Van town
Modern Van, dating totally post-1918, as a town is rather a disappointment generally.
As the main town on the shores of a lake seven times the size of Lake Geneva, it's completely logic to expect something. But you get disappointed by its relatively smallness. It has half the population of Urfa (Şanlıurfa), none of the sophistication and hum of Diyarbakır, none of the beautiful architecture of Mardin, and none of the setting and atmosphere of Bitlis (all places which you will see later on my stream).
The second surprise is that, contrary with your expectations it is not built on the lakeshore but it is set back about 3km from the lake on flat ground with no views of the lake at all. Having reduced your expectations, you can enjoy Van for what it is - a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding area (and we will do that!) and a lively modern commercial centre.
Van, Eastern Turkey
Van town
Modern Van, dating totally post-1918, as a town is rather a disappointment generally.
As the main town on the shores of a lake seven times the size of Lake Geneva, it's completely logic to expect something. But you get disappointed by its relatively smallness. It has half the population of Urfa (Şanlıurfa), none of the sophistication and hum of Diyarbakır, none of the beautiful architecture of Mardin, and none of the setting and atmosphere of Bitlis (all places which you will see later on my stream).
The second surprise is that, contrary with your expectations it is not built on the lakeshore but it is set back about 3km from the lake on flat ground with no views of the lake at all. Having reduced your expectations, you can enjoy Van for what it is - a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding area (and we will do that!) and a lively modern commercial centre.
Van, Eastern Turkey