A crossroads of history
Bitlis lies on the western and north-western shores of Lake Van and has always stood at the crossroads of routes linking north and south, Anatolia and Iran. Medes, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans all left their mark here. Its districts are Merkez (Centre), Tatvan, Ahlat, Adilcevaz, Güroymak, Hizan and Mutki.
According to legend, the city is named after Badlis, a commander of Alexander the Great, who is said to have built its castle.
A Persian connection: the Sharafnama
Sharaf Khan, ruler of Bitlis, wrote the famous Sharafnama, a history of the Kurdish principalities, in Persian in 1597. It remains one of the most important sources on the region's history.
Places to see
- Bitlis Castle and the city's historic stone houses
- The İhlasiye Madrasa and the Şerefiye Complex
- Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery: Famous for its carved gravestones and on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List.
- Nemrut Crater Lake: Near Tatvan. Around Van
- Mount Süphan: One of Türkiye's highest mountains.
- A trip across Lake Van on the Tatvan–Van ferry.
Economy
- Farming: Wheat, barley and beans; walnuts (especially Adilcevaz walnuts), pears, apples and cherries.
- Tobacco: Bitlis tobacco, known for its distinctive colour and aroma.
- Livestock: Sheep, goats and cattle; tulum cheese and buffalo products.
- Beekeeping: Bitlis honey, prized for its colour and flavour.
- Mining: Rich pumice reserves, plus limestone, clay and marble.
Local specialities
Ahlat walking sticks, Adilcevaz walnuts, Bitlis honey and büryan kebab.