Eastern Anatolia: The Highest Region of Türkiye

Türkiye is divided into seven geographical regions, and Eastern Anatolia is the highest of them, with the greatest average elevation in the country. Much of the region is a high plateau broken by volcanic mountains and deep river valleys. Did you know that some of its cities lie higher than many ski resorts in Europe?

A Land of High Plateaus

Large parts of Eastern Anatolia lie well above 1,500 metres. Erzurum, one of the region's largest cities, stands at nearly 1,900 metres, and the plateaus around Kars and Ardahan are high, open grasslands used for summer grazing.

The highest peaks

• Mount Ağrı (Ararat): 5,137 metres, the highest point in Türkiye.
• Süphan: a volcano north of Lake Van, over 4,000 metres.
• Palandöken: the mountain above Erzurum, known for skiing.

Climate: Long, Cold Winters

Because of its altitude and distance from the sea, Eastern Anatolia has a harsh continental climate. Winters are long and snowy, and temperatures can drop far below freezing. Summers are short but pleasant, with cool nights. This is the opposite of Antalya, where winters are mild and summers are long and hot.

Great Rivers Begin Here

The Euphrates and the Tigris both rise in eastern Türkiye before flowing south towards Syria and Iraq. The Aras and the Çoruh also have their sources in the region. Snowmelt from the high mountains feeds these rivers every spring.

Why it matters for adventure travel

The fast, cold rivers of the northeast, such as the Çoruh, are known among experienced rafters for their powerful rapids. For beginners, the Köprüçay in Antalya is a much gentler choice, with warmer air, clear water and a long season.

Regions at a Glance

Türkiye's seven regions are the Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia regions. Antalya belongs to the Mediterranean region, where mountains drop steeply to the coast.

When to visit Eastern Anatolia

June to September is the most comfortable time for travel, with green plateaus, wild flowers and long days. Winter visits suit skiers and photographers who are prepared for deep snow and freezing temperatures.