Erzurum: Winter wonderland in eastern Turkey

Near the eastern-most fringes of Turkey, the city of Erzurum awaits its visitors with its natural landmarks, millennia-old historical wonders and local culture and cuisine. There is something for everyone in this 'land of the dadash' (brave men), be it on the snow-capped mountains or in the relaxing hot springs and breathtaking mosques, churches and madrasas. Ski enthusiasts can take to the slopes of Mount Palandöken, one of the most frigid areas across Turkey. While night skiing is available on certain days of the week for those who prefer the serenity of the centrally illuminated tracks during calmer hours, the hot springs also await weary visitors with steamy delight. Hotels around the resort reach near full capacity from late Jan. to early Feb., when schools around Turkey go on winter break. After having their fill of snow, visitors can go on a voyage through the centuries, bearing witness to awe-inspiring past civilizations and one of the focal points of Turkish-Islamic culture. *Çifte Minareli (double minaret) Medrese (madrasa) *Yakutiye Madrasa *Osh Vank Church The home of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, as well as the building where the historic Congress of Erzurum convened, are located in Erzurum. Tourists can also revel among breathtaking natural wonders such as the Tortum Waterfall -- the largest in Turkey. The dish most emblematic of Erzurum is the mouth-watering marinated lamb meat on a rotating spit that is Cağ kebab. Erzurum also boasts sweets shredded kadayıf and burma desserts which are sought throughout Turkey as tasty treats to top off any meal. *Burma dessert With its namesake being the locality from which it is extracted, the ebony 'Oltu' gemstone of Erzurum is known as the region's 'black gold'. Hand-made jewelry and prayer beads are carefully carved from the Oltu in local and small workshops dotting the province. *Prayer beads made of Oltu gemstone.