Diving in Lake Van: Exploring the underwater world of eastern Türkiye

🏰Must-visit attractions • Van Castle Van Castle is the landmark building of Van. It was built in the 5th century BC and has stood firm for thousands of years. Climbing up the castle, you can overlook the entire city of Van and the beautiful Lake Van, and feel the weight of history. • Akdamar Island The Holy Cross Church on the island is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. It was built in the 10th century. The exterior of the church is decorated with exquisite reliefs, and the interior preserves murals and sculptures. You are required to respect religious customs and dress appropriately when visiting. • Van Lake Türkiye's largest lake, with azure blue water and picturesque lakeshore. You can take a boat trip to explore the islands on the lake, or take a walk along the lakeside to enjoy the peaceful natural beauty. • Van Museum It houses a large number of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Islamic era, including cuneiform inscriptions from the Urartu period and pottery from the Armenian period. It is an excellent place to learn about the history of Van. • Hoşap Castle This well-preserved medieval castle has witnessed the historical changes of Van and has now become an important cultural heritage. 🍲Food recommendations • Kebab: Kebab in Van is the national dish of Turkey, usually made with lamb or beef, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma. • Van Köftesi: Made from flour, meat and vegetables, with thin skin, rich fillings and delicious soup. • Ayran: A traditional Turkish drink that is refreshing and thirst-quenching, and is best eaten with grilled meat. 🎶Cultural experience • Kurdish music and dance: Enjoy Kurdish traditional music and feel its unique rhythm and melody. You can also watch Kurdish dance and experience the local cultural charm. • Explore Kurdish villages: Visit Kurdish villages around Van, learn about the local traditional way of life, and taste authentic Kurdish cuisine. 📸Photography check-in spot • Sunset at Lake Van: Enjoy the sunset at the shore of Lake Van. The lake is sparkling and the sky is dyed orange-red, which is a perfect background for taking photos. • Akdamar Island: The Holy Cross Church on the island is a great photography spot with its unique architectural style and picturesque surroundings. 📝Practical tips • Transportation: It only takes about 2 hours to fly from Istanbul to Van, but it takes at least two days to drive. • Weather: The best time to visit Van is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. • Safety: When traveling to the islands, it is recommended to book boat tickets in advance and inform the itinerary to ensure safety. • Cultural etiquette: When visiting religious sites, you need to respect local customs and dress appropriately. 🌟Summary: Van is a city that integrates Armenian, Kurdish and Turkish cultures. It has rich historical relics and charming natural scenery. It is a tourist pearl in eastern Turkey.