Igdir City Guide

Igdir City Guide

The border city Iğdır, which denotes the eastern end of Turkey, stands apart from other residential areas with the large fertile plain with the same name. Iğdır Plain, north of which flows Aras River, enables fruit and cotton cultivation as a result of climatic properties. The region, which is interesting with its geological composition, is the center of almost all types of agriculture and livestock operations. In addition to the fertility of the land, plateaus and Mount Ararat -the highest peak in Turkey- add to the richness of the city. Mount Ararat, which has numerous legends about it, also stands out as a touristic attraction. It is known that the historical Silk Road originating from Iran, going through Doğubayazıt, Kars, Erzurum and Erzincan and reaching Central Anatolia; also passed through Iğdır.

Tourist Attractions

Two stork sculptures located at the entrance to downtown Iğdır are proof of the relatively temperate climate of the city. Such that, these migrant storks are among the symbols of the city of Iğdır.

The altitude of Mount Ararat, which is a dormant volcano, reaches 5.165 meters. The most famous one of the Mount Ararat legends is, without a doubt, regarding Noah's Ark. The belief that Noah's Ark took ground on Mount Ararat following the flood which is mentioned in the Bible, Torah, Koran and the famous Sumerian epic Gilgamesh, is quite widespread.

A eteor crater is located approximately 42 km away from downtown. The crater located within the borders of Korhan Plateau in the district of Karakoyunlu was formed due to a meteor impact in 1892. The crater, the width and depth of which are 35 and 60 meters respectively, is also said to be the second biggest of its kind in the world, following the Barringer Crater. Many refined stones located around the crater can also be explored. The Meteor Crater region is also bedazzling with its rich flora. From this location, an intersection, you may have the opportunity to see the land of three countries which unite at the same border.

The Salt Mines-which expand on a 55 decare area- located in the district of Tuzluca make up a another interesting spot to visit. This area, which produces 60 tons of salt a day, is said to have the capacity to satisfy the salt requirement of Turkey for 100 years. The air in the tunnels is believed to be good for many respiratory diseases.

Culture & Entertainment

Harmandöven Caravanserai, dating back to the Seljuk Era, stands out among what remains from the Silk Road. This 12th century monument, which was built by the order of Serafettin Ejder Bey, emir of Surmari, is located on the Batum-Tabriz route of the Silk Road. The names of the masters who built the caravanserai are not known. However, from the monograms of the masters located on the building, it is understood that 16 different stonemasons worked in the construction of the building.

The Genocide Monument located on the Ring Road junction in the district of Baharlı was erected in memory of those who were killed during Armenian raids which took place in Iğdır and its villages in 1915-1920. At the time, it is known that the number of people who were slaughtered was more than eighty thousand and those who were left alive were forced to leave their native lands. Iğdır Genocide Monument is also the tallest monument in Turkey, being 43.5 meters tall.

Ram-headed gravestones, which are located in almost all cemeteries in Iğdır Plain, can be interesting stops in your visit. There are two old cemeteries located in the district of Karakoyunlu, which is one of the oldest settlements in the city, one in the center of the district and the other on the Karakoyuncu-Aralık road. These cemeteries are famous especially for the ram-headed gravestones.

The most important festival among all that are awaited with utmost joy and eagerness in Iğdır and the surrounding areas is Nowruz. Nowruz is celebrated as the awakening of nature and the beginning of the new year. It is believed that with Nowruz everything is reborn and rejuvenated. In the region, many events one more beautiful and glamorous than the other are organized at Nowruz, also known as the festival in celebration of Turks' exit from Ergenekon. Korhan Plateau Festival and Apricot Festival organized in May and July of every year respectively are worth a visit.

Food & Drink

In the cuisine of Iğdır; meat, especially red meat, holds a significant place. The variety of dishes, on the other hand, is spectacular. Not only dishes with meat; but also soups, vegetable dishes, grains-noodles, breads, desserts, legumes, and jams are commonly consumed. Katık aşı, bozbaş, kelecoş, hörre, helise, perzana, taş köfte (meatballs), and cızdık can be listed as local dishes to get a taste of.

Shopping

In Iğdır and the surrounding region, a vitality in handcrafts greets the eye. In the villages, the most beautiful carpets and rugs are woven from wool and cotton, which are dyed with a special type of root dye.
The production of wool socks, which are among indispensable items of clothing in the winter, holds a significant place. The various animal and plant patterns on the socks are quite spectacular.