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9 places to visit in the central district of Kars: Kars Castle, Church of the Apostles and Fethiye Mosque. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Kars lies in north-eastern Türkiye, close to the Armenian border, on a broad plateau at an elevation of about 1,750 metres. The district covers 2,048 km², and the centre lies at an average of 1,754 metres above sea level.

History

In the 10th century, Kars was briefly the capital of the Bagratid Kingdom, and the Church of the Apostles (today Kümbet Mosque) survives from this period. Kars Castle was built in 1152 during the Saltukid period. After it was destroyed by Timur, it was rebuilt in 1579 by Lala Mustafa Paşa. After the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, Kars remained under Russian rule for 40 years. During this time it was laid out on a grid plan with wide boulevards, and the dressed-stone buildings known today as Baltic-style architecture were built. Malakan communities who came from Russia started the cheese-making tradition, and with the help of Swiss craftsmen, gravure production developed at Boğatepe. Kars was taken by Turkish forces on 30 October 1920, and the border was set by the Treaty of Kars in 1921.

Tourism

Today Kars is the last stop of the Turkish Eastern Express, the university city of Kafkas University, and one of the leading winter tourism destinations thanks to the ski resorts of Sarıkamış.

History and Culture

Cuma Hammam, known to have been built in 1863, served women on Fridays. Mazlumağa Hammam is known to have been built by Mazlum Ağa in 1742.

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Places to Visit in Kars Central District

  • 4 Historic
  • 3 Religious
  • 1 Museum
  • 1 Cultural

Historic Sites 4

Kars Castle - Merkez Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Historic

Kars Castle

A castle built by the Saltukids in 1152 and rebuilt during the Ottoman period.

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Historic

Cuma Hammam

A hammam in Kars city centre, south-west of the Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge).

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Historic

Mazlumağa Hammam

A hammam in Sukapı, at the Kars Merkez address.

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Historic

Nuns' Monastery

A historic monastery in Ocaklı, on Şehitlik Street.

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Religious Buildings 3

Religious

Church of the Apostles

A church from the 10th century, known as Kümbet Mosque.

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Religious

Fethiye Mosque

Known as the former Alexander Nevsky Church, now Fethiye Mosque.

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Religious

Evliya Mosque

A historic mosque in Kars central district.

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Museums 1

Kars Museum - Merkez Photo: Jaba1977 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Museum

Kars Museum

A museum in Kars central district.

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Cultural Venues 1

Cultural

Baltic-Style Buildings

Buildings constructed in dressed stone during the Russian period, today known as Baltic-style architecture.

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What to Eat in Kars Central District

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  • Kars Kaşarı

    Kaşar cheese made from the milk of cows grazing on Kars's high plateaus, widely regarded as the finest kaşar in Türkiye. It is a geographically indicated product.

  • Kaz Eti

    Goose meat traditionally eaten during Kars's cold winter months, cooked in an oven or tandır. Goose fat is also used in cooking.

  • Hangel

    A type of mantı specific to Kars, prepared by boiling large pieces of dough filled with minced meat. Served with yoghurt and garlic sauce.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kars Central District

  • Multicultural Heritage

    Kars has been under Urartian, Seljuk, Ottoman and Russian rule over the course of its history. This many-layered history is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine and culture.

  • Orhan Pamuk and the novel Snow

    The novel "Snow" by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk is set in Kars. The novel introduced the city's atmosphere and cultural fabric to the world.

Local Products

  • Kars Kaşarı — Aged kaşar made from the milk of animals grazing on Kars's high plateaus, sold after being matured for 1–2 years.
  • Kars Honey — Honey obtained from Kars's rich flora, known especially as plateau honey.

Economy

Kars's economy rests on livestock farming, agriculture and tourism. Dairy products and kaşar cheese production are the most important sources of income. Kafkas University contributes to the education sector.

How to Get to Kars Central District

Kars is 1,300 km from Ankara. Flights to Istanbul and Ankara operate from Kars Harakani Airport. The Eastern Express train line reaches Kars.

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Kars Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kars Merkez?

The 9 standout places in Kars Merkez are Kars Castle, Church of the Apostles, Fethiye Mosque, Baltic-Style Buildings, Kars Museum, Evliya Mosque, Cuma Hammam, Mazlumağa Hammam and Nuns' Monastery.

What is there to eat in Kars Merkez?

Kars Kaşarı, Kaz Eti and Hangel are the standout flavours on Kars Merkez's tables.

What is Kars Merkez famous for?

Kars Merkez is known for Kars Kaşarı and its Multicultural Heritage. The aged kaşar made from the milk of animals grazing on Kars's high plateaus is sold after being matured for 1–2 years.

How do I get to Kars Merkez?

Kars is 1,300 km from Ankara. Flights to Istanbul and Ankara operate from Kars Harakani Airport. The Eastern Express train line reaches Kars.

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