Things to Do in Özalp: 4 Places to Visit

Places to Visit in Özalp

• 2 Historic
• 2 Nature

While you are in Özalp, you can also see the highlights of Van province. These places are in other districts; Özalp is about 65 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 Özalp

Suggested time

1 day

Best time to visit

Summer months (June–September)

Places to visit

4 places

• 🍳

  Van Kahvaltısı

  Van breakfast, made up of herbed cheese, kaymak, honey and dozens of kinds of jam, is served as a lavish spread in Özalp too.

• 🥣

  Kelecoş

  A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.

• 🍽️

  Özalp otlu peyniri

  Made in Özalp, it is one of the three cheeses sold most in the Van market.

• 🍽️

  Kırdık

  A local dish made in Özalp, prepared with onion.

• 🍽️

  Özalp çöreği

  A pastry made in a tandır oven with butter and sesame.

• 🍽️

  Özalp pastası

  A type of sweet specific to the Özalp region. It is made as a local dessert alongside Van pastry.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Özalp

• 🏔️

  Sınır Kültürü

  Özalp is a district on the Iranian border. Border trade and cultural exchange have shaped the district's multicultural character.

Local Products

• Van Otlu Peyniri — Herbed cheese made from sheep's milk and flavoured with local herbs, also produced in Özalp.

Economy

Özalp's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Small livestock farming is the main source of livelihood. Wheat and barley are also grown.

How to Get to Özalp

Özalp is 65 km from Van provincial centre. Transport is by road. Regular minibus services run from Van.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Van

Özalp: Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Your Trip

• 🍽️ What to Eat in Özalp Famous dishes and local products →
• 🗺️ Things to Do in Van The province's 9 best places and all its districts →

Other Districts of Van

• Bahçesaray 12 places Bahçesaray Valley, Bahçesaray Castle and Mir Hasan-ı Veli Zaviyesi (Sufi lodge)
• Başkale 4 places Başkale Castle, Hoşap Castle and Albayrak St. Bartholomeus Church
• Çaldıran 3 places Çaldıran Plain, Çaldıran Battlefield and Çaldıran Kübik Village Tombs
• Çatak 5 places Çatak Valley, Sorkin Çayı Bridge and Çatak Castle
• Edremit 5 places Şamran Kanalı, Edremit Coast and Akdamar Island
• Erciş 6 places Erciş Castle, Çelebibağı Tomb and Zernaki Şehir Kalıntısı
• Gevaş 6 places Akdamar Island Pier, Gevaş Seljuk Cemetery and Halime Hatun Tomb (Kümbet)
• Gürpınar 6 places Hoşap Castle, Gürpınar Waterfall and Çavuştepe Castle
• İpekyolu 4 places Van Castle, Akköprü and Alipaşa
• Muradiye 5 places Muradiye Waterfall, Muradiye Castle and Saint Stefanos Church
• Saray 3 places Kapıköy Border Gate, Saray Castle and Saray Plateaus
• Tuşba 5 places Van Castle, Mollakasım Beach and Van Museum