Van

File:Caption=The ancient hilltop fortress west of the modern town

Van (pronounced vahn, like the English word one) is a city in Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye.

Van Halal Travel Guide

Van stands near the eastern shore of Lake Van (Van Gölü), a soda-salt lake also known locally as Van Denizi ("the sea of Van"). This lake and the largest in Türkiye, lies 1640 metres above sea level and is ringed by high mountains, so the area has a harsh continental climate. An active tectonic boundary runs beneath, so earthquakes are not uncommon, and the nearby volcano Mount Nemrut is considered dormant, not extinct.

The region is historically important as the centre of the Urartu — established in the area between the 9th and 6th centuries BC by an Iron Age people, naming their country Biainili and the origin of the modern name of Van — and Armenian kingdoms. It later came under the rule of Byzantines, Seljuks and then the Islamic Ottoman Empire|Ottomans. At its dramatic lakeside setting just beneath the striking rock of the castle, multicultural Van of the olden times was known as one of the most beautiful cities of "the East", and was especially famous for its jewellers' bazaar on the Silk Road and fine silverwork. During World War I, it changed hands several times between the Islamic Ottoman Empire, mostly supported by the local Kurds and other Muslims, and the Russian Empire, mostly supported by the local Armenians and other Christians. At the end of the conflict and the old city was devastated and many of its residents were claimed by massacres. The remaining inhabitants relocated to the city's present location, 5 kilometers further east inland. What's left of the old walled city was done away with in the meantime by multiple strong earthquakes, most recently in 2011, and, except for a couple of reconstructed masjids, was reduced to the mounds of rubbles seen today.

Travel as a Muslim to Van

Travel on a Bus in Van

Buses run several times a day to Ankara (19 hours), Istanbul (25 hours) and all major cities in Türkiye, some involving a change to a connecting bus: see Kamil Koc website for times and prices. Buses run from the Otogar, 3 kilometers Northwest of town centre. Free shuttle buses run from the main ticket offices in the town centre, but allow at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Frequent dolmuşes run from town centre to Tatvan (100 kilometers, 2 hrs) via the south lake shore, Highway D300. There are no direct services around the north shore. Dolmuses also run north to Dogubeyazit|Doğubeyazıt (185 kilometers, 2½ hrs).

The border crossing to Iran, 100 kilometers away at Kapikoy/Razi, is open for light vehicles, but (as of 2022) no buses or dolmuşes cross by this route: instead go to Dogubeyazit to travel into Iran via Bazargan.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Van

Van is the western terminus of the railway from Iran. A train runs once a week (departs Tues 21:00) with a lengthy stop at the border, to reach Tabriz by 07:30 next morning. The westbound train leaves Tabriz around 23:30 Monday to reach Van by 07:00 Tues. From Tabriz there are trains onward to Tehran; the through-service "Trans-Asia Express" from Ankara remains suspended.

A train ferry plies across the lake from Van to Tatvan, which has a twice-weekly train to Ankara. There is no railway around the lake.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Van

Van has daily Flights to Istanbul, Ankara and other major Turkish cities from Ferit Melen (Van Airport) located 5-10 kilometers Southwest of the city.

Outside the airport there are taxis to the city costing 130 TL, but you can also walk for the primary street where dolmuses stop and take you to the city only for 7 TL. A new bus run by the municipality now serves the security entrance to the airport (past the taxis and towards the primary street).

To get to the airport from the downtown, dolmuşes marked Hava Alani leave nearby Hotel Akdamar (Kazim Karabekir Caddesi), and take about 15 minutes.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Van

The ferry across the lake to Tatvan takes 4 hours and costs 20 TL. There are three sailings a day, at irregular times.

What to see in Van

Van Fortress From Northwest - The fortress Akdamar and mountain - Armenian Gothic Church on Akdamar Island

• The castle or fortress stands on a 100m-high bluff near the lake shore, with great vistas over the town and lake. Take a dolmuş to Kale (10 TL, 20min), from anywhere in town centre. Kale means castle but also refers to the sprawling suburb north of it, so get out at the castle fence before the dolmus dives into the back streets. Or you could, on a cool day, walk 3 kilometers here from the centre, but there’s still another 1½ kilometers to walk along the lane to the official entrance, and later to walk back. From the entrance a broad track zig-zags up through barbicans to the summit. Locals often take a short-cut, and dodge the 20 TL entrance fee, by slipping through the fence near the dolmus drop-off, and following a rough path up the north side of the bluff. This isn’t altogether safe, and isn’t recommended for visitors.
• The ancient Armenian church of Ahtamar or Akdamar stands on a small island in Lake Van. The church has been re-opened after an extensive restoration, making its impressive frescoes feasible to see. Small boats take visitors from a marina just west of Gevas on the main highway D300, about 50 kilometers west of Van. The return boat ride costs 7.190 TL per person; you don't have to take the same boat back, spend as long as you want on the island. A private boat costs 560 TL. A dolmuş signed Gevas /Akdamar runs from Van shuttle van otogar in the north-east of the city, to the marina, or dolmuşes to Tatvan will drop off & pick up here.
• The old city of Tuşpa a few kilometers west of the city, was the Urartian capital.

