69 · City guide
Bayburt
Homeland of Dede Korkut, castle on the Çoruh
Bayburt is a highland city in the upper Çoruh River valley, at an elevation of about 1550 meters. The city lies on the historic Silk Road route between Erzurum and Trabzon, and its name appears in Marco Polo's account. Bayburt Castle, on the rocky hill overlooking the Çoruh, has been in use since Byzantine times and was extensively restored under the Seljuks in the 13th century; at its foot, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), hammams and stone houses form the city's historic fabric. The Dede Korkut Monumental Tomb in Masat village is the gathering point for the Dede Korkut International Culture and Arts Festival, held every July. The Baksı Museum in Bayraktar village brings contemporary art together with traditional crafts, while the underground city in Aydıntepe is among the province's most intriguing archaeological stops.
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Practical information
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.- Note
- Snow and ice can occur on the Kop and Vauk passes in winter; check road conditions in advance
- Climate
- High-altitude continental climate; winters are long, cold and snowy, and summer nights are cool
- Best time
- June–September; the Dede Korkut Festival is held in July
- Getting there
- The nearest airports are Erzurum and Trabzon; the city lies at the junction of the Trabzon–Erzurum and Erzincan–Gümüşhane roads
- Getting around
- The castle, the Ulu Mosque and the historic houses are within walking distance in the center; a private vehicle is needed for the Baksı Museum, Masat and Aydıntepe