Bitlis: Volcanic Landscapes, History and Local Cuisine

Bitlis combines a distinctive volcanic landscape with buildings from different periods and a distinctive food culture. The province is home to the 2,935-metre-high Nemrut Dağı volcano and Nemrut Gölü, considered the largest crater lake in Turkey and the second-largest in the world. Other highlights include historic sites such as Ahlat’s gravestone complex and regional specialities such as Bitlis büryan. When choosing your holiday rental, these different interests may help you decide: are you mainly looking for landscapes, cultural history or culinary discoveries?

Volcanoes, Crater Lake and Birdlife

Nemrut Dağı lies within Tatvan district and is one of the province of Bitlis’s most frequently mentioned trekking areas. Nemrut Gölü, a crater lake, defines the volcanic landscape. The Nemrut Gölü bird sanctuary lies within the provincial boundaries of Bitlis. Another bird sanctuary is located at the entrance to Ahlat, along the Tatvan–Ahlat road; more than 100 bird species live there. If you are especially interested in landscapes and nature, these places offer several specific starting points for planning your trip.

Süphan Dağı is also part of the province’s mountainous landscape. The 4,058-metre-high volcano is a destination for mountaineering and camping. Nemrut Dağı and Süphan Dağı thus represent two distinctive landscape destinations; the trekking, mountaineering and camping opportunities mentioned here can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Architecture and History

Different architectural styles and historical periods meet in Bitlis. The İhlasiye Madrasa was built in 1589 by V. Şerefhan. It embodies classical Seljuk aesthetics and was restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. At Ulu Camii, two different dates stand out: it was restored in 1150, and its minaret was built in 1492. The Ahlat-İskender-Paşa Mosque was built in 1584 and is considered a typical example of Ottoman architecture.

In Ahlat, within the provincial boundaries of Bitlis, there is a gravestone complex with gravestones dating from the 12th to the 15th century AD. The Usta-Şagirt Tomb is the largest of Ahlat’s tombs and is also called Ulu Kümbet. The Ahlat-Emir-Bayındır Bridge probably dates from the 13th century; it was likely repaired or rebuilt in the 15th century during the Aq Qoyunlu period. Other historic sites include El-Aman Hanı, built by Hüsrev Paşa in the 16th century and considered one of Anatolia’s largest caravanserais, and the Küfrevi Tomb, built in the garden of the Küfrevi House in 1898 and used as a place of pilgrimage. Bitlis Castle was built in 312 BC by Leys Bedlis, a commander of Alexander the Great, on Alexander’s orders.

Regional Cuisine and Handicrafts

Bitlis büryan is made with goat meat. The meat is cooked until tender in a sealed tandır using a combination of heat and steam. Avşor is made by adding cooked lean meat to the liquid collected during the preparation of büryan; the dish is eaten in the morning. These two dishes differ both in how they are prepared and in the time of day when Avşor is traditionally served.

Textile and craft traditions also offer insight into the region. Gej, a local fabric, is woven in the districts of Mutki and Hizan, with courses supported by local cultural and educational authorities. The Bitlis kuşağı is made in Tatvan district and used as an accessory for folk dances. Ahlat walking sticks are made from local walnut wood and decorated using craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Places and Travel Information

There are ski facilities in Bitlis city centre for winter sports. Güroymak (Çukur) Thermal Spring is one of the thermal springs listed in Bitlis and its immediate surroundings. If you would like to plan your trip more around water and transport, you can also consider Tatvan: a ferry service operates between Van and Tatvan without a fixed timetable. Tatvan also has a connection between the state railway and ferry services across Lake Van, providing access to the eastern countries.

More places to explore for yourself: Tatvan, Bitlis, Cihangir, Güroymak, Kalkanlı, Ahlat, Ortakapı Köyü and Aydınlar Belediyesi.

For the broader travel overview: Anatolia.