TR RU

8 places to visit in the central district of Bitlis: Bitlis Castle, Şerefiye Mosque and Historic Stone Houses of Bitlis. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Location and Historic Character

The city centre was founded in a narrow, steep valley where two streams meet, and is known as “the beautiful city in the valley”. In 1916 the city was under Russian occupation for five months, and was retaken on 8 August 1916 on the attack order of Mustafa Kemal, Commander of the 16th Corps.

Geography and Climate

In Bitlis, winters are long, snowy and very wet, while summers are short and mild.

History and Culture

The Ethnography Museum is known for its late Ottoman-period incense burners. According to the inscription on the portal of İhlasiye Madrasa, it was built in 1589.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Bitlis Central District

  • 4 Historic
  • 3 Religious
  • 1 Museum

Historic Sites 4

Bitlis Castle - Merkez
Historic

Bitlis Castle

Bitlis Castle, on a rocky hill in the city centre, was built in the Urartian period and used in the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The castle offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

View on map
Historic

Historic Stone Houses of Bitlis

Traditional stone houses line the narrow streets of Bitlis and offer fine examples of regional architecture. With their thick stone walls and flat roofs, they reflect the characteristic house architecture of Eastern Anatolia.

View on map
Historic

Bitlis Stream and Historic Bridges

Stone bridges from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods span the Bitlis Stream, which flows through the city centre. These bridges are important parts of the city's historic fabric.

View on map
Historic

İhlasiye Madrasa

A madrasa in the centre of Bitlis, thought to date back to the Seljuk period.

View on map

Religious Buildings 3

Şerefiye Mosque - Merkez Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Religious

Şerefiye Mosque

Built in the 16th century by Şerefhan, Lord of Bitlis, the Şerefiye Mosque is the most important Ottoman-period monument in Bitlis. It is notable for its twin minarets and its stonework.

View on map
Religious

Gökmeydan Mosque

A mosque located within a garden in central Bitlis.

View on map
Religious

Kureyşi Mosque

A mosque in the Kureyşi quarter, in the Zeydan neighbourhood on the western bank of Bitlis.

View on map

Museums 1

Museum

Bitlis Ethnography Museum

A museum in central Bitlis, opened in 2005.

View on map

What to Eat in Bitlis Central District

Food guide →

  • Bitlis Büryanı (lamb cooked in a clay oven)

    Büryan kebabı, prepared by slow-cooking lamb in an earth oven, is Bitlis's most famous dish. The tenderness of the meat and its smoky aroma make this dish special.

  • Çiğ Köfte

    Çiğ köfte, made by kneading fine bulgur with spices, is an essential delicacy at guest tables in Bitlis.

  • Perde Pilavı (rice wrapped in pastry)

    Rice enriched with chicken, almonds and currants, wrapped in yufka pastry and baked. It is the traditional dish at wedding tables in Bitlis.

  • İçli Köfte (stuffed bulgur balls)

    A laborious dish, difficult to make, which Bitlis women find the most challenging to prepare.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bitlis Central District

  • Şerefname Heritage

    The Şerefname, written in the 16th century by Şerefhan, Lord of Bitlis, is one of the most important sources for the history of the region. The work is tangible evidence of Bitlis's cultural and historical richness.

  • Stone Architecture Tradition

    Bitlis's traditional architecture, built from volcanic stone, forms the identity of the city. Dark stone buildings, narrow streets and historic fountains give the city its distinctive atmosphere.

Local Products

  • Bitlis Tobacco (Bitlis Tütünü) — Bitlis has been known for tobacco production since the Ottoman period. The tobacco grown in the region is known for its distinctive aroma.
  • Bitlis Honey — Flower honey obtained from the high mountain plateaus, and one of the most valuable natural products of Bitlis.

Economy

The economy of Bitlis Merkez district is based on agriculture, livestock farming and trade. Tobacco production has traditionally been an important source of income. Bitlis Eren University contributes to the city's education and economic life. Cultural tourism has potential for development.

How to Get to Bitlis Central District

The nearest airport to Bitlis is Bitlis-Muş Airport, near Tatvan. It is 1,100 km from Ankara and 150 km from Van. Intercity bus services connect the city with major cities.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Bitlis

Bitlis Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bitlis Merkez?

The eight highlights of Bitlis Merkez are: Bitlis Castle, Şerefiye Mosque, Historic Stone Houses of Bitlis, Bitlis Stream and Historic Bridges, Gökmeydan Mosque, Kureyşi Mosque, İhlasiye Madrasa and Bitlis Ethnography Museum.

What should I eat in Bitlis Merkez?

Bitlis Büryanı, Çiğ Köfte and Perde Pilavı are the standout dishes on tables in Bitlis Merkez.

What is Bitlis Merkez famous for?

Bitlis Merkez is known for Bitlis Tobacco and the Şerefname Heritage. Bitlis has been known for tobacco production since the Ottoman period. The tobacco grown in the region is known for its distinctive aroma.

How do I get to Bitlis Merkez?

The nearest airport to Bitlis is Bitlis-Muş Airport, near Tatvan. It is 1,100 km from Ankara and 150 km from Van. Intercity bus services connect the city with major cities.

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Bitlis

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.