Bitlis
Having a history dating back to 2,000 B.C., Bitlis was an active settlement in the time of the Hittites, Assyrians and the Kingdom of Urartu. DespiteD its harsh climate in winter, around Ahlat and Tatvan, you may encounter a milder weather due to the influence of the Lake Van (half of which is within the city of Bitlis). Bitlis is a unique tourism spot developed around Nemrut Volcanic Mountain where historic buildings are intertwined with natural environments.
Nemrut Crater Lake
Nemrut Crater Lake is one of the wonders of the nature in Bitlis. Part of Nemrut Caldera, a volcanic caldera atop Volcano Nemrut, this crater lake is the world’s second-largest. The site is protected in the status of a tourist attraction, a protected area of first degree and a wetland.
Ahlat
One of the most important districts of Bitlis to visit is Ahlat. This historic town is established on the shores of the Lake Van, and is home to 14 vaults, 2 castles most of which are the remains of the 13th century, 5 historic graveyards from the Seljuk Empire period, 1 historic graveyard from the Ottoman Empire Period. Known for its unique tombstones, the Ahlat Seljuk Meydan Cemetery stands as a monument to the region’s great historic significance. This is the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery, and has been in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2000. Apart from its historical significance, Ahlat has the most beautiful beach on the Lake Van. The area has an immense potential for water sports and shore tourism.
Main attractions in Bitlis include the Bitlis Castle, the Tatvan Castle, the Ahlat Shore Castle, the Ulu Mosque, Kızıl Mosque, Gökmeydan Mosque, Hatuniye Inn, El-Aman Caravanserai, Başhan Inn, thermal springs (Güroymak (Çukur) Thermal Spring, Ilıcak (Germav) Thermal Spring, Nemrut Mountain Thermal Spring, Alemdar, Köprü Altı, Çim Çölmüğü, Arap Köprüsü, Yılan Dirilten, Acı Su etc.