A Tale in Red: One more town, a lake, sneakers and a hotel with the moon as companion

It was a hot day. We had been on the road since early morning, having visited Batman, Hasankeyf, Siirt, and Bitlis. I needed food and bought a new sneaker – mine had given up and was falling apart. With that in mind, we follow Tatvan.

Tatvan is a small city in eastern Turkey, situated on the east shore of Lake Van. It is the largest city in the Bitlis province and an important regional transportation hub.

The history of Tatvan dates back to ancient times when it was a part of the Urartian Kingdom. Later, it came under the rule of the Persians, the Byzantine Empire, and finally, the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, Tatvan was a strategic location due to its proximity to the Iran-Iraq-Turkey borders.

One of the main attractions in Tatvan is Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey and the second-largest lake in the world, located entirely within the borders of a single country. The lake is famous for its stunning scenery and crystal-clear water. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the lake and its islands or swim in its calm waters.

Another popular tourist destination in Tatvan is the Nemrut Crater Lake, which is an ancient volcano that has been filled with water. The lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Tatvan also has several historical landmarks, such as the Tatvan Castle, built during the Urartian period and later reconstructed by the Byzantines and Ottomans. The castle offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.

Visitors to Tatvan can also explore the nearby Mount Nemrut, a dormant volcano and one of the highest peaks in the region. The mountain is home to various flora and fauna and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Our first stop was a shopping centre where I could find comfortable Nike sneakers. Then we move to find a place to eat. After dinner, we stopped on the shore of the lake for some rest and the opportunity to enjoy the site’s beauty.

Now, the new struggle was to find a place to spend the night. Fırat decided I deserved to enjoy a near at a hotel near the lake shore and close to the next day’s visits. It was beautiful; my room had a small balcony, and that night, the moon shone over the lake, and its light included the room.