5 places to visit in the Horasan district of Erzurum: Horasan Castle, Aras River Valley and Horasan Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Horasan with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Horasan is a district of Erzurum Province and the administrative centre of that district. The district covers an area of 1,740 km², and the centre sits at an altitude of 1,555 metres.
Horasan has been a settlement since ancient times, as attested by an Urartian inscription. Horasan was located in the region of Basiani, called Biani in the Urartian period, and formed the Lower Basiani area. An inscription describing how the Urartian king Menua plundered the Diaohi kingdom is found in Yazılıtaş village, part of Horasan district.
In the Middle Ages the region was within the borders of the Kingdom of Georgia, and in the 13th century the Battle of Basiani took place between the Georgians and the Turks. The Ottomans took the region from the Georgians in 1545. On 27 November 1953, by Law no. 6191, the Horasan district was established by merging the Aşağı Pasin and Aras subdistricts, which were attached to Pasinler district.
Horasan district was established by Law no. 6191 on 27 November 1953.
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The castle, on a hill overlooking the district centre, has walls dating from the Seljuk period and reflects the strategic importance of the region. It controlled the Erzurum-Kars road and has been repaired in various periods.
View on mapThe section of the Aras River that flows through Horasan, with its deep valley and surrounding steppe vegetation, is a suitable route for nature walks. Various bird species can be seen along the valley.
View on mapThe Grand Mosque in the district centre was built in the Ottoman period and is notable for its stonework. It is one of the region's most important religious buildings.
View on mapThe highland pastures in the upper parts of the district, with their cool climate and wide grazing lands in summer, are ideal areas for nature tourism and camping.
View on mapThe castle in Yazılıtaş village is cited as one of the district's important historical remains.
View on mapWhile you are in Horasan, you can also see the highlights of Erzurum province. These places are in other districts; Horasan is about 75 km from the provincial centre.
Cağ kebabı, prepared by turning lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, has a special flavour from the meat of sheep raised on Horasan's wide pastures.
A traditional soup made with yoghurt, cracked wheat and mint. It is a nourishing dish that is never absent from tables on cold winter days in Horasan.
A traditional dessert made of thin kadayıf pastry wrapped around walnuts, baked and soaked in syrup. In Horasan it is a classic favourite at weddings and festivals.
Throughout history Horasan was an important stopping point between Erzurum and Kars on the Silk Road. The name of the district comes from Turkmen tribes who migrated from the Khorasan region of Iran.
The Horasan plain and the surrounding pastures have been the centre of livestock farming for centuries. Cattle and sheep farming form the basis of the region's economic and cultural identity.
Horasan is one of the most populous districts of Erzurum. Livestock farming and agriculture are the main economic activities. Wheat, barley and fodder crops are grown. Cattle and sheep farming and dairy production are important sources of income.
Horasan is about 75 km from Erzurum city centre. It is located on the Erzurum-Kars highway. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by intercity bus and minibus services. There is also a rail connection.
The highlights of Horasan are 5 sites: Horasan Castle, Aras River Valley, Horasan Grand Mosque, Horasan Plateaus and Yazılıtaş Castle.
Cağ Kebabı, Ayran Aşı and Kadayıf Dolması are the standout flavours on Horasan's tables.
Horasan is known for Horasan Honey and the Silk Road Crossroads. Flower honey gathered from the district's high pastures is an aromatic and natural variety of honey, thanks to the rich flora.
Horasan is about 75 km from Erzurum city centre. It is located on the Erzurum-Kars highway. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by intercity bus and minibus services. There is also a rail connection.
Suggested visit time: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May-September).