4 places to visit in the Digor district of Kars: Digor Valley, Digor Castle and Digor Historic Bridge. Plan your trip to Digor with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

The district centre of Digor stands at an average elevation of 1,640 metres above sea level.

History

It is known that the town of Digor was settled under Russian rule in the 1880s. Through the Treaty of Gümrü signed in 1920, Digor joined the territory of the Republic of Türkiye. In 1953, Digor, a subdistrict (bucak) attached to the central district of Kars province, was made a district.

Historic Monuments

Beşkilise Monastery, located about 25 km south-west of Ani, has five churches in total.

History and Culture

The remains of Tekor Basilica are on a slope facing the village formerly known as Tekor. According to sources, the church was built in the 480s. The Tekor church was levelled by the earthquake of 1912. Digor joined the Republic of Türkiye through the Treaty of Gümrü signed in 1920. Digor was made a district in 1953 by Law No. 6068. Beşkilise was handed over to the Armenian Church in 1878, when the Kars region passed to Russian rule.

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Places to Visit in Digor

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Nature
Digor Valley - Digor
Nature

Digor Valley

A valley formed by the Digor River.

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Historic

Digor Castle

The castle on the hill of Digor dates from the Bagratid period. Its walls and towers partly survive.

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Historic

Digor Historic Bridge

A stone bridge from the Ottoman period over the Digor River. Its architectural features and historical importance contribute to the region's cultural richness.

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Historic

Tekor Basilica (Tekor Church)

The present remains of a 5th-century church, located on a slope overlooking Digor village.

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Places to Visit Around Kars Province

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

  • Ani Ruins — A medieval city on the banks of the Arpaçay, 45 km east of Kars, the capital of the Bagratid kings from 961 to 1045; with its cathedral known for the "thousand and one churches", the churches of Tigran Honents and St Prkiç, its walls and the Lion Gate, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.
  • Ebu'l Menüçehr Mosque (Ani) — A building at Ani that is thought to have been commissioned by the Shaddadid ruler Ebu'l Menüçehr after the conquest of 1064 and is regarded as the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia; its octagonal minaret looks out over the Arpaçay valley.
  • Kars Castle — According to its inscription, a castle built in 1152 on the order of the Saltukid Sultan Melik İzzeddin, destroyed by Timur in 1386 and rebuilt by Lala Mustafa Paşa in 1579; it offers the widest view of the city and the plain.
  • Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque) — A church built in the 10th century under the Bagratid King Abbas I, with reliefs of the twelve apostles on its drum; it was converted into a mosque after 1064, used as a church again in the Russian period, and today serves as the Kümbet Mosque.
  • Fethiye Mosque — A building of dark and light tuff, built in the late 19th century in the Russian period as the Alexander Nevsky Church; it was converted into a mosque after the War of Independence.
  • Kars Museum — A museum founded in 1959 and moved to its present building in 1981; it displays finds from Ani, Urartian and Bronze Age works, an ethnography collection and Kars carpets.

Practical Information for Visiting Digor

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Summer months
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Digor

Food guide →
  • Kars Kaşarı

    Kaşar cheese produced on the Digor plateaus is one of the quality varieties of Kars kaşar.

  • Hangel (Kars-style dumplings)

    Hangel, a type of mantı specific to Kars, is made by boiling large pieces of dough filled with minced meat. Prepared by local people on special occasions, this dish is a symbol of hospitality.

  • Kaşar Cheese (Digor-based producer)

    The Kars Provincial Directorate of Trade's list of local product producers includes kaşar cheese among the product lines of a dairy business with a Digor address.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Digor

  • Bagratid Heritage

    Digor was an important settlement during the Bagratid Kingdom. Its castle and church remains reflect the heritage of this period.

Local Products

  • Digor Kaşarı — Kaşar cheese produced on Digor's high plateaus, made by traditional methods.

Economy

Digor's economy is based on livestock farming and agriculture. Dairy production and grain cultivation are the main sources of livelihood.

How to Get to Digor

Digor is 40 km from Kars. Minibus services run from Kars.

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Digor: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Digor?

The 4 highlighted places in Digor are: Digor Valley, Digor Castle, Digor Historic Bridge and Tekor Basilica (Tekor Church).

What is there to eat in Digor?

Kars Kaşarı, Hangel and Kaşar Cheese (Digor-based producer) are the standout flavours on Digor's tables.

What is Digor famous for?

Digor is known for Digor Kaşarı and the Bagratid Heritage. Kaşar cheese produced on Digor's high plateaus is made by traditional methods.

How do I get to Digor?

Digor is 40 km from Kars. Minibus services run from Kars.

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

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.

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