AGRI

Situated in Eastern Anatolia and extending to the Iranian border, is Agri, one of the highest regions in the country with its mountainous formation.

Rising up to a height of 5165 m, Mount Agri (Ararat) is the main peak of Turkey and the symbol of the city. This snowcapped dormant volcano is the famous biblical Mount Ararat, the legendary site of the second beginning of the world. It is believed that Noah's Ark rested on its summit during the big flood, and the wide plain of Igdir at the foot of the mountain is the first place where Noah set foot after the disaster. A geological hollow near Uzengili village has the shape allegedly of the ark, and it is a place often visited by tourists, being also a beautiful resting spot. Mount Ararat, besides offering magnificent scenery, also provides sportive opportunities for hunting, skiing and mountaineering. Climbing is also possible once you get the necessary permission from the local authorities. Ararat became 35th National Park of Turkey with the decision of the Parliament on 1st of November, 2004.

95 kms east of Agri, is the town Dogubayazit, comprising spectacular ruins from earlier periods Ishak Pasha Palace, 6 kms outside the town center, is the most important sight, and was constructed by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Pasha, in the 17th century. It has been restored many since, and has become an original building of mixed architectural design. An Urartian king relief and a rock tomb dating to the 9th century BC, are other historical remains near the palace, while ruins from the same period are also to be found near Patnos, another important town of Agri province.

An interesting place is the meteoric hole, about 80 years old, located between the Gürbulak border gate and Sancavus village. It is the second largest hole of this type in the world with its 35 m width and 60 m depth.

Besides these tourist attractions, there are other specialties of the city. One is "Lake Balik", famous for its "trout". Still another is the local dessert "Asure", also known as "Noah's Pudding" and it is a sweet that must be tasted.

Bubi Mountain skiing area is 18 kms to the city center but it isn't developed much as a big resort yet. It's season is between December and April and it gets approximately 1-2 meters of snow. There is a 1,227 meters long teleski with a capacity of 600 persons per hour. Another skiing area is 4 kms to Eleskirt district with 1,650 meters long and 1,000 people per hour capacity detachable chair telesiege. Skiing track is 1,200 meters long and 250 meters wide.