Erzurum

Erzurum is a provincial capital in eastern Türkiye. The city centre lies at roughly 1,850–1,900 m above sea level, one of the highest in the country. Winters are long and very cold; the lowest temperature recorded in the city is −37.2 °C.

The main monuments stand close together in the Yakutiye district, within walking distance of Cumhuriyet Caddesi. The Çifte Minareli Medrese, a 13th-century madrasa, has two 26 m brick minarets with blue glazed tiles above a carved stone portal. The Üç Kümbetler, three stone tombs from the 12th to 14th centuries, are nearby. Erzurum Castle stands at the Tebriz Kapı junction. The Yakutiye Medrese, built in 1310, now houses the Museum of Turkish-Islamic Works and Ethnography.

Erzurum Airport is about 11–13 km from the centre. The Palandöken ski area is about 7 km south-west, roughly a 10-minute drive. In winter, wear warm layers and shoes with good grip. Check current opening hours with each site before you go.