Kars City Guide
Kars is a historical city located in Eastern Anatolia, near the Armenian border. With a population of around 280,000 (2024), it is known as “The Gateway of Anatolia to the Caucasus.”
Throughout its 4,000-year history, Kars has hosted many civilizations including the Urartians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Armenians, Ottomans, and Russians. The city’s architecture reflects this multi-layered past. From 1878 to 1918, Kars was under Russian rule, which shaped its distinctive stone-built urban layout.
Kars became one of the first provinces of the Republic of Turkey (1924). Today, the city is famous for its cold winters, cultural diversity, and historical heritage. Its economy is based on agriculture, livestock, and dairy production, while tourism has grown rapidly thanks to winter sports and cultural travel.
The city’s symbol, Sarıkamış, is one of Turkey’s most important ski resorts. The world-famous Kars Gravyer and Kaşar cheeses, honey, and goose dishes are central to its gastronomic culture.
Places to Visit in Kars
Historical and Cultural Landmarks of Kars
- Kars Castle: Built in the 12th century, offering panoramic city views.
- Ani Ruins: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the capital of an Armenian kingdom. Known as the “City of 1001 Churches.”
- Fethiye Mosque: Originally a Russian Orthodox church, converted into a mosque after 1918.
- Katerina Mansion (Sarıkamış): A romantic palace built for the Russian Tsarina, now a historical landmark.
- Russian Stone Buildings: Late 19th-century Baltic-style architecture defines downtown Kars.
- Kars Museum: Displays artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman period.
Natural Attractions in Kars
- Lake Çıldır: The second-largest freshwater lake in Turkey. In winter, it freezes completely, allowing horse-drawn sleigh rides.
- Sarıkamış Forests: Home to Turkey’s tallest Scotch pine forests, ideal for skiing and nature walks.
- Kuyucuk Bird Sanctuary: A RAMSAR-protected wetland attracting over 200 bird species.
- Arpaçay Valley: Offers scenic views and photographic opportunities.
Culture and Arts in Kars
Kars is a melting pot of Turkish, Kurdish, Azerbaijani, and Armenian influences. Folk dances, aşık (minstrel) traditions, and regional music are integral parts of daily life.
Kars Intercity Bus Terminal
The Kars Intercity Bus Terminal is 4 km from the city center. It operates regular routes to Ankara, Erzurum, Ardahan, Artvin, Rize, Istanbul, and Izmir. The terminal features rest areas, cafes, shops, and prayer facilities. Public transport and taxis provide easy access.
What to Eat in Kars
- Kars Goose (Kaz): Slow-roasted goose meat, a local delicacy served especially in winter.
- Hangel (Kars Dumplings): Handcrafted dumplings served with butter and yogurt.
- Kars Gravyer Cheese: A matured cheese with a rich aroma, produced with Swiss techniques.
- Kars Kaşar Cheese: One of Turkey’s finest hard cheeses.
- Umaç Halva: A traditional dessert made with flour, butter, and sugar.
- Evelik Soup: A nutritious dish made with wild greens.
- Kars Honey: Harvested from high-altitude meadows, famous for its intense aroma.
How to Get to Kars
- By Bus: Regular routes from major Turkish cities.
- By Air: Kars Harakani Airport is only 6 km away, with daily flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
- By Train: The legendary Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi) connects Ankara and Kars, offering one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
- By Road: Erzurum–Kars 200 km (~3 h), Ardahan–Kars 95 km (~1.5 h), Ankara–Kars 1050 km (~12 h).
Bus Companies Operating in Kars
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Öz Doğu Kars Turizm
- Esadaş Turizm
