BOYDAN PAINT EAST ANATOLIA TOUR

October 17 - 26, 2025

Day 1 – OCTOBER 17, 2025

In the evening, we depart from Kuşadası. After picking up our guests, we follow the route Dazkırı - Çay Yolu - Konya - Nevşehir, making necessary breaks along the way, and arrive in Kayseri.

Day 2 – OCTOBER 18, 2025

Upon arrival in Kayseri in the morning, we take a breakfast break and begin our city tour. We arrive at Kayseri Cumhuriyet Square and start exploring the old and new Kayseri intertwined. We begin with the Hunat Hatun Complex, built by Mahperi Hatun, the wife of I. Alaeddin Keykubat and the mother of II. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, in 1238. The complex, remarkable for its stone carvings and grand appearance, is one of the best examples of Seljuk architecture. After enjoying coffee in the madrasa section of the complex, we walk to Gevher Nesibe Hatun Madrasah and Hospital, located within Mimar Sinan Park. This is one of the first Turkish medical centers in Anatolia, with an open courtyard and four iwans. It was built by Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev at the behest of his sister Gevher Nesibe Sultan between 1205-1206. After an insightful tour with our guide, we enter Kayseri Fortress to do some shopping for pastirma, mantı, etc., and guests can also taste the famous Kayseri mantı and yağlama. After our free time, we regroup with our vehicle and head towards Sivas. This city is significant for the founding of the Republic, as it hosted one of the most important congresses of the national struggle, where the people of Anatolia came together.

Our first stop is the Ulu Mosque which is one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. It is an important structure in the architectural history of Anatolia that played a role in the development of mosque interior design. Its minaret is also noteworthy as it stands with a noticeable tilt, similar to the Pisa tower. Contrary to common belief, it is said that minimal tilting was intended. The saying goes, 'THE MASTERS DID IT DELIBERATELY.' As we move towards the city center, amazing pieces await us. The Double Minaret Madrasah, built in 1271, is a historic structure that has survived to this day. According to the information inscribed on its building, it was constructed by the Ilkhanate vizier, Sahip Şemseddin. Opposite the madrasah is the Şifaiye Madrasah, an ancient medical school and hospital. After visiting the Şifaiye Madrasah and having a tea break here, we will also visit the Sivas Congress Building Atatürk and the Ethnography Museum together. After taking our photographs, we proceed to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION SIVAS

Day 3 – OCTOBER 19, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart and head towards Divriği's district. Our first stop in Divriği is the Divriği ULU MOSQUE. The region was under the administration of the Mengüceks during the period when the mosque was constructed by Ahmad Shah and his wife Turan Melek between 1228-1229. This masterpiece of Islamic architecture consists of a mosque with two domes and an attached hospital. The structures, along with their architectural features, include abundant examples of traditional Anatolian stone craftsmanship and are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Divriği Ulu Mosque and its Darüşşifa are the first architectural structures in Turkey included in this list. After getting detailed information about the mosque from our guide, we continue to Kemaliye in Erzincan province to visit Karanlık Canyon, which will leave us in awe with its reflections. We will take a boat (extra) to explore the Dark Canyon, and we will also get a panoramic view of the Stone Road, which was built in the 18th century and took 132 years to complete as we connect to Central Anatolia. After these enjoyable moments, we arrive in Kemaliye, settle into our hotel, and after having our meal, we head to the Apçağa Village. We visit the village at the foot of Mount Munzur, where Ahmet Kutsi Tecer's father lived and where the poem "There is a village far away" was written, which we all hum when we miss our homeland. Among 150 - 200-year-old wooden houses and mulberry trees, we will have a nice walk, take plenty of photos, and after eating mulberries, we return to our hotel in Kemaliye. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

ACCOMMODATION KEMALİYE

Day 4 – OCTOBER 20, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart from Kemaliye and follow the Kemah road towards Erzincan. During our break in Erzincan, guests can taste the famous Erzincan döner, shop for copper souvenirs and essentials in the underground market. After that, we proceed to Girlevik Waterfall. With a height of approximately 30 meters, this waterfall flows from three different branches. We will take photos here and after a short break, we continue towards Erzurum. At an elevation of 1,900 meters, our first stop is Çağ Kebap. Guests who wish can taste the çağ kebap and dolma kadayıf, and then we will visit Yakutiye Madrasah, Ulu Mosque, Üç Kümbetler, Erzurum Congress Building and Erzurum House before heading to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION ERZURUM

Day 5 – OCTOBER 21, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we head towards Sarıkamış. We will take a panoramic tour of Sarıkamış center and see the Katerina Mansion, and after hearing about the tragic story at the monument dedicated to the Sarıkamış Epic, we will offer our prayers and continue to Ani Ruins. Located within the borders of Ocaklı Village in Ani, Ani Ruins have hosted various cultures due to their highly advantageous topography for settlement and defense throughout history. The city, established at the first entry point of the Silk Road from the Caucasus into Anatolia, developed greatly in the Middle Ages, becoming the political, cultural, and economic center of the region. Ani is a summary of the medieval city with its mostly preserved impressive walls, religious and civil architectural examples, and urban planning. The multiculturalism that has prevailed throughout history in Ani has also played a role in shaping its religious and civil architecture. The Fire Temple, various churches, and mosques from the Seljuk period are present, giving Ani a special status in the history of architecture and urban planning in the Middle Ages. After touring with our guide and learning about the structures that have survived to this day, we move towards the city center of Kars. In Kars, we will visit the Kafkas Front War History Museum, Fethiye Mosque, Kars Fortress, and buildings from the Russians. Guests wishing to shop can buy cheese and honey before we return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION KARS

