Erzurum, located in Eastern Türkiye, is one of Türkiye’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Erzurum is one of the 30 metropolitan municipalities of Türkiye. The city has a population of 745,000 as of 2024 and there are 20 towns. City’s economy mainly depends on agriculture and livestock.
The ECO Tourism Capital for 2025, Erzurum is proud to present its unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, cultural heritage, and hospitality to visitors from across the globe. Founded over 2,000 years ago, Erzurum has served as a crossroads of civilizations, trade routes, and empires—leaving a legacy that resonates in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Yakutiye Madrasah: A magnificent 14th-century theological school built by the Ilkhanids, the Yakutiye Medrese is known for its towering portal and ornate stone carvings. Today, it functions as a museum that showcases Islamic art and Erzurum’s ethnographic treasures.
Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower: Perched above the city center, the historic castle dates back to the Byzantine period. Nearby, the 19th-century Clock Tower offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler): These intricately carved Seljuk mausoleums are among the most iconic symbols of Erzurum, reflecting the region’s medieval Islamic architecture.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque: A grand Ottoman Mosque built in the 16th century by the famed architect Mimar Sinan. It remains a key place of worship and an architectural landmark.
Atatürk House Museum: This historical house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed during the Erzurum Congress in 1919 played a pivotal role in Türkiye’s War of Independence. It is now a museum open to the public.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures
Palandöken Mountain: One of Türkiye’s premier winter sports destinations, Palandöken is renowned for its long ski season and modern facilities. It has hosted numerous international events including the Winter Universiade and World Snowboard Cup.
Tortum Waterfall: Located north of the city, this is one of Türkiye’s highest waterfalls and a perfect destination for nature lovers. The surrounding area offers opportunities for picnics and photography.
Narman Fairy Chimneys: Often referred to as the “Cappadocia of the East,” this geological wonder features red rock formations that have been naturally sculpted over centuries.
Culinary Highlights
Erzurum boasts a distinctive cuisine with deep Anatolian roots:
Cağ Kebabı: A horizontal rotisserie-style lamb kebab, unique to Erzurum and beloved throughout Türkiye.
Kadayıf Dolması: A local dessert made by stuffing kadayıf (shredded pastry) with walnuts, rolling it, and frying before soaking in syrup.
Ayran Aşı (Yayla Çorbası): A refreshing yogurt-based soup, perfect for the city’s cool climate.
Modern Infrastructure and Accessibility
Erzurum is well connected by air, road, and rail. Erzurum Airport offers regular domestic and seasonal international flights. The city features modern 5-star hotels, conference facilities, and hospitality services, making it a rising destination for both leisure and business tourism.
Promotional Video for Erzurum:
Celebrations of the ECO Tourism Capital in 2025
Erzurum was formally inaugurated as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2025 during a distinguished ceremony held on April 26, 2025 as an alongside event of the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism.
Official Opening Ceremony:
The event, marked by cultural vibrancy and international camaraderie, was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including H.E. Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye; H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye; Ambassador Asad M. Khan, ECO Secretary General as well as local and international guests.
In his address, Vice President Yılmaz lauded Erzurum’s unique amalgamation of historical richness, cultural depth, and natural beauty, emphasizing its potential as a hub for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Minister Ersoy highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to regional collaboration and the sharing of expertise in tourism development, describing Erzurum’s designation as a significant achievement.
Ambassador Khan reaffirmed ECO’s dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and regional integration, expressing confidence that Erzurum’s tenure as ECO Tourism Capital will foster this well-established tradition of the ECO.
The ceremony included the official presentation of the ECO Tourism Capital 2025 certificate by Ambassador Khan to Mr. Mustafa Çiftçi, Governor of Erzurum, accompanied by Mr. Mehmet Sekmen, Mayor of Erzurum, and Mr. Muharrem Çığlık, Coordinator for ECO Tourism Capital 2025. The event featured captivating cultural performance, the “Dance of Epics” reflecting various historical story telling items and celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Erzurum has hosted a series of significant events, such as the Winter Games, World Snowboard Cup, and the ECO Winter Disaster Drill. The city’s calendar also includes the Drama Festival, International Cycling Tour, Cultural Road Festival, and Gastronomy Fair, among various local festivities, all aimed at showcasing Erzurum’s diverse attractions. Notably, Erzurum also holds the title of European Capital of Winter Sports for 2025, further cementing its status as a premier destination for winter tourism.
