Doğubazit is Turkey’s most eastern district bordering Iran and close to Mount Ararat. The town stands on a plain and is surrounded by Turkey’s highest mountains, including Mt Ararat which stands out majestically. The area has a rich history and monuments dating back to the Uratu Kingdom 2700 BC. Before the Turkish Republic the town was an Armenian stronghold and was referred to by its Armenian name Daroynk. Previously it was conquered by the Persians, Romans, Arabs and Byzantines who all used the plain to rest before passing through the mountains. Turks first arrived in 1064 followed by Mongols and more Turks. After its conquest by the Ottomans in 1514 it was ruled by Turkish generals, including Ishak Pasa who built the palace that bears his name. The town saw fighting in the Ottoman-Russian war, was under attack by the Russians in 1856 and was taken by the Russians in 1877-1878. It was later ravaged during the Turkish War of İndependance. Most of the Armenian population left to build a new Beyazit at Lake Sevan. It was occupied by the Kurds in 1930 and destroyed during battles with the Turks. A new town was built on the plain below the old site in 1930’s and given the amended name of Doğubeyazıt which means East Beyazit. Doğubeyazıt is the most easterly stop on our Eastern Turkey Tour.
