Photo: Cemil1280 (FAL) · Source 6 places to visit in the Taşlıçay district of Ağrı: Taşlıçay Plain, Taşlıçay Creek Valley and South-western Slopes of Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı). Plan your trip to Taşlıçay with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district covers 822 km² and sits at an elevation of 1,761 metres.
The settlement, which had previously been a bucak attached to the district of Diyadin, was made a district in 1954, with its centre at Aşağıtaşlıçay.
The district lies on the Türkiye-Iran transit route, on the northern bank of the Murat River. Diyadin and Doğubayazıt lie to the east, and the districts of Ağrı and Eleşkirt lie to the west. The district has a continental climate: summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and snowy.
Taşlıçay was a bucak attached to Diyadin until 1954, when it became a district. Shia Azeris and Shafi’i Kurds live in the district. The district was founded on the northern bank of the Murat River, on the Iranian transit route.
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Stretching along the south-western foothills of Ağrı Mountain, the Taşlıçay Plain is one of Türkiye's highest plains, at an elevation of 2,000 metres. Its green meadows and flower cover in the summer months offer beautiful frames for nature photographers.
View on mapThis valley, which extends along the Taşlıçay Creek that gives the district its name, is a suitable route for nature walks thanks to its rocky structure and clear waters. The green areas along the creek are preferred for picnics.
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Photo: Cemil1280 (FAL) · Source Taşlıçay is the district closest to the south-western slopes of Ağrı Mountain. From these slopes there are impressive viewpoints from which both Büyük and Küçük Ağrı can be seen together.
View on mapThe remains of this castle on a rocky hill near the district bear witness to the history of the region. It is thought to have been used for border defence in the Ottoman period.
View on mapThe highest point of the district; a mountain located on Aladağ to the south.
View on mapWhile you are in Taşlıçay, you can also see the highlights of Ağrı province. These places are in other districts.
The signature flavour of the Ağrı region, Abdigör köftesi is also among the most loved dishes in Taşlıçay. It is prepared by kneading lean minced beef with special spices and then boiling it.
Made with hand-cut noodles, lentils and yoghurt, this soup is the favourite dish of Taşlıçay's cold winter days.
Baked in a clay tandoor oven, this traditional bread is an indispensable part of Taşlıçay's village tables. It is eaten with fresh butter and honey.
Kavut, made by mixing roasted wheat flour with butter and sugar, is one of Taşlıçay's traditional desserts.
The tradition of migrating to the plateaus in the summer months is still maintained in the mountain villages of Taşlıçay. This seasonal migration is an important part of the cultural identity of the region.
Taşlıçay is one of the settlements closest to Ağrı Mountain, and it is a region where legends and stories about the mountain are kept alive.
Kilim weaving and wool craftsmanship are maintained in Taşlıçay as traditional handicrafts.
The economy of Taşlıçay is largely based on livestock farming. Small and large livestock farming is the district's main livelihood. Because of the high elevation, farming is limited and barley and forage crops are grown. Beekeeping is a developing sector. The migration of young people to large cities is an important factor affecting the district's economy.
Taşlıçay is 35 km from Ağrı city centre and is reached by road. Located on the Ağrı-Doğubayazıt road, the district has regular minibus services from Ağrı. The nearest airport is Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport (45 km).
The 6 highlights of Taşlıçay are: Taşlıçay Plain, Taşlıçay Creek Valley, South-western Slopes of Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı), Taşlıçay Castle, Mount Muratbaşı (Koçbaşı) and Balık Lake.
Abdigör Köftesi, Kesme Aşı, Tandır Ekmeği and Kavut are the flavours that stand out at Taşlıçay's tables.
Taşlıçay is known for honey and the Plateau Migration Tradition. The flower honey collected on Taşlıçay's high plateaus is the most valuable natural product of the region.
Taşlıçay is 35 km from Ağrı city centre and is reached by road. Located on the Ağrı-Doğubayazıt road, the district has regular minibus services from Ağrı. The nearest airport is Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport (45 km).
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: June–September.