AGRI
Agri, a provincial capital on a 1,650-meter-high plateau, takes its name from the mountain which looms over it . The pleasant Balik (Fish) lake to the northeast, not surprisingly has plenty of fish restaurants serving local delicacies. Thermal springs bubble up all over the area. For those who want hardy outdoor events, a visit the Bubi Dagi Ski Center, 20 km southwest of Agri, will provide a few days of snow sports.
Do not miss the spectacular Ishak Pasa Palace, only 6 km from Dogubayazit. Ishak Pasa, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century with 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 Dogubayazit, Turkey's most scenic natural monument, Mt. Agri rises to a height of 5,137 meters. To see the place where it is believed that Noah's Ark came aground, you can begin your trek at Üzengili village, 25 km east of Dogubayazit. 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.
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