Things to Know About Erzurum/Palandoken

When we think of tourism in our country, summer tourism, cultural tourism and nature tourism come to mind first and foremost. A fun and sunny summer in the Aegean and Mediterranean; ancient cities and museums to visit in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Muğla, Şanlıurfa, Trabzon, Şanlıurfa, Trabzon and almost every point of our country; the discovery of many natural wonders in Pamukkale, Cappadocia and the Eastern Black Sea region excite people in their seats as they come to mind. However, there is much more for local/foreign tourists in our country. Winter tourism is another important holiday and entertainment opportunity in our country, although it sometimes remains in the background. Palandöken is one of the most important centers of winter tourism in our country. Here are some facts that will make you think of more than snowboarding and sledding when you think of Palandöken...

-Erzurum is one of the greenest cities in the Eastern Anatolia Region

Our Eastern Anatolia region is mostly known for its mountains, steep cliffs and steppe cover. These characteristics of the Eastern Anatolia Region also have a negative impact on transportation conditions and living comfort. However, Erzurum is a green city as if it was declared the pearl of the Eastern Anatolia Region by Mother Nature.

-Erzurum is a City of Critical Importance in Anatolian and Turkish History

Although Erzurum is an average-sized city today with a population of nearly one million, it was an important trade center and strategic point of the Great Seljuk, Anatolian Seljuk and Ottoman states. This makes it possible to encounter many historical architectural monuments in Erzurum. These include the Three Kumbets, the Great Mosque, the Çobandede Bridge, the Yakutiye Madrasah, and the Double Minaret Madrasah. In addition, Erzurum has the distinction of hosting a nation's turning point due to the decisions taken at the Erzurum Congress during the War of Independence of the Republic of Turkey.

-Erzurum is also an important center of winter and nature tourism

Tortum Waterfall It is the third highest waterfall in the world (48 meters) after Vietorio Falls (120 meters) and Niagara Falls (51 meters).

Palandöken. It is the most important winter tourism center of our country together with Uludağ with its ski centers and hotels.

Narman Fairy Chimneys. Another of our country's fairy chimneys formed by wind erosion.

-Erzurum is a University City Just Like Eskişehir

With Erzurum's population of eight hundred thousand and Atatürk University, one of the country's long-established universities, it is possible to say that student life is quite dominant in the city. In the photo, you can see the “culture street” project realized by Atatürk University Faculty of Fine Arts students by making snow models of Erzurum's historical monuments in a typical Erzurum winter.

-Palandöken is an Indispensable Center for Large Organizations and Festivals

Palandöken is an important center of winter tourism with its many hotels, as well as the center of the “ICEBREAK” winter festival, which was held for the first time last year and started to become traditional. Palandöken is also the center of winter sports in our country after hosting the World Winter Olympics in 2011.