BAYBURT
Being situated at 40.15 degree north latitude and 40.16 degrees east longitude; Bayburt is surrounded by Erzurum on the east, Gümüşhane on the west, Trabzon and Rize on the north, and Erzincan on the South. Taking place on the north-east Anatolia, the city has an attitude of 1556 meters and an area of 3789 km2.
The city is on the ancient Silk Road leading from China to Trabzon city and it is a city where history and beauty of the nature meet.
Being inhabited by the civilizations at prehistoric eras, the footprints of those civilizations through out the history can be seen in every part of the city today. That is why wealthy mosaics of those civilizations are stil available for those by walking in the corridors of the historic city of Bayburt.
The vaileys of the city have great potential for echo, winter, skiing tourism. Because of the natural climate of the city, it offers a perfect environment for patients suffering from asthma and aspiration deseases. With its over 250 different flora, the city is also unique for botanic lovers.
Çoruh river which surrounds the city tike a belt and which fertilizes the land on lis sides also gives tourists the opportunity of canoeing.
BAYBURT CASTLE
The castle is on the North side of the city center, at the top of a steep mountain. Although exact construction date is not known, it is believedthat it was in 58 A.D. Ramparts ussually with 5 or 6 corners are supported by semi circle, square or triangle shaped towers.
The height of the towers is either 12 or 13 m. while ramparts are about 30 m. high. The east entrance door is called iron door and west entrance door is called watchmen’s door.The castle of Bayburt is an outstanding indicator of the rich history of the city and spectacular beauty.
MARTYR OSMAN TOMBS
They are on North side the city and known as being the tombs of Saltuks. Epitaphs of Saltuk Gazi and his sister are so rubbed out that they cannot be read.
The tombs are made of yellow Stones and are outstanding samples of Stone carving art.
MONUMENT OF KOP MARTYRS
The Bayburt citizens and Military Garrison has built the Monument on the Kop Mountain at 40th km. of Bayburt- Erzurum main road in memory of Martyrs of Russian-Ottoman War.
SIRAKAYALAR WATERFALLS
Ther are two waterfalls; one is at the entrance of Sırakayalar while the other is in the village center that can be reached by taking the junction at 6th. Km. of Erzurum-Bayburt main road and travelling for another 16 km.
It has spectacular scenic view and is used as excursion spot particulary in summers.
EHRAM(IHRAM)
Ihram is considered as an important artefact in Bayburt handicrafts. It is called locally as ihram or ehram, totally made from wool and weaved in ihram machines and used by women to cover themselves in Bayburt. The history of ihram weaving handicraft, an old Turkish tradition, goes back a long way in Bayburt. Ihram whose raw material is sheepwool turns to an artwork in skillful hands of women. The colour of ihram is also an indicator of age: generally, young ladies choose white ones, middle-aged women choose purple-gray ones and old women choose purple-black ones. Today since ihram is not used as once it was, it used for bed covering, women clothes (waist, saddlebag, stole, scarf, etc.), necktie besides its main function, covering.
