5 / 5 - One review
How to get there
30km drive from the Iranian border
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
One day
At first sight, Dogubeyazit, didn't grab me. It's centre is a dusty, messy cluster of concrete blocks, a seemingly characterless town that borders Iran and which lacks historical sites. I didn't feel inclined to hang around. But in all honesty, I'm glad I did. Firstly there's the incredible Ishak Pasa Palace, a fortified mosque that overlooks the town. Then there's Mount Ararat, a 5,137m high Turkish crown that gazes across the landscape.
Dogubeyazit is the perfect departure point for those wanting to climb Mount Ararat or those wanting to spend some time in a decidedly Kurdish town, which reflects the culture found just across the border. An enjoyable experience for those of you travelling to the far east of Turkey.