Erzurum is a historic city at 1,890 metres elevation in northeastern Turkey, commanding the high plateau where ancient Silk Road caravans once crossed. The city holds one of Turkey's finest concentrations of Seljuk and Mongol architecture — the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Medresesi and Üç Kümbetler tombs stand beside an Ottoman castle with sweeping panoramas. Fifteen kilometres from the centre, Palandöken mountain hosts one of the Middle East's premier ski resorts. Erzurum is the birthplace of cağ kebabı, the horizontally-spit-roasted lamb unique to the region, and the origin of oltu taşı jet-stone jewellery.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Çifte Minareli Medrese at Golden Hour
Best time: 30–60 minutes before sunset (east-facing facade glows at sunrise)
Erzurum Castle Panoramic View
Best time: Sunset — city turns gold from the hilltop
Yakutiye Medresesi Interior Courtyard
Best time: Midday when overhead light fills the courtyard; no harsh shadows
Palandöken Ski Slopes at Sunrise
Best time: Sunrise (07:00–08:00) — slopes glow pink before lifts open
Tortum Waterfall Long Exposure
Best time: Morning (09:00–11:00) for softest light; overcast days for neutral tones
Narman Fairy Chimneys at Golden Hour
Best time: Sunrise or sunset for dramatic shadows; late afternoon for warm orange tones
Erzurum Bazaar Craftsmen Portraits
Best time: Weekday mornings (08:00–11:00) when craftsmen are actively working
Palu Gölü (Crater Lake) Reflections
Best time: Morning (before 10:00) when lake surface is calm for reflections
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.