Lake Van and Akdamar Island: Lost Tales on a Sacred Isle

Lake Van, Türkiye's largest lake, sits high on the eastern Anatolian plateau, ringed by volcanic peaks and small fishing towns. Its alkaline waters support a unique ecosystem and give the lake a striking turquoise color that shifts with the light throughout the day.

A short boat ride from the shore brings you to Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The church's exterior is carved with relief scenes from the Old Testament — Adam and Eve, David and Goliath, Jonah and the whale — remarkably well preserved reliefs that make it one of the most significant surviving examples of medieval Armenian architecture.

Beyond the island, the region around Lake Van rewards slower travel: the Van Castle ruins overlooking the lake, the old town of Van with its distinctive breakfast culture, and mountain villages where daily life still follows a rhythm shaped by the surrounding highlands.

Eastern Türkiye sees fewer international visitors than the coastal regions, which means sites like Akdamar Island often feel remarkably uncrowded — a genuine highlight for students looking to explore beyond the well-worn tourist trail during a semester break.