Van: Island Monasteries and Urartian History

Van offers several ways to explore the region: the islands of Lake Van are home to historic monasteries, while Van Castle and Ayanis Castle bring the history of the Urartian Kingdom to life. The lake itself is home to the Armenian gull and the pearl mullet. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first consider whether architecture, archaeology or nature will be the focus of your trip.

Akdamar and the Island Monasteries

Akdamar Island is the second-largest of the four islands in Lake Van. The Akdamar Church was built there between 915 and 921 AD by Bishop Manuel under the supervision of Gagik I Ardzruni. Its stone reliefs hold a prominent place among renowned works of medieval art. The church thus combines a specific construction date with particular significance in medieval visual art.

The Akdamar Church opened to visitors as a museum monument in 2007. Check the current opening conditions before your visit. Akdamar Island is about 20 minutes by boat from the pier in Gevaş. Check current schedules and operators for the day of your visit. An international religious service is held once a year on a day in September, organised by the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul. If you plan to attend, check the date of the event for that year.

Other islands in Lake Van are also home to historic monasteries. Adır Island is home to Saint Georges Monastery; its surviving parts include a church and a chapel. The Çarpanak monastery complex includes the Church of St. Jean, a chapel, a library and a cemetery. Akdamar, Çarpanak and Adır thus represent different examples of the lake’s monastic landscape.

Urartian History at Specific Sites

Van Castle, also known as Tuşpa, stands on a rocky outcrop directly on the eastern shore of Lake Van. Urartian rock tombs and royal inscriptions have been preserved there. Ayanis Castle lies 300 metres east of the lakeshore and 225 metres above sea level. The castle is considered the second capital of the Urartian Kingdom. Excavations uncovered the Temple of Haldi and decorated fortification walls. The historical comparison is specific: Tuşpa is known for its rock tombs and inscriptions, while Ayanis is known for its excavated temple and fortification walls.

Lake Van as a Natural Environment

Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and also the largest soda lake in the world. The islands in the lake are among the world’s most important breeding grounds for the Armenian gull. The pearl mullet (Alburnus tarichi) is considered the only fish species living in Lake Van. These natural features can be considered at different scales: the islands as breeding grounds and the lake as a habitat for this fish species.

Microbialites are another distinctive feature of Lake Van: they are the largest in the world and have helped make diving in the lake possible. If you are interested in diving, check current operators separately.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Van, you can choose according to your travel interests: would you like to focus on the medieval island churches and reliefs, Urartian history or the nature of Lake Van? Check the location of the specific accommodation in relation to the places you actually want to visit. For Akdamar Island, the approximate boat journey from Gevaş and current schedules are separate planning considerations. A visit around the September service also requires checking the event date for that year.

More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Van, Erciş, Edremit, Çatak, Değirmenköy Köyü, Emek Köyü.

Return to the main travel overview: Anatolia.