A picturesque city situated in the northern east Turkey, by the river of the same name. It is turbulent history could be divided into three other cities. Belonging to Armenia Kars was conquered by Eastern Roman Empire, then Seljuks, Mongols and Ilkhanate. In next centuries the city was subject of conquering attempts by Georgians, Timurids, Persians, Osmanlis and Russians. Since 1921 it is within borders of Turkey. History made Kars a real mix of nationalities, cultures and religions.
What is worth seeing in Kars? A castle, known also as a citadel. It is situated on the very peak of a hill, from which there is an amazing view for the whole city. It is worth to start visiting Kars there – first look at the city from the above, then get to know its parts. The walls of the castle got their current shape probably in the 12th century, in times of rules by House of Zakarians, but it is known that such building existed there previously. In a few places on walls can be found Armenian crosses.
A bit lower than the castle, there is situated an Armenian church of Saints Apostles, built in the 11th century. A copula is decorated with twelve figures interpreted as twelve apostles. History of the temple isn’t an easy one. In the second half of the 16th century it was developed into a mosque, and at the end of the 19th century – in Orthodox church. Porches at the entrance to the temple are remains of Russian times. Since 1993 it is again a mosque.
Above the river Kars there is a stoned bridge, Taşköprü. It was built in 1579 from basalt, stoned blocks at order of Lala Mustafa Pasha, who soon went on to become the Grand Vizier of Sultan Murad III. The original bridge collapsed due to flood. What we are looking at today is its reconstruction form the first half of the 18th century. In the neighbourhood you will find three historic baths. You can watch them, but you won’t bath thee – none of them has been operational for years.
