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12 places to visit in the Bahçesaray district of Van: Bahçesaray Valley, Bahçesaray Castle and Mir Hasan-ı Veli Zaviyesi (Sufi lodge). Plan your trip to Bahçesaray with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Bahçesaray lies in the south-west of Van Province and is the smallest district of Van by population. It covers 426 km², stands at 1,653 m, had a population of 11,438, and was founded in 1987.

History

There was a large Armenian population in the district before 1915; in 1915, after the Tehcir Law, Armenians were subjected to forced relocation.

Economy

Local people earn significant income by selling walnut tree stumps. Furniture and wood carving made from walnut timber are developing in the district.

Tourism

With natural conditions suitable for winter sports, skiing is possible at the Karabet Pass Plateau in Bahçesaray. Many visitors are welcomed each year through the Feqiyê Teyran Culture and Arts Festival.

Infrastructure and Transport

The district has a stabilised road linking to Bitlis–Hizan via Ulubeyli village, which is open all year round. Access to the district is via Van–Gevaş, crossing the Karabet Pass at 3,000 metres, and the distance from Van is 110 km.

History and Culture

A large Armenian population is reported to have lived here before 1915. The Müküs subdistrict was renamed Bahçesaray in 1964. Old churches such as the Aparank Monastery are reported to exist in the district. The Feqiyê Teyran Culture and Arts Festival is held here every year. The Bahçesaray Water Sports and Rafting Festival is held every year.

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Places to Visit in Bahçesaray

  • 2 Historic
  • 5 Religious
  • 3 Nature
  • 2 Attraction

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Bahçesaray Castle

The castle ruins on the hill north of the district centre date from the Ottoman period, and the surrounding views are impressive. Its walls still show loopholes and towers that reflect defensive architecture.

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Historic

Kırmızı Bridge

A bridge built over the Müküs Stream.

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Religious Buildings 5

Religious

Mir Hasan-ı Veli Zaviyesi (Sufi lodge)

A complex visited with great spiritual respect by local people; it is described as the only grand example of Ottoman Islamic architecture in Bahçesaray.

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Religious

Mehmet Çavuş Tomb

A ruined tomb 2 km north-east of the Mir Hasan-ı Veli Zaviyesi.

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Religious

Kırmızı Mosque

Located in Kale neighbourhood of Bahçesaray, a mosque of unknown construction date, with a three-phase structure that was expanded in different periods.

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Religious

Saint Georges (Pouthkouvank) Monastery Church

A monastery church on the southern slope of Ağırof Mountain.

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Religious

Andzghonts Monastery Church

A monastery church south-east of Bahçesaray; local people know it as the "Meryem Church" or Dıra Ancuğus.

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Natural Wonders 3

Nature

Bahçesaray Valley

With its deep canyons and green slopes, Bahçesaray Valley is an ideal route for walking and photography. Wildlife watching is also possible in the valley.

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Nature

Müküs River

A river flowing through the middle of the district, with cascades and trout.

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Nature

Müküs Springs

Water springs at the starting point of the stream, known as the Müküs Springs.

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Attractions 2

Attraction

Karabet Pass Plateau

A plateau at Karabet Pass where skiing is reported to be possible.

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Attraction

Müküs Stream rafting course

A rafting course in the centre of Bahçesaray district, about 110 km from Van city centre.

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Places to Visit Around Van Province

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While you are in Bahçesaray, you can also see the highlights of Van province. These places are in other districts; Bahçesaray is about 120 km from the provincial centre.

  • Akdamar Church — An Armenian church rising on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, also known as Surp Haç (Holy Cross); it is renowned for its rich reliefs.
  • Van Castle (Tuşpa) — A fortress built in the 9th century BC by Sarduri, looking down like a bird's-eye view over Tuşpa, the Urartian capital; it is 1,800 metres long and 80 metres high, and lies 5 km from Van.
  • Lake Van — Türkiye's largest lake, covering 3,713 km²; its water is salty and rich in soda, so it does not freeze.
  • Hoşap Castle — A castle rising on a steep slope at Güzelsu, on the Van–Başkale road; it was rebuilt in 1643 by the Mahmudi bey Sarı Süleyman.
  • Çavuştepe Castle — An Urartian castle at Gürpınar, 25 km from Van, built by Sarduri II between 764 and 734 BC and made up of a lower and an upper fortress.
  • Muradiye Waterfall — A waterfall dropping 18 metres, 8 km north of the Muradiye district centre; it takes its name from Murad IV.

Practical Information for Visiting Bahçesaray

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June to September)
Places to visit
12 places

What to Eat in Bahçesaray

Food guide →

  • Van Breakfast

    Van breakfast, made up of herb cheese, kaymak, honey and dozens of kinds of jam, is also served as a rich spread in Bahçesaray.

  • Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)

    A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, it is an essential part of winter tables. As an important part of the district's food identity, it is a favourite with visitors.

  • Bahçesaray walnuts

    Walnuts associated with the district, promoted as a registered product; the source recommends them as something to taste.

  • Müküs honey

    Honey produced in the district, said to be famous.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bahçesaray

  • Mountain Life Culture

    Bahçesaray is a district that is occasionally cut off from transport because of heavy snowfall in winter months. This harsh geography has shaped the resilience of the people and their traditional way of life.

Local Products

  • Bahçesaray Walnut — Bahçesaray Walnut was registered as a protected designation of origin on 8 March 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1043). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruit and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Van Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
  • Honey — Flower honey gathered on the high plateaus of Bahçesaray, known in the region for its natural and unadulterated character.

Economy

Bahçesaray's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Small livestock farming and beekeeping are the main sources of livelihood.

How to Get to Bahçesaray

Bahçesaray is 120 km from Van city centre. Transport is by road, but the road may be closed by snow in winter. Regular minibus services run from Van.

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Bahçesaray: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bahçesaray?

The highlights of Bahçesaray are 12 places: Bahçesaray Valley, Bahçesaray Castle, Mir Hasan-ı Veli Zaviyesi, Mehmet Çavuş Tomb, Kırmızı Mosque, Kırmızı Bridge, Saint Georges (Pouthkouvank) Monastery Church, Andzghonts Monastery Church, Karabet Pass Plateau, Müküs Stream rafting course, Müküs River and Müküs Springs.

What is there to eat in Bahçesaray?

Van Breakfast, Kelecoş, Bahçesaray walnuts and Müküs honey are the flavours to look out for on Bahçesaray's tables.

What is Bahçesaray famous for?

Bahçesaray is known for Bahçesaray Walnut and its mountain life culture. It is a protected designation of origin registered on TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Bahçesaray?

Bahçesaray is 120 km from Van city centre. Transport is by road, but the road may be closed by snow in winter. Regular minibus services run from Van.

How much time should I allow for a trip to Bahçesaray?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June to September).

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