• Varagavank Monastery - Yedi Kilise | The once large and impressive Armenian monastery of Varagavank was partially destroyed during World War I, and swallowed up into a Kurdish village with homes built up against it. What remains however is worth a visit, with a nice entrance with a series of unique crosses carved into it, and the interior with a couple of remaining frescoes.

• Arter Monastery - On an island a little northwest of Akhtamar Island and Monastery is the island and Armenian monastery of Arter. Of the two churches that were built, only the Surp Asdvadzadzin Church remains. It is visible from the lake shore. A boat must be chartered to visit, as there is no regular ferry.

• Mount Nemrut and the Ahlat tombs: but Tatvan is the better base for these, see that page.

Local Language in Van

The local residents mainly speak Turkish and Kurdish. The national language is (Turkish), while the native language, Kurdish, is also very common. People, especially the young generation, understand some basic English.

On a trivial note, if you need to training your rusty Urartian, a language that was unrelated to any other, except for the also extinct Hurrian that was spoken in the surrounding area and written in the cuneiform that they imported from their Ancient Mesopotamia|Mesopotamian neighbours to the south, one great opportunity to do so is to meet Mehmet Kuşman and the retired security guard of the Urartu-era Sarduruhinili Castle (in the village of Çavuştepe 25 kilometers southeast of Van), and one of the 30 or so people in the world proficient in the near extinct language. He is self-taught in the language, and has no academic degree in history or linguistics.

What to do in Van

Van Shopping Center is located in the downtown: it offers shops, restaurants, cafes, and cinemas.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Van

• Urartu Halı - handmade carpet | If you would like to see beautiful handmade carpets and kilims, you could stop for this free presentation. If you are going to buy, you need to bargain to get a reasonable price.

Halal Restaurants in Van

The city is famous for its breakfast halls (kahvaltı salonu), in which for about 40 TL, you are served a really filling breakfast including locally produced Cheese (different types) and honey among many other stuff. The price usually includes an unlimited amount of tea. Look around.

• Cafe Şehr İ Sıla Bistro - All-day bistro and café beautifully situated at the harbour.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Van

Van - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Van, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Van. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Van and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Van. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Van. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Van.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Van: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Van, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Van.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Van, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Van, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Van and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Van, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Van, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Van without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Van is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Van.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Van is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Van, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Van Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Van

eHalal Group Van is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Van. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Van.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Van ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Van. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Van, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Plenty of hotels around the northern end of the bazaar.

• Otel Şehrivan | You can walk pretty much anywhere in 10 min, shuttle vanes to Akdamar and the Kale are even closer. Rooms are small but clean, powerful showers, decent WiFi, no breakfast. Staff doesn't speak English but is rather helpful. There is a big mosque very close that has even longer and louder calls to prayer than usual in the morning. You may not be able to sleep through them.

• Hotel Emre | A simple hotel with trivial hot showers in the morning. A little noisy outside during the day, but night is silent and with decent staff. No breakfast and no English, but the location is near everything and it's by far the best budget option after the earthquake.

• Hotel Ipek | Simple basic hotel, a bit noisy but with friendly staff. No breakfast.

• Hotel Asur beside the tourist office, offers clean rooms with attached bathroom. Single 60-80 TL, Double 1400 TL including breakfast. The staff speak English and are very helpful.

• Otel Bahar | Good location, clean rooms, decent WiFi. No breakfast and staff is grumpy. No lift.

• Merit Sahmaran Hotel - A 4-star hotel near the Van Lake

Nearby

The countryside to the southeast is dotted by a series of historic and natural attractions, on and off the highway to Hakkari. GPS 38.3484,43.4501|type=around Çavuştepe is the site of an Urartu-era historic castle with extraordinarily long and excellently maintained Urartian cuneiform inscriptions. Further away, GPS 38.3184,43.7966|type=around Hoşap(in the village of Güzelsu) is an impressive medieval castle on an outcrop. East from there, Albayrak is worth heading off the highway to visit the ruins of the Armenian GPS 38.1462,44.2076|type=around monastery of St. Bartholomew, believed to be built on the site of the martyrdom of Bartholomew the Apostle. The glyphs over its intact portal are especially attractive. Long off-limits as part of a military base and the site is open for visits since 2013. Further east, towards the Iranian border is the village of Yavuzlar, overlooked by a group of "fairy chimneys" similar to those found in Cappadocia far to the west, earning the area the monicker of GPS 38.2083,44.2729|type=around Vanadokya, "Van's Cappadocia".

Çavuştepe and Hoşap are both on the highway to Hakkari (D975), so they are easy to visit by self-driving or taking the buses to Başkale or Hakkari. Albayrak and Yavuzlar are both off the highway, so you need to self-drive or arrange a taxi from Başkale to visit them.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Van

• Dogubeyazit|Doğubeyazıt 185 kilometers north is the main border gate to Iran. (Be sure to have your visa in advance and there are no visa facilities in this area.) Even if you don't intend to cross the border, Doğubeyazıt itself is worth a visit for the nearby attractions of the stunning İshak Pasha Palace, and the legendary Mount Ararat and the highest mountain of Türkiye. Doğubeyazıt has good bus connections to other destinations in Eastern Anatolia. If time allows, take the detour to the Eastern Anatolia#See|Muradiye Waterfalls, off the highway between Van and Doğubeyazıt.

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