Brief History

Eastern Anatolia, with its rugged terrain and high plateaus, has historically been home to several powerful civilizations. The Urartians, centered around Lake Van, were one of the earliest dominant powers in the region, leaving behind impressive fortifications and inscriptions. Armenians also established powerful kingdoms in the area, especially around Ani, which became known as the “City of 1,001 Churches” during the medieval period. The region was often contested by larger empires such as the Persians, Romans, and later Byzantines due to its strategic position near the borders of Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Persia.

Eastern Anatolia’s importance is also tied to its proximity to the Mesopotamian plain and the Euphrates River, which provided key transportation and agricultural advantages. The region later came under the control of the Seljuks and then the Ottomans, both of whom recognized its strategic importance in controlling the eastern frontiers of their empires. Its rich cultural history continues to be reflected in the ruins and artifacts that dot the landscape.