General Information about Erzurum
Erzurum, located in Eastern Anatolia, is one of the largest cities in the region with a population of around 755,000 (2024 data). Known for its cold climate and high altitude (1,890 meters above sea level), Erzurum is Turkey’s most prominent winter tourism destination, thanks to the world-famous Palandöken Ski Resort.
Historically, Erzurum has been ruled by the Urartians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. It played a crucial role during Turkey’s War of Independence by hosting the Erzurum Congress in 1919, where important decisions were made for the country’s future.
The city’s economy is based on livestock, agriculture, tourism, and education. Erzurum is famous for its cağ kebab, kadayıf dolması, civil cheese, and oltu stone. The presence of Atatürk University also makes it a vibrant student city.
Places to Visit in Erzurum
- Palandöken Ski Resort: A world-class ski resort attracting both local and international tourists.
- Erzurum Castle: A Roman-era castle with panoramic city views.
- Çifte Minareli Medrese: A 13th-century Seljuk monument, symbol of the city.
- Yakutiye Medrese: Built in 1310, now serving as an ethnographic museum.
- Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler): Seljuk-era mausoleums.
- Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii): Built in the 12th century.
- Atatürk House Museum: Where Atatürk stayed during the Erzurum Congress.
- Narman Fairy Chimneys: Unique natural formations similar to Cappadocia.
- Tortum Waterfall: One of Turkey’s highest waterfalls.
- Oltu Stone Bazaar: Famous for jewelry and prayer beads made of black amber (Oltu taşı).
Erzurum Bus Terminal
The Erzurum Intercity Bus Terminal is one of the largest terminals in Eastern Anatolia.
- Large platform capacity
- Offices of both national and regional bus companies
- Restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Minibus connections to nearby districts and towns
Travel times: Istanbul–Erzurum (~18 hours), Ankara–Erzurum (~12 hours), Erzincan–Erzurum (~3 hours), Kars–Erzurum (~3.5 hours).
What to Eat in Erzurum?
Erzurum cuisine is hearty and meat-based, enriched with unique dairy products and traditional recipes.
- Cağ Kebab: A spit-roasted lamb specialty, symbol of Erzurum.
- Kadayıf Dolması: Walnut-stuffed and fried kadayıf pastry, served with syrup.
- Civil Cheese: A stringy, salty local cheese.
- Rosehip Molasses (Kuşburnu Pekmezi): Made from rosehip berries.
- Water Borek (Su Böreği): A layered pastry with cheese.
- Stuffed Lor (Lor Dolması): A traditional dish made with cheese and bulgur.
- Kesme Soup: A handmade noodle soup.
- Kavut: A sweet dish made from roasted flour.
How to Get to Erzurum?
- By Bus: Regular services from almost all major cities.
- By Air:Erzurum Airport (12 km) offers direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
- By Train: Erzurum is on the route of the Eastern Express and Touristic Eastern Express.
- By Car: Istanbul–Erzurum 1,230 km (~18 hours), Ankara–Erzurum 870 km (~12 hours), Erzincan–Erzurum 190 km (~3 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Erzurum
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Esadaş Turizm
- Bizim Iğdır Turizm
- Öz Doğu Kars Turizm
