Discover Van: Island Monasteries and Urartian History

Van brings together Urartian history, historic churches and the landscape of Lake Van. The lake is the largest in Turkey and the largest soda lake in the world. If you are looking for a hotel in Van, you can first consider what you would like your trip to focus on: fortresses and inscriptions, monasteries on the islands, or the lake’s nature and wildlife. The following places offer different ways to explore these themes.

Lake Van: Islands, Wildlife and Microbialites

Akdamar Island is the second-largest of the four islands in Lake Van. The lake’s islands that are home to historic monasteries include Akdamar, Çarpanak and Adır. The islands in Lake Van are also among the world’s most important breeding grounds for the Armenian gull. Only one fish species lives in Lake Van: the pearl mullet (Alburnus tarichi). The microbialites in the lake are the largest in the world; they have also contributed to the development of diving in the lake. Alongside the historic monasteries, the wildlife and history of diving therefore offer themes of their own.

Churches and Monasteries

The Church of Akdamar was built between 915 and 921 AD by Bishop Manuel under the supervision of Gagik I Ardzruni. Its stone reliefs hold a prominent place among the known works of medieval art. The church opened to visitors as a museum monument in 2007; check the current opening arrangements before visiting. An international religious service organized by the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul is held on one day each September. If this event is important for your trip, check the exact date in advance.

The Saint Georges Monastery is located on Adır Island in Lake Van; its surviving parts include the church and a chapel. The Çarpanak monastery complex comprises the Church of St. Jean, a chapel, a library and a cemetery. These features distinguish the two monastery complexes and add to the picture of the historic islands.

Urartian History

Van Castle, also known as Tuşpa, stands on a rocky promontory immediately beside the eastern shore of Lake Van. Urartian rock tombs and royal inscriptions have survived there. Ayanis Castle is considered the second capital of the Urartian Kingdom. It lies 300 metres east of the shore of Lake Van and 225 metres above the lake’s surface. Excavations uncovered the Temple of Haldi and decorated fortification walls. The two sites represent different historical features: rock tombs and inscriptions define Tuşpa, while Ayanis is marked by its temple and fortification walls.

Planning Your Stay

Akdamar Island can be reached by boat from the pier in Gevaş in about 20 minutes. Schedules and operators may change, so check the connection before your trip. Passenger and freight ships operate on Lake Van. If you are planning a particular journey, check the current routes and schedules for that as well.

Discover More Destinations

Van, Erciş, Edremit, Çatak, Değirmenköy Köyü, Emek Köyü, Kirikkale, Şırnak

For the main travel overview: Anatolia.