Kars

🏰 The History of Kars

Where Does the Name Kars Come From?

According to some sources, the name Kars is believed to derive from the Karsaklar, one of the ancient Turkic tribes. This name may be among the oldest Turkish place names in Anatolia.

Depiction of Kars (Generated by artificial intelligence)

An Ancient City!

The history of Kars extends back to the Chalcolithic Age (9000–8000 BCE). Many civilizations including the Hurrians, Urartians, Scythians, Parthians, Sassanids, and Byzantines have lived in this region.

The Gateway for Turks into Anatolia

In 1064, Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan conquered Kars. This conquest was one of the key steps in strengthening the Turkish presence in Anatolia.

The Gateway for Turks into Anatolia (Generated by artificial intelligence)

🏯 Kars Castle and the Ruins of Ani

Kars Castle

The foundations of Kars Castle were laid in the 12th century, but the fortress was later destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1579 during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Murad III.

The Ruins of Ani

Ani, located 48 km from Kars, was an important settlement during the Middle Ages. Here you can find historical structures such as churches, mosques, and city walls.

Kars Castle and the Ruins of Ani (Generated by artificial intelligence)

🧀 The Flavors of Kars

A Cheese Paradise

In the Cheese Museum located in the village of Boğatepe, you can taste local delicacies such as Kars gravyer, kaşar, çeçil, and göyermiş cheeses.

Goose Meat and Honey

Do not leave Kars without trying its famous goose meat and premium floral honey!

Flavors of Kars (Generated by artificial intelligence)

🚂 Adventure with the Eastern Express

A Long Journey

The Eastern Express, stretching from Ankara to Kars, offers a 1,310 km journey that takes approximately 25 hours, passing through magnificent landscapes.

Depiction of the Eastern Express (Generated by artificial intelligence)

✈️ Kars Harakani Airport

Modern Terminal

Opened in 1988, the airport began serving passengers in 2013 with a new terminal building covering 35,946 square meters. Both domestic and international passengers are served in the same terminal.

Depiction of Kars Harakani Airport (Generated by artificial intelligence)

🧒 Kars for Children

Winter Sports

In Sarıkamış, you can ski and enjoy the snow.

Historical Exploration

Travel back in time at the Ruins of Ani and wander among ancient structures.

Tasty Treats

Taste Kars’s famous cheeses and goose meat.

Kars for Children (Generated by artificial intelligence)

📚 References

Kars Municipality. “The Borderland City of Kars.” Kars Municipality Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025. https://www.kars.bel.tr/serhat-sehri-kars

Kars Municipality. “Former Mayors.” Kars Municipality Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025. https://www.kars.bel.tr/gecmis-donem-belediye-baskanlari

Kars Municipality. “The Eastern Express.” Kars Municipality Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025. https://www.kars.bel.tr/dogu-ekspresi

Kars Governorate. “The History of Kars.” Kars Governorate Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025. http://www.kars.gov.tr/tarihce

Turkish State Airports Authority. “City History – Kars Harakani Airport.” DHMİ Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025. https://www.dhmi.gov.tr/sayfalar/havalimani/kars/SehirTarihcesi.aspx

Turkish State Airports Authority. “Kars Shopping Guide.” DHMİ Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025.

Turkish State Airports Authority. “Kars Airport International Terminal.” DHMİ Official Website. Accessed 12 May 2025.