Erzurum, designated as the ‘tourism capital’ for 2025 by the Economic Cooperation Organization, is set to showcase its cultural wealth through newly developed tourism routes. Recent tours highlight the city’s culinary diversity and historical significance, enticing visitors to explore its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage.
In the heart of eastern Türkiye lies Erzurum, a city poised to unfold its rich cultural tapestry before the world as it steps into the limelight as the ‘tourism capital’ in 2025. Designated by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Erzurum aims to entice explorers with its concealed treasures through the unveiling of captivating new tourism routes. Founded in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye, the ECO has grown to encompass ten member countries, including Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Erzurum follows Uzbekistan’s Shahrisabz, which held the title in 2024, and now stands ready to embrace its new role with the enthusiasm of a treasure hunter unearthing a bounty. To ignite interest, the city’s municipality recently organized a vibrant tour for journalists and eager tourists, presenting the hidden gems of Erzurum that lie beyond the ordinary. “We visited Akpınar village in Tekman and encountered 41 different culinary items there. Subsequently, we traveled to the Hınıs district, where we explored the historic Ulu Mosque and the breathtaking Hınıs Canyons,” shared Canan Şimşek, a senior city official, painting a vivid picture of the day’s exploration. This enchanting region offers a feast for the senses; visitors can bask in the lushness of verdant plains, delight in the orchard scents, and marvel at a blend of historical architectures, including churches and mosques that whisper stories of the past. The trails encompass an array of historical fortifications, tombs, and ancient castles, not to mention natural wonders like canyons, valleys, and the hidden allure of caves. “I have fallen in love with this place. The canyons of Tekman, the Hınıs Canyons and the caves in Karayazı are like hidden paradises. They are stunning locations. Historically, people have lived in these caves in a settled manner. These regions deserve to be discovered by all and cherished,” raved Zeynep Soytürk, authentically captivated after her adventure through this mesmerizing landscape. Erzurum, an ancient waypoint on the Silk Road, echoes the footprints of countless civilizations that once flourished within its lands. Today, it transforms into a favored getaway, especially during the snowy embrace of winter, with the majestic Palandöken district drawing enthusiastic skiers and nature lovers alike into its snowy embrace.
The city of Erzurum, with its profound historical significance, is a blend of cultural richness deeply rooted in its past as a crucial stop on the Silk Road. Its designation as the ‘tourism capital’ by the Economic Cooperation Organization marks a notable recognition of its potential to attract visitors and promote cultural exchange. With a strategic focus on developing new tourism routes and revitalizing lesser-known sites, Erzurum seeks to build a narrative around its diverse offerings, from culinary experiences to awe-inspiring natural wonders.
As Erzurum prepares to embrace its title as a ‘tourism capital’ in 2025, the initiative to unveil its cultural wealth promises to offer travelers an extraordinary journey through time and nature. By weaving together historical richness and stunning landscapes, Erzurum is not just presenting itself as a destination but inviting the world to discover and cherish its hidden marvels, making it a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
