Eastern Anatolia Travel Guide

Visit a nice Kebab store on the main street, not far from the junction by the supermarket. They have Iskender Kebap for less then a Lira and its great!

The Island of Aghtamar is a jewel within Lake Van in southeastern Turkey.  It houses the 10th century Church of the Holy Cross, an Armenian architectual masterpiece that is emblazened with bas relief sculptures of Old Testament scenes on the outside and frescoes of New Testament scenes within.  The only way to get to the island is by local boat that can be hired about 800 meters past the outer limits of the town of Gavas on the southeastern coast of the lake, about  a 45-minute drive from the city of Van.  The Church has recently been "renovated," though experts question the authenticity of the renovation, or the actual need thereof and wonder if the move was a political one to show the European Union that Turkey is serious about promoting the history of its minorities.  Nevertheless, the island boasts a large and prominent Turkish flag, the surrounding mountains on the shore of the lake have an enourmous Turkish flag burned into the grass and the church's cross was removed during the restoration.