Photo: Eğitmen Mahmut (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 5 places to visit in the Aziziye district of Erzurum: Aziziye Redoubts, Ilıca Hot Springs and Nene Hatun Monument. Plan your trip to Aziziye with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Aziziye is a district of Erzurum province, formerly known as Ilıca. It is one of the central districts of Erzurum province and forms the western part of the province.
Evidence from excavations and archaeological research shows that life in the district’s region goes back to around 4000 BC. The Ilkhanid ruler Kazan Khan (1295–1304) took Ilıca and had its first hot spring pool built. In the Ottoman period, Yavuz Sultan Selim and Suleiman the Magnificent used Ilıca as a stopping place for the army on their eastern campaigns.
During the First World War, the Russian Army under General Yudeniç occupied Erzurum on 16 February 1916, and on 18 February the 156th Elizavetplski Infantry Regiment took Ilıca. During the Russian occupation, the people of Ilıca and its villages were forced to migrate to Kayseri, Adana and Tokat, despite the severity of the winter. After the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, losses were suffered in the Turkish villages of the area, and an excavation in 1986 recovered the remains of 278 people.
The district takes its name from the hot springs that rise from underground, and these springs are known to have been an important centre throughout history.
The Ottoman sultans Yavuz and Kanuni used Ilıca as a stopping place on their eastern campaigns. Ilıca was invaded by Karakoyunlu Kara Mehmet in 1385 and by Timur in 1387. Ilıca passed into the hands of the Konya Seljuks in 1230 and was plundered by the Mongols in 1242.
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The Aziziye Redoubts, the symbol of the defence of Erzurum in the Ottoman–Russian War of 1877–1878 (the 93 Harbi), are closely associated with the heroism of Nene Hatun. Now open to visitors as an open-air museum, they display guns, rifles and monuments from the war period.
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Photo: Eğitmen Mahmut (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Thermal springs in the Ilıca town of Aziziye, believed to be good for rheumatism and skin conditions at a temperature of 39.4°C. The spa facilities welcome visitors all year round for health tourism.
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Photo: Eğitmen Mahmut (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Monument raised in memory of Nene Hatun of Erzurum, who took part in the defence of the Aziziye Redoubts during the 93 Harbi. It is a symbol of Turkish women's patriotism and stands within the Aziziye Redoubts complex.
View on mapThe Konaklı ski piste, within the boundaries of Aziziye, lies on the western slope of Palandöken Mountain. With its runs between 2,200 and 3,176 metres, it serves winter sports enthusiasts.
View on mapExcavations in the Kahramanlar neighbourhood have revealed the settlement history of the region, which goes back to around 4000 BC.
View on mapWhile you are in Aziziye, you can also see the highlights of Erzurum province. These places are in other districts.
Cağ kebabı is prepared by roasting lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire. It is Erzurum's most famous flavour and is served with lavash bread and onion.
Traditional dessert of thin kadayıf dough wrapped around walnut pieces, baked and soaked in syrup. It is one of the best-known sweets of Erzurum cuisine.
Traditional soup made with yoghurt, wheat and mint, a nourishing dish that never goes missing from tables in Erzurum's cold climate.
The defence of the Aziziye Redoubts during the Ottoman–Russian War of 1877–1878 is one of the most important events in Erzurum's history. Nene Hatun of Erzurum, who joined the fighting to defend the redoubts, has become a symbol of Turkish women's heroism.
Ilıca, the town in Aziziye, has been known since ancient times as a healing centre for its thermal waters. Local people have used these hot springs for health and socialising for centuries.
Aziziye is one of the central districts in the western part of Erzurum. Agriculture (wheat, barley, fodder crops), livestock farming and winter tourism are the main economic activities. The Ilıca hot springs and the Konaklı ski piste generate tourism income.
Aziziye lies in the western part of Erzurum city centre. Erzurum Airport is near the district boundary. Urban public transport connects it to the centre. The Erzurum–Erzincan road passes through the district.
The five highlights of Aziziye are the Aziziye Redoubts, Ilıca Hot Springs, Nene Hatun Monument, the Palandöken Ski Centre (Konaklı Piste) and the remains in Kahramanlar Neighbourhood.
Cağ Kebabı, Kadayıf Dolması and Ayran Aşı (Ayran Çorbası) are the standout flavours on Aziziye's tables.
Aziziye is known for Erzurum Civil Peyniri and the 93 Harbi and the Legend of Nene Hatun. Civil cheese, made from fresh milk and separated into fine strands, is a protected geographical indication of Erzurum. An essential of breakfast tables, it is eaten fresh or dried.
Aziziye lies in the western part of Erzurum city centre. Erzurum Airport is near the district boundary. Urban public transport connects it to the centre. The Erzurum–Erzincan road passes through the district.
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: winter months (skiing), summer months (historic sites).