Dogubeyazit is considering as the eastern gate of Turkey, which is hosted for various tribes and civilizations during the history. During this long adventure continued for centuries, after being under sovereignty of Urartu, Assyria, Med, Persia, Rome and Byzantium, the district had faced with Islamic raids during Caliph Hz. Osman. While Dogubayazit is holding the signs of all tribes, lived, fight and established civilizations and cultures within Anatolia, it also gains importance with its natural beauties and folkloric richness day by day.

Before Malazgirt victory, in 1064, Dogubeyazit was added in to Seljuk lands with the conquest of Kars, but then it had its share of Timur occupation with Mongol invasion. District, which was ruled by Akkoyunlular and Karakoyunlular from time to time during latter period, had been conquered by Safevis at the end of XVth century, and finally is added to Ottoman lands in 1514, after Caldiran War. During the initial years of the republic, after banners had been turned into cities, Dogubeyazit became a city center with the same name. But in 1927, with carrying city center as today’s Agri, Dogubeyazit was turned into a province of this city.

Located in the shadow of Mt. Agri, this town has a rustic frontier atmosphere. Nearby is the spectacular and isolated Isak Pasa Sarayi (palace), set atop a high mountain. Ishak Pasa Saray, constructions started in 1685 and were completed in 1784. it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Turkey Do not miss the spectacular site of The Ishak Pasha palace, only 6 km from Dogubeyazit. Ishak Pasha, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century in a mixture of architectural styles.

Nearby you can see a bas relief of an Urartian king, and a rock tomb from the ninth century B.C. Near Dogubeyazit, Turkey’s most scenic natural monument, Mount Agri rises to a height of 5137 meters. To see the place where it is thought that Noah’s Ark came aground, go to Uzengili village, 25 km east of Dogubeyazit. Be sure to try the local dessert asure (Noah’s pudding), believed to have first been made by Noah’s wife from the last bits of food in the Ark. Though dry and barren, the area is impressive. One night there is adequate unless you’re hiking up Mt. Ararat to seek the remains of Noah’s Ark.
(Permission from the Turkish government is required to climb the mountain; check with the Ministry of Tourism in Ankara before you go.)

Major Sights, Places To See
Visiting Ishak Pasa Palace and Dogubayazit Castle, Seeing Balik Lake, Ice Cave and Meteor Crater

Access
By Road
As Dogubayazit is on the transit road of Turkey – Iran, it is very easy to reach there by the road. The commercial bus firms are performing regular voyages to Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Erzurum, Agri, Van, Igdir and other important centers.

By Air
Also in case of coming to Agri, Van and Erzurum via scheduled flights, it is possible to reach Dogubayazit from these places by road during every hour of each day.