Photo: DAVID HOLT from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source 4 places to visit in the Selim district of Kars: Selim Caravanserai, Selim Castle and Selim Plateaus. Plan your trip to Selim with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Selim is a district of Kars province. The district covers 982 km², and its average elevation above sea level is 1,856 metres.
The name Selim is thought to derive from the Ottoman Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim. Named “Nova Selim” by the Malakans who migrated to the Kars region from Russia in the 19th century, it was renamed Selim after the founding of the Republic. Kars came under Seljuk control in 1064, and the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071 laid the foundation for the first long-lasting Turkish presence in the region. Selim was freed from Armenian occupation on 30 September 1920 during the War of Independence launched by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Following the declaration of the Republic, it remained a subdistrict (nahiye) of Sarıkamış district until 1957, when it gained district status on 27 June 1957.
Selim was freed from Armenian occupation on 30 September 1920. In 1957, Selim gained district status from its former subdistrict status under Sarıkamış. The name Selim is thought to come from Yavuz Sultan Selim.
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Photo: DAVID HOLT from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source A caravanserai built in the Seljuk period in the 13th century, one of the best-preserved Seljuk caravanserais on the Silk Road. It is notable for its stonework and portal decoration.
View on mapA castle on the hill above the district centre, dating from the Seljuk period. The structure sheds light on the region's past and offers visitors a distinctive experience.
View on mapThe plateaus in the high parts of Selim, favoured for summer rest thanks to their cool air and natural beauty.
View on mapWhile you are in Selim, you can also see the highlights of Kars province. These places are in other districts.
Kaşar cheese produced on Selim's plateaus, one of the finer varieties of Kars kaşarı.
A type of mantı specific to Kars, made by boiling large pieces of dough filled with minced meat. The recipe is passed down through the generations and varies slightly in each family.
Selim Caravanserai was one of the most important places of accommodation on the Anatolian route of the Silk Road. The building is a symbol of Seljuk trade culture.
Selim's economy rests on livestock farming and agriculture. Dairy production and grain cultivation are the main sources of livelihood.
Selim is 45 km from Kars. Minibus services run from Kars.
The 4 standout places in Selim are Selim Caravanserai, Selim Castle, Selim Plateaus and the Stone Houses of Koşapınar Village.
Kars Kaşarı and Hangel are the standout flavours on Selim's tables.
Selim is known for Selim Kaşarı and its Silk Road Heritage. The kaşar cheese produced on Selim's high plateaus is made using traditional methods.
Selim is 45 km from Kars. Minibus services run from Kars.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.