Things to do in Doğubayazit
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İshak Paşa Palace
Located 6km uphill southeast of town, this is the epitome of the Thousand and One Nights castle. Part of its magic derives from its setting – it's perched on a small plateau abutting stark cliffs and overlooking a plain, framed by Mt Ararat.
The palace was begun in 1685 by Çolak Abdi Paşa and completed in 1784 by his son, a Kurdish chieftain named İshak (Isaac). The architecture is a superb amalgam of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Persian and Armenian styles.
The palace's elaborate main entrance leads into the first courtyard, which would have been opened to merchants and guests.
Only family and special guests would have been allowed into the second courtyard. Here you can…
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Yöresel Yemek Evi
This establishment is run by an association of Kurdish women whose husbands are imprisoned. They prepare lip-smacking yöresel (traditional) meals at bargain-basement prices. Servers speak minimal English but do their best to explain the contents of their stainless-steel trays to the clueless. The döner kebap is also worth every bite.
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Hasankeyf Saklıkent Aile Kebap Lahmacun & Pide Salonu
Serious travelling or hiking requires serious nourishment and this buzzing eatery east of the main drag gets the thumbs up for its invigorating fare - the Saklıkent kebap, with a bit of everything, will assuage all hunger pangs. The décor is a bit kitsch (a mock cavern and walls adorned with cheesy frescoes) but after so many neon-lit establishments you may find it almost stylish.
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Öz Urfa Kebap
With its all-wood décor, this cheery little joint resembles a Swiss chalet. The food is varied and savoury, and ayran (yogurt drink) is doled out with a ladle. The small shaded terrace is a plus.
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Yakamoz Cafe
The closest thing the town has to a groovy café (by eastern Anatolia standards). A good place to relax over a cup of tea.
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Mt Ararat
A Kilimanjaro-esque snow-capped summit and, incidentally, Turkey's highest mountain, hovers majestically over the horizon.
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Gaziantep Sofrası
Facing the Erzurum Hotel, it has colourful surrounds and a congenial rooftop terrace complete with cushions.
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İstanbul Pide
Widely considered to serve the best pide and börek (flaky pastry) in town.
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Türkü Cafe
The closest thing the town has to a 'smart' cafe, with a chilled-out vibe. Though it's not licensed, it may serve beer to foreigners, or you may bring your own. Snacks are available. There's live music in the evening.
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Saray Restaurant
Locals rate this place, and it's easy to see why. The service is attentive, ingredients are fresh and prices are very reasonable for the scrumptious kebaps, pide and ready-made meals.
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Local Crafts
If you're after Kurdish carpets, rugs or saddlebags, make a beeline for this shop near the otogar. The affable owner, Osman Akkuş, speaks some English and won't push you into buying. Most items come from the neighbouring villages.
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Ehli Kebap
One word describes this downtown hot spot: yum. The eclectic food – kebaps, pide and soups – is well presented and of high quality, with service and bright surrounds to match. One grumble: the two dining rooms feel a bit cramped.
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Doğuş Restaurant
A bit touristy and slightly overpriced, but it's the only restaurant in town that boasts views of Mt Ararat from its upstairs terrace – invaluable.
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