A favorite for tourists: Akdamar Island

Van, which has been home to many civilizations from the Urartians to the present day, attracts culture and history enthusiasts with its centuries-old castles, churches, and other historical structures. 

Akdamar Island, with its scenery that integrates with almond trees blooming in spring, the blue of Lake Van, and the white snow cover in winter; the Van Castle, built by the Urartian King Sarduri I on the shores of Lake Van between 840-825 BC; and the Van Museum, where thousands of artifacts belonging to many civilizations, especially the Urartians, are exhibited, attract the attention of domestic and foreign visitors. 

55 THOUSAND PEOPLE VISITED

These venues hosted approximately 55,000 visitors from home and abroad in the first 4 months of this year. 

Van Museum Director Erdal Acar stated that Van, established around the Lake Van Basin, has been an important settlement since prehistoric times due to its fertile lands and abundant water resources. 

Stating that Van has been home to many civilizations in addition to the Urartians, Acar "In our museum located to the north of Van Castle, artifacts belonging to many civilizations and historical eras, especially the Urartians, are exhibited. Our museum, which has the largest collection of Urartian artifacts in the world, is one of Turkey's leading museums in terms of its inventory and the works it houses" said. 

Emphasizing that Akdamar Island, Van Castle, and the museum are among the most visited historical sites in the city, Acar stated, "In the 4-month period of 2024, approximately 8,500 people visited our museum, approximately 8,000 people visited Van Castle, and 38,000 people visited Akdamar Island."

News Source: AA