Situated on the shores of Lake Van in eastern Turkey, Van has traditionally been an Armenian centre and was known as the ‘Pearl of the East’ because of the beautiful landscape surrounding it. It was once the capital of the ancient Urartian Empire that flourished during the 9th century BC. In more recent times the city’s Armenian population was decimated during the First World War by Ottoman troops. Today the modern city is set on a plain a few kilometres away from the lake.

There are historical structures from the Seljuk and Ottoman Periods to see and Urartian artefacts found in the region are exhibited in at the Archaeological Museum in Van. The city is known for its kilims, made with natural dyes, silversmithing and also its cats - famous because the colour of each eye is different. Akdamar Island is particularly beautiful and there is a church remaining from the tenth century on the island, which can be reached by motorboat. The external facade of the church is covered with reliefs from the Bible.