Things To Do
in Ahlat
Ahlat is a historic town located in Turkey known for its ancient cemetery with unique tombstones dating back to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Van, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Ahlat is also home to numerous historic monuments, including mosques, mausoleums, and caravanserais.
Visitors to Ahlat can explore its rich architectural heritage and immerse themselves in the town's fascinating history.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by exploring the historic Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, which showcases a vast array of medieval tombstones. Capture the intricate details of the carvings and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Visit the Ahlat Castle, offering stunning views of Lake Van and the surrounding landscapes. Take a leisurely hike to appreciate both the architecture and nature.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties. Take a quiet walk along the lake to unwind and reflect on your day.
Begin your day with a visit to the Ahlat Museum, which offers insights into the region's rich history and culture. Spend time admiring artifacts and learning about the Seljuk period.
Head to the historical sites of the Ahlat peninsula, including the Kumbet Mosque. Enjoy a picnic by the lakeside as you take in the natural beauty.
Visit a local café for some coffee and dessert while soaking in the evening views of the lake. Consider shopping for hand-crafted souvenirs to take home.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical and cultural heritage, with numerous ancient monuments and sites.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including landscapes of volcanic origins and lush greenery.
- Famous for its unique Ahlat Stone, which is used in local architecture.
- Traditional Turkish hospitality, with welcoming locals and a vibrant community.
- Peaceful and less touristy compared to more popular destinations in Turkey.
- Limited infrastructure and amenities for foreign tourists.
- Language barrier, as English may not be widely spoken.
- Limited entertainment and nightlife options.
- Accessibility can be an issue with fewer direct transportation options.
- Weather conditions may not be ideal year-round, with harsh winters.
Best Activities in Ahlat
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic burial ground with intricate tombstones dating back to the Seljuk Period.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere while walking along the shores of Lake Van.
Discover artifacts and exhibits showcasing the rich history and culture of the region.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ahlat with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ahlat
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Ahlat and Lake Van, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The minaret of the mosque provides a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during sunset.
The ancient cemetery provides a unique setting for photographs, with a historical and cultural appeal.
Food in Ahlat
Ahlat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty dish featuring marinated lamb or beef skewered and grilled over open flames. It's tender, juicy, and often served with grilled vegetables and flatbread. Recommended place to try: Usta Ahmet Lokantası.
Must-Try!
A hearty stew made from lamb, rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a popular dish in Ahlat, best savored at Beyran Sarayı.
A delectable dessert prepared with pumpkin slices cooked in sweet syrup and topped with creamy kaymak (clotted cream). Visit Kahraman Tatlıcısı for an authentic taste.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a food lover's paradise, brimming with vendors offering fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, and a variety of traditional snacks like gözleme (savory stuffed flatbread) and simit (sesame-crusted bread rings).
Stroll through the streets of Ahlat to discover an array of street food options. Don't miss out on gözleme filled with spinach and cheese, grilled mussels, and mouthwatering kebabs from local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ahlat, it is important to greet others with a handshake or a nod of the head, and to address people using respectful titles such as 'Aga' (sir) or 'Hanim' (madam).
Respect for elders and traditional customs is highly valued in Ahlat. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home and to show deference to older individuals.
Hospitality is a key cultural norm in Ahlat. It is common for hosts to offer food and drinks to guests, and it is polite to accept such offerings with gratitude.
Safety
Tipping in Ahlat
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ahlat, Turkey, tipping is not always expected, but it is appreciated in restaurants, cafes, and for tour guides. A 5-10% tip is customary if the service is good. Tipping in hotels is also appreciated for housekeeping and bellhops.
Cash is widely used for payment in Ahlat, Turkey. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller businesses or local markets. ATMs are available in the town for withdrawing cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Ahlat, Turkey as the weather is mild and the surrounding countryside is lush and green with blooming flowers.
Summer is peak tourist season in Ahlat, Turkey. Visitors can expect hot and dry weather, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites.
Autumn is another good time to visit Ahlat, Turkey. The weather becomes cooler and the landscapes transform with vibrant autumn colors, making it a great time for nature walks and photography.
Winter in Ahlat, Turkey can be cold and snowy, especially in the surrounding mountains. It is a quieter time for tourists, but the snowy landscapes can create beautiful scenery for those who enjoy winter activities.
Ahlat at Night
Hiking in Ahlat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large historic cemetery with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and walking paths. Ideal for a gentle hike combined with a cultural experience.
A scenic area along Lake Van, offering trails with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Perfect for longer hikes and nature photography.
An island in Lake Van known for its unique geology and rich flora. Hiking is available on the island, providing opportunities to explore historical sites and stunning landscapes.
Located a short drive from Ahlat, this national park offers numerous trails through fascinating caves and rugged terrain, great for adventurous hikers.
Trails around the Bitlis Castle area, featuring historical landmarks and beautiful valley views. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking for a mix of history and nature.
Aiports
How to reach Ahlat by plane.
Located approximately 100 km east of Ahlat, Van Ferit Melen Airport serves the city of Van and the surrounding region, providing domestic and limited international flights.
Situated around 200 km southwest of Ahlat, Malatya Erhaç Airport offers domestic flights and is one of the regional airports serving the eastern part of Turkey.
Located approximately 260 km southeast of Ahlat, Elazığ Airport serves the city of Elazığ with domestic flights and some international connections.
About 320 km west of Ahlat, Kayseri Erkilet Airport provides a range of domestic and international flights and serves the greater Kayseri region.
Situated around 280 km southeast of Ahlat, Diyarbakır Airport handles domestic flights and serves as an important air traffic hub for the southeastern region of Turkey.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Kurdish community is one of the largest demographic groups in Ahlat, reflecting a significant part of the local culture and traditions.
The Turkish population, primarily consisting of ethnic Turks, represents a prominent demographic in Ahlat.
There is a smaller population of Arabs in Ahlat, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.
There are various other minor ethnic groups in Ahlat, although they constitute a very small portion of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Ahlat, with many local teams and a strong following among the community.
Traditional wrestling has deep cultural roots in Ahlat, reflecting the region's heritage and often features in local festivals.
Basketball has gained popularity in recent years, with several schools and clubs developing young talent.
Volleyball is popular among youth and often played in community sports events and school competitions.
Athletics, including running and track events, is encouraged in local schools and community programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ahlat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Ahlat offer vegetarian dishes like stuffed grape leaves, hummus, falafel, and vegetable kebabs. Some restaurants also cater to vegans with options such as lentil soup, grilled veggies, and specialty salads.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can savor gluten-free dishes such as rice pilaf, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and desserts made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like pistachios, honey, and fruit.