Erzurum

Erzurum is the fourth largest city in Turkey by land area. It is bordered by provinces of Rize and Artvin to the north, Bingöl and Muş to the south, Bayburt and Erzincan to the west and Kars, Ağrı and Ardahan to the east. The city is located amongst the plateaus on mountains and mostly consists of gulleys and lowlands. The biggest lake in the area, Tortum Lake covers 6,6 km² area and varies between 50-60 m depth. The most popular tourist destination is Palandöken Mountain in the city. It is a 3125m high tectonic mountain. While in some parts of the city that are close to Eastern Anatolian Region have harsh effects of continental climate, the others that are close to Black Sea Region have tempered climate.

Erzurum has some unique delicacies pioneer of which is Cağ Kebab, a kebab variety of horizontally stacked marinated rotating lamb. Moreover, aşotu çorbası (soup with wheat and coriander), şalgam dolması ( a type of meatball with turnip and onion),lalanga ( a type of pastry), lor dolması (stuffed vegetable with rice and curd cheese), su böreği ( a special type of pastry), hasuta (a dessert with molasses), çiriş yemeği ( a dish made of affodil), dut çullaması ( a side made of mulberry), Çaşır (Ferula-a type of vegetable), Erzurum ketesi ( a type of pastry) and kadayıf dolması ( a dessert with walnut) are amongst the other local tastes of Erzurum.