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Dogubeyazit & Ishak Pasha Palace

Discover the Islamic Art

Best Known For
The style

Built
18th century

Civilization
Ottomans

Suggested Duration
3hr

In the easternmost region of Turkey lies Dogubeyazit, a district in Agri Province. It sits close to the Iranian border, right in the shadow of Mount Ararat. Home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences and right in the heart of the district is a rare palace that still stands, whose fountains once offered milk and honey: Ishak Pasha Palace, antiquity that traces back to the Ottoman period, it is now Turkey’s second administrative campus.

Perched majestically on a steep rock, the palace is surrounded by mystery and awe, which makes us wonder, “was Ishak Pasha real?” We have the evidence right here in Dogubeyazit.

Although the region is still relatively unknown, hundreds of tourists are drawn in each year by the impressive selection of attractions, spectacular nature, and unforgettable experiences.

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Planning a trip to Dogubeyazit soon? Answer this trip planner and get your FREE quotation within 24 hours.

In the easternmost region of Turkey lies Dogubeyazit, a district in Agri Province. It sits close to the Iranian border, right in the shadow of Mount Ararat. Home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences and right in the heart of the district is a rare palace that still stands, whose fountains once offered milk and honey: Ishak Pasha Palace, antiquity that traces back to the Ottoman period, it is now Turkey’s second administrative campus.

Perched majestically on a steep rock, the palace is surrounded by mystery and awe, which makes us wonder, “was Ishak Pasha real?” We have the evidence right here in Dogubeyazit.

Although the region is still relatively unknown, hundreds of tourists are drawn in each year by the impressive selection of attractions, spectacular nature, and unforgettable experiences.

Concierge Pin

Planning a trip to Dogubeyazit soon? Answer this trip planner and get your FREE quotation within 24 hours.

The History

Before Arrival

When to Go

What to Eat

Tips & Etiquette

Construction of Ishak Pasha Palace began in 1685. It was done by the architects from Ahiska and took 99 years to complete, ending in 1784 during the reign of Kucuk Ishak Pasha, a descendant of Colak Abdi Pasha. It is one of the most important accomplishments of the Ottoman empire.

You can only access Ishak Pasha Palace from the east. The ancient building’s west, north, and south sides stand on steep rock faces. A short 20-minute drive up 5 km from Dogubeyazit city gets you to the palace.

Dogubeyazit sits on a high plateau, cradled between some of Turkey’s highest peaks. About 120,000 people call the town home.

The closest airport to Ishak Pasha Palace is Igdir Sehit Bulent Aydin Airport (IGD) in Igdir Province. However, it will take you an hour to drive to Dogubeyazit. Therefore, your next best option is Agri Airport, located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Dogubeyazit.

You need two days to see the whole of Dogubeyazit. However, you’ll need the better part of a day to see how Islamic art and architectural design merge at Ishak Pasha.

The best time to visit Dogubeyazit is anytime. For hot weather-related activities, plan your trip to begin around August. This is right at the beginning of summer, and the weather is warm and pleasant.

Winter falls between December and March. So it’s the best time to experience snow-related activities.

Note that it rains all year round in the region. However, rainfall is generally higher in the winter months. Carry a waterproof jacket with you just in case.

Anatolian history and culture influence a considerable part of Dogubeyazit’s gastronomic choices. The high altitude encourages animal husbandry. This contributes primarily to the region’s cuisine, mainly meat dishes.

The most well-known dish in Dogubeyazit is Abdigor Meatball. It is one of the oldest diet dishes in the Agri province, and you’ll find it nowhere else but here. Named after an Ottoman-era military ruler, Colak Abdi Pasha, it’s a sort of meatball made by mixing pounded fatless, nerveless, boneless beef with an egg, onion, and a few spices. It is eaten with rice.

Other dishes unique to the region include selekeli (Sac Kavurma), Gosteberg steamed, halise, ayranasiIt, Agri Ketesi, and hengel. And don’t leave before you try our region-specific white honey.

The weather in Dogubeyazit is cool and temperate. The summers are clear, warm, and dry, while the winters are cloudy and snowy. So pack suitable clothing for the appropriate season. Also, inform your tour agent if you plan to climb any mountains around the region, but don’t have any experience.

Made in Turkey Tours’ services include an experienced local guide and if this is a part of a tailor-made tour of the whole Eastern or combined with the Black Sea, note that you will already have an expert guide leading the time.

Discover the best of Dogubeyazit & Ishak Pasha Palace

Ishak Pasha Palace is currently the biggest attraction in Dogubeyazit. Experience spectacular Islamic art from the moment you walk into the eastern front entrance. If the decorative motifs don’t get you, then the architectural style will. The whole place oozes beauty and magnificence.

The semi-ruined palace and administrative complex cover an area of 7600 square meters and rests on a high and vast plain overlooking the tallest peak of Turkey, Mount Ararat.

Ishak Pasha Palace made it into the World Heritage tentative list in February 2000, thanks to its influence on the Silk Road trade. It tells an oriental tale in the architectural structure of the mosque, selamlik, harem, crown gate, and 366 rooms.

Ten minutes walk away is Ahmed-i Hani Turbesi. Here lies one of the most influential and widely-known poets and philosophers, Ehmedê Xanî, who is said to be the founder of Kurdish nationalism.

This refined manifestation of Islamic architecture holds an important historical and cultural significance to Turks. Moreover, it is a sanctuary and worship site that overflows with visitors year-round.

Nature travelers will appreciate the meteor hole, a 40-minute drive from Ishak Pasha. This site is 2 miles west of the Iranian border. Formed as a result of a meteor fall in 1892, this is the second-largest meteor crater in the world.

Your trip would be incomplete if you came to Dogubeyazit and did not go to Mount Ararat. The speculated resting place of Noah’s Ark is also believed to be the ascension site of Prophet Muhammad. Located an hour’s drive from either Ishak Pasha or Dogubeyazit, it is one of the best places for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While most requests require special permission for Ararat, you can go skiing and ice skating during winter or trekking through Noah’s Ark Site in the warmer months on a guided mountaineering expedition for those looking to attempt the summit of Mount Ararat or nearby peaks.

Camp in Agri Dagi Milli Parki as you enjoy the harmony between the stunning snow mountains and the lush green vegetation. This is one of the most picturesque places in Turkey, deserving a couple of photos with Mt. Ararat in the background.

Go shopping in any of the town’s bazaars. You can find anything from decorative items, ornaments, cultural trinkets, aromatic teas, handmade samovars, and electronics.

Whether you’re looking for a lesson in Islamic art, an adventure, or a relaxing getaway, Made in Turkey Tours can help you plan the perfect trip.

Dogubeyazit Tours

Where to Go Next

Take a safari off the beaten path to the outskirts if you’re feeling adventurous. Around Dogubeyazit are destinations with breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and many outdoor activities. Top picks include:

  • Rize – This coastal town sits on a thin strip of flat ground. It sits comfortably between the mountains and the sea and is famous for its tea plantations, gorgeous waterfalls, historic castles, magnificent mosques, and vibrant eateries.
  • Kars – A hidden treasure in eastern Turkey. Winter activities include trekking through the ancient ruins of Ani, skiing in Sarikamis, and walking on the frozen Cildir Lake.
  • Erzurum – Visit the Nene Hatun National Park, named for one of the most powerful women in Turkish history.
    Trabzon – With its museums, historical monuments, and archeological sites, Trabzon is one of the most historically significant cities in the world.
  • Van – Take a gastronomic trip to the south and sample some of the world’s tastiest delicacies.
Unique Landforms
The Capital of Hittites
The Imperial Capital

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