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Agri
Situated in Eastern Anatolia and extending to the Iranian border, is Agri, one
of the highest regions in the country with its mountainous formation.
Rising up to a height of 5165 m, Mount Agri is the main peak of Turkey and the
symbol of the city. This snowcapped volcano is the famous biblical Mount Ararat,
the legendary site of the second beginning of the world. It is believed that
Noah's Ark rested on its summit during the big flood, and the wide plain of
Igdir at the foot of the mountain is the first place where Noah set foot after
the disaster. A geological hollow near Uzengili village has the shape allegedly
of the ark, and it is a place often visited by tourists, being also a beautiful
resting spot. Mount Ararat, besides offering magnificent scenery, also provides
opportunities for hunting, skiing and mountaineering. Climbing is also possible
once you get the necessary permission from the authorities.
95 kms east of Agri, is the town Dogubayazit, comprising spectacular ruins from
earlier periods Ishak Pasha Palace, 6 kms outside the town center, is the most
important sight, and was constructed by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Pasha, in
the 17th century. It has been restored many since, and has become an original
building of mixed architectural design. An Urartian king relief and a rock tomb
dating to the 9th century BC, are other historical remains near the palace,
while ruins from the same period are also to be found near Patnos, another
important town of Agri province.
An interesting place is the meteoric hole, about 80 years old, located between
the Gurbulak border gate and Sancavus village. It is the second largest hole of
this type in the world with its 35 m width and 60 m depth.
Besides these touristic attractions, there are other specialties of the city.
One is "Lake Balik", famous for its "trout". Still another is the local dessert
"Asure", also known as "Noah's Pudding" and it is a sweet that must be tasted.
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