Things To Do
in Aşkale
Aşkale is a district located in the Erzurum province of Turkey. The district is known for its natural beauty, with its picturesque landscapes and green areas. Aşkale is also rich in history, with ancient ruins and historical sites scattered throughout the region.
The local cuisine in Aşkale is also popular, featuring traditional Turkish dishes that are a must-try for visitors.
- "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): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $20
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Mount Palandöken. Enjoy hiking and the breathtaking views this mountain has to offer.
Grab a local lunch in Aşkale and then head to lake Uzundere for a peaceful afternoon by the water. You can take part in outdoor activities like fishing or picnicking.
End the day by trying traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. Immerse yourself in the local culture and relax your mind.
Visit the Aşkale Castle, a historical site that offers insights into the region's past. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about its historical significance.
After lunch, explore the local markets for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Engage with artisans and learn about their techniques.
Join a cultural event or folk dance show in the town if available. Experience the local music and dance that shapes Aşkale's identity.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- A sense of community and friendliness among residents.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Turkish cities.
- Local cuisine offers unique dishes and flavors.
- Limited access to modern amenities and services.
- Potentially fewer job opportunities in specialized fields.
- Public transportation may not be as developed.
- Harsh winter weather can be challenging for some residents.
- Infrastructure may require improvement in certain areas.
Best Activities in Aşkale
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Aşkale Mountains with various hiking trails offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
Discover the natural beauty of Kılıçkaya Canyon with its picturesque landscapes, flowing streams, and opportunities for activities like trekking and photography.
Enjoy a cycling adventure through the scenic countryside around Aşkale, offering peaceful roads and diverse natural surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Aşkale with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Aşkale
Visit one of these nice places.
An ancient caravanserai with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, offering great photo opportunities.
A fascinating location with breathtaking views of the stone quarry and the surrounding natural scenery, providing excellent photo opportunities.
A historic castle with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area, ideal for capturing memorable photos.
Food in Aşkale
Aşkale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Aşkale Köfte is a must-try local dish, made with seasoned ground meat formed into meatballs and grilled to perfection. It's often served with rice pilav and fresh vegetables. Head to Köfteci İsmail, a popular local eatery known for its delicious Aşkale Köfte.
Must-Try!
Etli Kuru Fasulye, a hearty dish of white beans stewed with meat, onions, and tomatoes, is a staple in Aşkale. You can savor this comfort food at traditional eateries like Fasulye Baba's.
İskender Kebab is a flavorful dish originating from nearby Bursa, featuring thinly sliced lamb or beef over pieces of pide bread, generously topped with tomato sauce and yogurt. Try it at Kebapçı İskender for an authentic taste.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Aşkale Pazarı, the local market teeming with vibrant colors and the aroma of fresh produce, spices, and local specialties. Visitors can sample freshly prepared gözleme (savory Turkish flatbread) and indulge in simit (Turkish sesame bread rings) from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Aşkale, it's customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. It's important to address people using their formal title and surname, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Aşkale. It's essential to show deference to older individuals by using polite language and gestures, such as standing when they enter a room and letting them speak first in conversations.
When dining in Aşkale, it's polite to wait for the eldest or the host to start eating before beginning your meal. It's also customary to compliment the host's cooking and express gratitude for the hospitality shown.
Safety
Tipping in Aşkale
Ensure a smooth experience
In Aşkale, Turkey, tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a small tip, typically around 5-10% of the total bill, at restaurants, cafes, and for other service providers such as taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Cash is widely accepted in Aşkale, Turkey, especially in smaller establishments, so it is advisable to carry some local currency. However, credit and debit cards are commonly used in larger businesses and tourist areas. It's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller transactions or in case of technical issues with card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (April to June) is a great time to visit Aşkale, Turkey. The weather is mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. It's a good time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer (July to August) in Aşkale can be hot with temperatures reaching high levels. It's a good time for those who enjoy the heat, and it's a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the region's natural beauty.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit Aşkale. It's also a good time for outdoor activities and enjoying the local harvest festivals.
Winter (December to February) is cold in Aşkale, with the possibility of snowfall. It's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts, and the region's stunning landscapes take on a serene, wintery beauty.
Aşkale at Night
Hiking in Aşkale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular ski resort area that also offers various hiking trails with beautiful views, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
A scenic area with a variety of trails for hiking and exploring nature, featuring lush forests and wildlife.
This beautiful lake offers hiking paths around its shores and opportunities for picnicking, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Known for its picturesque hills and valleys, Çat Valley provides several trails for hiking, allowing hikers to absorb the natural beauty of the area.
A region with diverse landscapes and hiking opportunities, perfect for those looking to experience the high-altitude nature of Eastern Turkey.
Aiports
How to reach Aşkale by plane.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Aşkale, Erzurum Airport serves both domestic and limited international flights, making it the closest major airport to Aşkale.
About 150 kilometers away, Kayseri Erkilet Airport offers various domestic and international flights and serves as a secondary option for travelers in the region.
Located roughly 180 kilometers from Aşkale, Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport provides mostly domestic flights but also has connections to some international destinations.
Approximately 215 kilometers from Aşkale, this airport is primarily used for tourism related to Cappadocia, offering both domestic and a few international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant ethnic group in Aşkale, forming a notable portion of the population.
The dominant ethnic group in Aşkale, representing the majority of the population.
A smaller demographic group in Aşkale, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Includes various minority groups, such as Laz, Circassians, and others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Aşkale, with local teams participating in regional leagues and many residents actively playing or supporting the sport.
Basketball is also popular among the youth in Aşkale, with various local clubs and school teams participating in competitions.
Volleyball is enjoyed by both men and women, and local tournaments are held, particularly in schools and community centers.
Traditional Turkish wrestling holds cultural significance and is practiced in Aşkale, often featuring in local festivals and events.
Running and other athletic activities are promoted in schools and community events, encouraging a healthy lifestyle among the youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aşkale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat dishes are prevalent, many restaurants and cafes in Aşkale offer delicious vegetarian options such as mercimek köfte (lentil patties) and stuffed grape leaves. For vegan choices, look for dishes like ezogelin soup and çiğ köfte (spicy bulgur patties).
Those with gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like kebabs, grilled seafood, and various meze (appetizers) that are naturally gluten-free. It's recommended to communicate dietary needs with the restaurant staff for a tailored dining experience.