Oltu is one of the most popular districts of Erzurum. Located at the point where Eastern Anatolia and Eastern Black Sea Regions meet, the district stands out with its Oltu stone. You can come to the district by buying a plane ticket or bus ticket, as well as easily reach it with your own car. The Oltu Stream, which has the same name as the district, flows through the middle of the district, which is approximately 116 kilometers away from Erzurum city center. Oltu offers many options for its valued guests in terms of places to visit. Mining and animal husbandry are the main sources of income for the local people. It is important for those who will come to Oltu district for the first time to have information about transportation in advance. Guests who want to come to Oltu district with their own vehicle can use one of the applications that create a road map. Guests who want to come with their private vehicle or do not have a vehicle can prefer the intercity bus line or transportation by air. In transportation by air, you must first arrive at Erzurum Airport. The distance between this airport and the city center is approximately 12 kilometers. You can buy cheap plane tickets to get here from your current location. After landing at the airport, you can first go to the city center with private transfer vehicles and then reach the district using other means of transportation. Those who plan to come by bus will directly arrive at Oltu Bus Station. You can browse the websites of bus companies that organize bus services to Oltu Bus Station and make a choice among them to buy a bus ticket. After arriving at the bus station, you can take a taxi to reach the district center or choose other means of transportation within the city. You can have a great time in this district, which is famous for Oltu stone, and you can collect beautiful memories with your loved ones. When you come to Oltu district, which stands out with its historical riches and natural beauties, the must-see destinations are Oltu Castle, Oltu Aslanpaşa Mosque, Oltu Aslanpaşa Bath, Oltu Stone & Silversmiths Bazaar, Oltu Russian Church and Misri Zinnun Tomb. You can create your travel route by examining these prominent touristic places of the district and enjoy discovering new places.
Oltu Castle
The first stop on our list of places to visit in Oltu is Oltu Castle, which hosts millions of tourists with its historical atmosphere and texture. Located in the district center, this castle served as a caravanserai for a certain period of time when it was built. Only the interior of the castle has managed to survive intact to the present day. Cut stone was used in the construction of this historical castle, which was built by the Urartians in the 4th century BC. The castle, which covers an area of approximately 3000 square meters, also has a door opening to the south. In addition, you can come across the ruins of a chapel built in the form of a clover. If you are among those who like to visit historical places, we definitely recommend that you see this castle up close.
Oltu Aslanpaşa Mosque
You can also have the opportunity to see Oltu Aslanpaşa Mosque, one of the prominent historical structures of the district, by purchasing an Oltu bus ticket. This historical mosque, located on the banks of the Oltu Stream, is one of the structures that reflect traces of Ottoman art. We would like to state in advance that when you visit the mosque, you are likely to feel like you have gone to the Ottoman period. This historical mosque, built in 1664 by Arslan Mehmet Pasha, known as the guard of Kars, consists of a single dome. There are various decorations in some parts of this structure, which was built with cut stone.
Oltu Aslanpaşa Bath
Another historical richness of the district is the Oltu Aslanpaşa Bath. This bath was built by the same person as the mosque at the same time. The bath, which hosted the Karahanids, Seljuks and many other civilizations in its time, has only managed to survive intact to the present day. We recommend that you see this bath, which has great historical importance, up close. Apart from the dressing section of the bath, you can also come across and examine various historical remains from the bath. You can have the opportunity to see this historical bath with Oltu flight ticket.
Oltu Stone & Silversmiths Bazaar
The next point on our list of places to visit in Oltu is Oltu Stone & Silversmiths Bazaar, where Oltu stone, which is considered the symbol of the district, is sold.
This place, located in the district center, was known as Oltu Taşhan when it was first built. This place was used as a caravanserai for many years and then turned into a bazaar where Oltu Stone products were sold. There are many different shops in this bazaar.
You can visit these shops and buy souvenirs for both yourself and your loved ones. I especially recommend that you examine and buy Oltu stones closely. We especially recommend it. You should definitely add this bazaar, which reflects traces of Ottoman architecture, to your travel list.
Oltu Russian Church
Another historical structure that you can see up close by purchasing an Oltu plane ticket or bus ticket is the Oltu Russian Church. Located on the east side of the town center, this church was built between 1885 and 1890. There is no inscription on this historical structure, which was built in a rectangular form. On the west side of the structure, there are entrance doors with round arches that are slightly protruding to the outside and stand out with their decorations. If you are interested in such historical churches, you can explore this church up close and find yourself in a historical atmosphere.
Misri Zinnun Tomb
Another point you should not leave without seeing before ending your Oltu trip is the Misri Zinnun Tomb. This tomb, which has an important value in terms of religious tourism, is located inside Oltu Castle. According to the inscription on the tomb, this historical structure was built in 1126. You can also include this tomb, which was built after a person named Zinnun was martyred here, in your travel plan.
