With its high mountain ranges, plateaus, plains and lakes, its creek and river beds splashed with hues of purple, brown, gray, yellow and red, and some of the best Turkish architecture anywhere, this region of Anatolia is like a historical documentary on ancient life. Sivas, Divriği, Erzurum, Battalgazi, Harput, and Ahlat, all cities situated in this region, were important centers of Selçuk art. In Eastern Anatolia are the cities of Ağrı, Bingöl, Bitlis, Elazığ, Erzincan, Erzurum, Hakkari, Kars, Malatya, Muş, Tunceli, Van, Ardahan and Iğdır, while in Southeaster Anatolia the larger cities are Adıyaman,Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Batman, Şırnak and Kilis.

Accordingly, Iğdır is seen as the center from which the second generation of humanity multiplied and again spread over the world. The magnificent palace complex of Ishak Paşa, which looks down upon Dogubeyazit, was built in the later part of the 17th century by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Paşa. The site of the castle is superb and it is made up of a kitchen unit, a mosque and separate womens and mens quarters.

Lake Van is Anatolia's beauty center. In order to see all of this beauty, it is absolutely essential that a tour of the entire lake be made, during which time the beautiful mountain silhouettes, bays, beaches, islands and important Turkish cultural and art centers may be seen. The city of Van, which lies on the southeastern shores of the lake, was the capital city of the Urartu empire. The Van Castle, which was built by the Urartus around 1000 BC,

 is a dynamic example of the age in which it was built and is definitely worth seeing. South of Van, the city of Edremit is a poplar vacation getaway famous for its beaches, camping spots and restaurants. On the island of Akdamar is located the Akdamar Museum, which was originally a 10th century church. As the Tigris and Euphrates flow towards the plains of Mesopotamia, they pass through an important region of Anatolia. Some of the bigger cities in this region are Diyarbakir, Mardin, Adiyaman, Şanlı Urfa and Gazi Antep.

Mardin is one of the few cities in the country which has actually preserved its traditional aesthetic architecture. It is a unique site not only because of its well-maintained state but also because of its unusual location on top of a hill. The prophet Abraham, who is the father of 3 different faiths, is believed to have lived in Şanlı Urfa and Harran and so they are considered holy places. The Ataturk Dam, built in the town of Bozova near Şanlı Urfa is the biggest in Turkey and 4th largest in the world. The lake is surrounded with beautiful scenic sites.

The Plain of Harran with its vast farmland will be the most productive agricultural region of the country. Gazi Antep is the most important industrial and agricultural area in southeastern Anatolia. We doubt that any visitor who has come all the way to Gazi Antep will leave without first having tasted the famous local varieties of kebap, lahmacun and baklava or without buying a few packages of Antep pistachios for friends and relatives. To the northeast of Adıyaman, on top of Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dağ) is the mausoleum made for the Commagene King, Antiochus I.

Doğubayazıt, which is the eastern gate of Turkey, hosted for various tribes and civilizations during history. During this long adventure continued for centuries, after being under sovereignty of Urartu, Assyria, Medes, Persians, Roma and Bizantium province had faced with Islamic raids during Caliph Hz. Osman. While Doğubayazıt was holding the signs of all tribes, lived, fight and established civilizations and cultures within Anatolia, it also gains importance with its natural beauties and folkloric richness day by day.

Junction point of East and West Civilizations on 2150 m. high in a magnificent pyramid, eight wonder of the world, Nemrut, is within UNESCO World Culture Heritage with its ten meters high miracle statues, and meters long inscriptions.

Mount Nemrut, is drawing attention with being the most marvelous sun rise and sun set watching place of the world besides gargantuan statues on it. Thousands of people are coming to Mount Nemrut for watching sun rise and sun set.

Mount Nemrut, which is announced as World Culture Heritage by UNESCO, is one of the most important National Parks of the country together with its surrounding Kommagene Civilization pieces of arts. Gargantuan statues and tumulus, Arsameia (Old Castle), New Castle, Karakuş Hill and Cendere Bridge in Mount Nemrut are within territories of National Park.