City guide
Erzurum: High-Altitude City on Eastern Anatolian Plateau
Erzurum sits at 1,900 metres elevation, making it one of Turkey’s highest major cities with cold winters and frosts. The nearby Pasinler Plain is a tectonic alluvial plain forming a corridor in Eastern Anatolia, shaping the region’s history and landscape.
Fast facts
- Country
- Turkey
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia
- Elevation
- Approx. 1,900 meters above sea level
- Population
- Approx. 760,000 (2023)
- Known for
- Palandöken ski resort, Seljuk mosques, traditional Turkish cuisine
Erzurum is a city defined by its elevation and geography on the Eastern Anatolian Plateau.
At nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, it experiences long, cold winters with frequent frosts that impact daily life.
The province spans over 25,000 km² and features a predominantly mountainous terrain. The Pasinler district east of the city, known as “Pass Country,” has historically served as a corridor between civilizations. Winters draw visitors to Palandöken Ski Center, notable for hosting events during the 2011 Winter Universiade.
Pasinler Plain Corridor
The Pasinler Plain east of Erzurum is a 350 km² tectonic alluvial plain that acts as a natural corridor within the Aras River Basin.
Palandöken Ski Center
This ski center hosted the 2011 Winter Universiade and remains a key high-altitude destination for winter sports in Turkey.
Erzurum Airport (ERZ)
Erzurum Airport connects the city’s 420,000 residents with other Turkish regions, facilitating access despite the mountainous terrain.
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