Agri, a
provincial capital on a 1650 meter-high plateau, takes its name from the
mountain which looms over it. The pleasant Balik (Fish) Lake to the
northeast, not surprisingly hasplenty of fish restaurants serving local
delicacies. Thermal springs bubble up all over the area. For those who want
a hardy outdoorevent,visit the Bubi Dagė Ski Center, 20 km southwest of Agri,
for a few days of snow sport.
Do not miss the spectacular site of The Ishak Pasha palace, only 6 km from
Dogubayazit. 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.
