to see and natural areas that make people love nature again and again. The magnificent and elegant Russian architecture effected the city’s appearance during the Russian occupation and are still in use in the daily life of the city.

The city unfolds at the foot of its impressive fortress from the 12^th century. Nearby, the Havariler Church (the 10^th century Church of the Apostles) reveals a curious mixture of architectural influences. The Archaeological Museum exhibits beautiful wood carvings, an excellent collection of coins found in the surrounding region, as well as many ethnographic items. The ancient city of Ani stands only 42 km away from the city center for the ones who would like to know about the life and architecture of middle ages.

Kars is particularly known for its distinctive kilims (rugs) and carpets, and it retains a strong heritage of folk dancing that visitors always enjoy watching. On the mountain pastures, villagers produce excellent local unique cheese and delicious honey.

The unique local life affected by different cultures throughout history combines with all the natural and historical richness of the city and creates inspiration for artists. Kars is the city where awarded art pieces are created in and is mostly preferred by photography artists, lately.

Arriving Kars;

Istanbul – Kars flight duration: App. 2 hours

Kars Airport – Kars city center: 7 km

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Visiting Kars in the wintertime to enjoy the crystal snow at Sarıkamış with resort hotels set in a scenic pine forest. The center offers a skiing season of 120 days through the year and the surrounding area are suitable for alpine skiing, ski touring and cross-country skiing.