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5 places to visit in the Aralık district of Iğdır: Dilucu Border Gate, Southern Slope of Mount Ararat and Aras River Valley. Plan your trip to Aralık with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Geographical Location and Borders

To the east, the district has a 49 km border with Iran; to the north, a 10 km border with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan; and a 56 km border with Armenia. To the west lies Iğdır province, and to the south the Greater and Lesser Mount Ararat and Doğubayazıt district.

Administrative Structure and Population

The district centre consists of five neighbourhoods and there are 21 villages. Apart from the municipal administration in the centre, there are no other municipal structures. Apart from a few mezras, there are no villages without electricity or telephone.

History

Aralık was liberated from Russian occupation on 14 November 1920, and until 1 April 1960 it was one of the sub-district centres of Iğdır district under the name ‘Başköy’. On 1 April 1960 it was attached to Kars province as a district.

Dilucu Border Gate

While the Dilucu Border Gate was completely open between 1992 and 2004, the regular bulk fuel trade with Nakhchivan made an important contribution to the socio-economic development of the district.

History and Culture

Aralık was liberated from Russian occupation on 14 November 1920. Apart from Nevruz, the district has no cultural events such as theatre or cinema. Some of the villages go up to the highlands in April–May and return at the end of September.

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Places to Visit in Aralık

  • 2 Nature
  • 3 Other
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Dilucu Border Gate

The Türkiye-Nakhchivan border crossing in Aralık district.

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Nature

Southern Slope of Mount Ararat

The slope of Mount Ararat on the southern border of Aralık district.

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Nature

Aras River Valley

The Aras River, which forms the Türkiye-Iran and Türkiye-Nakhchivan border, flows through the south of Aralık district. The green areas and farmland along the river valley create an oasis-like scene in this arid region.

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Türkiye's easternmost point

Aralık, the district that forms Türkiye's easternmost point.

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Other

Three-country border junction

The only junction where a common border with three countries meets.

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Places to Visit Around Iğdır Province

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While you are in Aralık, you can also see the highlights of Iğdır province. These places are in other districts.

  • Mount Ağrı (Mount Ararat) — At 5,137 metres, the highest mountain in Türkiye; about two-thirds of its area lies within Iğdır, and its northern face is visible from the provincial centre.
  • Iğdır Plain (Sürmeli Çukuru) — A tectonic basin plain stretching along the Aras River at an altitude of about 850 metres.
  • Memorial and Museum of Turks Martyred by Armenians — A memorial and museum in the centre of Iğdır commemorating the attacks on Turks in the region in 1915–1920. The memorial, made up of five sword-shaped pillars 43.5 metres high, is the tallest monument in Türkiye.
  • Tuzluca Salt Galleries — Galleries in the rock-salt deposits that have been worked at Tuzluca for centuries; the cool galleries between the salt walls are also visited because they are thought to help with respiratory complaints.
  • Dilucu Border Gate and Bridge of Hope — The border gate in the Aralık district, opened in 1992, which links Türkiye to Nakhchivan across the Bridge of Hope over the Aras River; it is the only land border crossing between Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

Practical Information for Visiting Aralık

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May–September)
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Aralık

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  • Kuzu Çevirme (whole roast lamb)

    A whole lamb is turned over a wood fire and cooked for hours. Prepared especially at weddings and festivals in Aralık, this dish is the most prestigious offering of the region.

  • Erişte (homemade noodles)

    Handmade dough strips are dried and stored for winter. Served with yoghurt or meat broth, erişte is one of the traditional winter dishes of Aralık.

  • Lor Peynirli Börek (lor cheese börek)

    A filling of fresh lor cheese and herbs is wrapped in thin yufka and cooked on a griddle. It is an essential breakfast flavour in the villages of Aralık.

  • Miskali Grapes (Iğdır White Grapes)

    A grape variety grown in Aralık district, especially in Kadıkışlak village.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Aralık

  • Border Culture

    Because Aralık lies on the borders with Nakhchivan and Iran, it is an area where different cultures interact. Azeri, Kurdish and Turkish communities live together, and this diversity is reflected in the musical and culinary traditions of the region.

  • Nomadic Livestock Tradition

    The centuries-old nomadic livestock tradition on Aralık's plateaus continues in summer, when herds are taken up to the high pastures. This tradition also contributes to the region's dairy and wool production.

Local Products

  • Aras Valley Apricot — Apricots grown in the warm microclimate of the Aras River valley, known for their sweetness and large size. They are also sold as dried apricots.
  • Border Trade Products — Trade with Nakhchivan through the Dilucu Border Gate adds vitality to Aralık's economy. Trade in textiles and food products in particular is intense.

Economy

Aralık's economy is based on agriculture, livestock farming and border trade. Apricots, cotton and sugar beet are the main agricultural products. Trade with Nakhchivan through the Dilucu Border Gate is an important source of income. The Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway project is expected to make a major contribution to the regional economy when completed.

How to Get to Aralık

Aralık is 42 km from Iğdır. It is approximately 50 km from Iğdır Airport. Crossing into Nakhchivan is possible through the Dilucu Border Gate. The district is reached by road, by minibus and by dolmuş.

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Aralık: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Aralık?

There are 5 highlights in Aralık: Dilucu Border Gate, Southern Slope of Mount Ararat, Aras River Valley, Türkiye's easternmost point and Three-country border junction.

What is there to eat in Aralık?

Kuzu Çevirme (whole roast lamb), Erişte (homemade noodles) and Lor Peynirli Börek (lor cheese börek) are the standout flavours on the tables of Aralık.

What is Aralık famous for?

Aralık is known for Aras Valley Apricot and its Border Culture. Apricots grown in the warm microclimate of the Aras River valley are known for their sweetness and large size. They are also sold as dried apricots.

How do I get to Aralık?

Aralık is 42 km from Iğdır. It is approximately 50 km from Iğdır Airport. Crossing into Nakhchivan is possible through the Dilucu Border Gate. The district is reached by road, by minibus and by dolmuş.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Aralık?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).

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