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Tortum Waterfall, Erzurum

Tortum Waterfall (Tortum Şelalesi) in Erzurum is formed at the end of Lake Tortum. Tortum, one of the tallest waterfalls of Türkiye, pours down from a height of about 48 meters.

The falling water creates rainbows at the top and a large pond at the bottom. In the surrounding area, there is a picnic area for visitors and a viewing terrace. You can descend from the terrace following the stone steps and go under the waterfall – but prepare to get wet!

Muradiye Waterfall, Van

Muradiye Waterfall (Muradiye Şelalesi) in the Muradiye district of Van is located on Bend-i Mahi Creek. It's the perfect destination for those who want to spend a quiet day in nature. In the winter when the waterfall freezes, an image similar to the Pamukkale travertines emerges.

The water flows down from Mount Tendürek, which is a shield volcano. Muradiye Waterfall has a height of 15 meters and has a hanging bridge for pedestrians.

Kırk Merdiven Waterfall, Tunceli

Located in the Ovacık district of Tunceli, the Kırk Merdiven Waterfall (Kırkmerdiven Şelalesi) is located on the slopes of the Munzur Mountains. It consists of several waterfalls flowing through a narrow and small valley.

The waterfall, whose name means “forty stairs” in Turkish, is one of the first stops on the route to the highlands in the north of Ovacık district. The abundance of water at the waterfall and in its surroundings is striking.

Kırk Merdiven Waterfall is not accessible by car. A two-hour hike is required to reach the waterfall. Along the way, there are many opportunities to observe endemic plants.

Ore Waterfall in Hakkari

Ore Waterfall (Ore Şelalesi) in the province of Hakkari is one of the region’s most beautiful natural sites. The waterfall, which is located at a high altitude, falls from a height of about 25 meters. During especially cold winters, it sometimes freezes, creating a spectacular vista. In spring, it has a high flow volume.

If you are interested in rock climbing, the area's steep slopes offer the perfect challenge.

Girlevik Waterfalls in Erzincan

Girlevik Waterfalls (Girlevik Şelaleleri), located in the town of Çağlayan, southeast of Erzincan, are famous for their natural cool climate and beauty. In winter, the water freezes, and stalactites are formed creating climbing opportunities. In the summer, the microclimate here is cool and refreshing.

The waterfall is 33 kilometers from the center of Erzincan. The water of Girlevik Waterfalls descends from the village of Kalecik, located on the slope of the Munzur Mountains. The water exits from nine separate areas, descends in three stages, and reaches the waterfalls through a creek bed. The height of the waterfalls is approximately 40 meters.

Caucasian Folk Music in Kars

It is widespread throughout the province, as the Kars province received heavy migration from the Caucasus before and after the First World War. Caucasian Folk Dances (Kafkas Halk Dansları) have an important place in the rich Kars folklore. While the local dances are mostly in the form of the Bar, Caucasian dances are danced as individual solos.

The tradition of minstrelsy (aşıklık), which has been recorded in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity in 2009, combines the saz (string instrument) with words. Competition-like events are held for minstrels who are performers of this tradition and their bickering entertains the listeners.

Cittaslow Ahlat in Bitlis 

Ahlat, a historical city in the district of Bitlis, northwest of Lake Van, welcomes visitors with an arresting sight of glorious tombstones dating back to the Seljuk period.

Thanks to its geographical location, Ahlat has been a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations throughout history. Ahlat played a very important role in the migration of Turks from Central Asia to Anatolia.

Throughout history, Ahlat’s significance has been established by its location on the roads from Asia to Anatolia, its warm climate for the standards of the Eastern Anatolian Region, its fertile lands, the abundance of local building material suitable for construction, and its water resources.

Cittaslow Uzundere in Erzurum

Uzundere, a town and district of Erzurum province, is located on the borders of the Black Sea region and the region of Eastern Anatolia. It is a quiet and peaceful town, rich in history, and abundant in natural beauty.

Many different civilizations have left their traces in this part of the world.

Interestingly, the region has the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate. The summer is quite hot and humid, and the winter is cold and rainy. Many different types of fruit grow in the district, and even in winter, parts of the region remain green. The locals’ main livelihood is agriculture and animal husbandry.