Day 6 – OCTOBER 22, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we follow the route of Digor, Tuzluca, and Iğdır with beautiful views of Small and Big Ağrı. We arrive in Iğdır, where we will take a short photo break at a scenic spot to capture the highest peak in our country, Mount Ağrı, which is mentioned in sacred texts and legends. Then, we head towards Ishak Pasha Palace, which is built on a hilltop that overlooks the plain, akin to an eagle's nest. Ishak Pasha Palace is more than just a palace; it is a complex. It is one of the most famous palaces built during the last period, after Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace. The palace, constructed on a hillside in the 18th century, is the last monumental structure of the Ottoman Empire during the Tulip Period. The palace, which is one of the most distinct and exemplary works of 18th-century Ottoman architecture, also holds significant artistic value. The Harem section was built according to its inscription in Hijri 1199, corresponding to 1784 AD. The palace reflects the architectural styles of the Ottomans, Persians, and Seljuks. Constructed by Cildiroğulları II. Ishak Pasha and Çolak Abdi Pasha in 1685, it received its final touch in 1784. Covering an area of approximately 115x50 meters, the structure exhibits portal sculptures and decorations that reflect Seljuk art characteristics. After our tour and photographs, we proceed to Muradiye Waterfall. The waterfall, named after Ottoman Sultan IV. Murat, is located on the Bend-i Mahi river, fed by Tendürek Mountain. The waterfall has a height of 50 meters and offers a stunning view. During the free time here, we will relax with a cup of tea and take photographs before we head to the center of Van.

ACCOMMODATION VAN

Day 7 – OCTOBER 23, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we head towards Akdamar Island. We take a boat (extra) to Akdamar Island, located in the Gevaş district. The church built on the southeastern side of the island was constructed between 915-921 by King I. Gagik in honor of the Holy Cross, at the request of Monk Manuel. The chapel on its northeastern side was added between 1296-1336, the western jamaton in 1763, and the bell tower on the southern side in the late 18th century. The history of the northern chapel is unknown. Initially a palace church, the structure was later transformed into a monastery church. Following its restoration in 2007, it now serves as a monument museum. After receiving information and taking photos, we will have a meal, tasting the Inci Kefali at lakeside restaurants. Then we head towards Tatvan. After enjoying tea here, we take small buses (extra) up to Nemrut Mountain, home to Turkey’s largest and the world’s second-largest crater lake. From the summit of Nemrut, we will capture the stunning views of Lake Van and the Big Crater Lake before returning to Tatvan and getting back on our bus towards Muş.

ACCOMMODATION MUŞ

Day 8 – OCTOBER 24, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we reach Elazığ via Bingöl. We have a panoramic tour here before heading to the first settlement area, Harput. We visit Harput Castle, Kurşunlu Mosque, and Ulu Mosque, which was built during the Artuqid rule in the 12th century, and the Old Syriac Church and the Mary Mother Church before we break for (extra) lunch and move on to Malatya. Here, we will complete our shopping for apricots and nuts before heading to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION MALATYA

Day 9 – OCTOBER 25, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we will spend free time at the Şire Market in Malatya. Then we head towards Darende. We will visit Somoncu Baba Tomb and Tohma Canyon and have a lunch break during our free time before heading to Nevşehir. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

ACCOMMODATION CAPPADOCIA

Day 10 – OCTOBER 26, 2025

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our Cappadocia tour. We proceed towards Uçhisar. After a short stop in the Pigeon Valley, we will do some shopping for the region's famous pumpkin seeds and head towards Avanos for our lunch. After our meal, we visit the ceramics workshops shaped by the soil of Kızılırmak, where we will have the opportunity to learn how to make pottery. Subsequently, we will head to the Hanging Bridge over Kızılırmak River to enjoy some free time with coffee. Next, we will visit the Asmalı Konak in Ürgüp, which is considered the geographical heart of Cappadocia. During the Seljuk period, it served as a trade center. With mesmerizing geomorphological landscapes and cave houses, Ürgüp is one of the largest locations in Cappadocia, featuring numerous cave hotels and restaurants. After visiting Asmalı Konak and purchasing some famous Cappadocia wines, we will proceed to Dervent Valley. There, we will engage our imaginations while seeing many fairy chimneys, taking photographs with those that resemble camels. After the comparisons, we move to Paşabağ where you can capture stunning photos of the largest fairy chimneys in the region. Then we head to Göreme Open-Air Museum. This site has hosted an intense monastic life from the 4th to the 13th centuries. It comprises churches, chapels, dining halls, and living quarters carved into rocky blocks within the valley. We will explore the Girls and Boys Monastery, St. Basil Kilise, Apple Church, St. Barbara Church, Snake Church, Dark Church, Sandal Church, and Tokalı Church. After our visit to the Open-Air Museum, we begin our journey back. Following the route through Konya - Denizli - Nazilli as we take necessary breaks, we reach Kuşadası and part ways with our best wishes to meet again on another journey.