The easiest way to get to the area is to take a flight either from Istanbul or Ankara. Turkish Airlines have daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
E A S T E R N T U R K E Y
The Armenian church was constructed in X century during the reign of Armenian king Gagik. The legend has it that the tragic love of young princess Tamara is also connected with this church. "Tamara is in secret love affair with a young man from the land. Every night she guides him to the island with a lantern, but one of these nights they were not that lucky. Her father becomes to know of her love and takes the lantern from her hand to misguide the young lover, who is struggling in the waters of Lake Van to reach the island in the stormy night. Soon young man realizes that he has been betrayed and cries out 'AH TAMARA, AH TAMARA !!!!' So this is how the name 'AKHTAMAR' comes from the legends of the past.
Lake Van, Akhtamar Church and the Mt Suphan at the back
Erzurum, Palandoken Mountain in the background.
Kars, city and the fortress
