Things To Do
in Tekman
Tekman is a small highland town in Erzurum Province, Eastern Anatolia, perched on the Anatolian plateau. It offers a glimpse of rural Turkish life with stone houses, tea houses, and a close-knit community. Winters are long and cold, while summers bring dry, warm days with cool evenings at altitude.
The surrounding valleys and distant mountains invite visitors to explore traditional markets, mosques, and pastoral landscapes away from busier tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Turkish pastries and fresh tea. Afterward, wander through the cobblestone streets of Tekman, taking in the charming architecture and the vibrant colors of the local market. Visit the Tekman Castle, where you can learn about the history and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Tekman Museum, where you can explore artifacts that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. Take a stroll through the nearby parks and gardens, soaking in the natural beauty and perhaps having a picnic with local delicacies. As the sun begins to set, capture the perfect photographs of the picturesque scenery.
As night falls, head to a popular local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Turkish dinner, featuring dishes like kebabs and mezes. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, where you can enjoy the tranquil sounds of flowing water and the soft glow of lanterns. For a sweet ending, stop by a dessert shop to try some baklava before returning to your accommodation.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, followed by a drive to the nearby Tekman Nature Park. Engage in birdwatching and photography as you explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna, with opportunities to spot unique species native to the region. The fresh air and lush surroundings will invigorate your senses as you trek along the scenic trails.
In the afternoon, visit the local wildlife sanctuary where you can learn about conservation efforts and see some of the rescued animals up close. Participate in a guided nature walk, where an expert will share insights about the ecosystem and its inhabitants, enriching your understanding of the area. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
As the day winds down, return to Tekman and unwind at a cozy café, sipping Turkish tea or coffee while chatting with locals. Consider attending a cultural event or performance if available, showcasing traditional music or dance that reflects the heritage of the region. Conclude your evening by reflecting on the day’s adventures and planning for the next day’s explorations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥖Bakery item | $0.50-1 |
| ☕️Cup of coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi starting fare (short ride) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic highland culture and warm hospitality
- Affordable costs and fewer crowds than bigger cities
- Stunning plateau landscapes and clear night skies
- Proximity to Erzurum for larger services and skiing
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Language barriers in rural areas
- Winter travel can be challenging due to snow
- Fewer medical and entertainment options compared to big cities
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Neredesiniz?" - Where are you?
- "Hesap lütfen" - Check, please
- "Burası Tekman mı?" - Is this Tekman?
Places to Visit in Tekman
Visit one of these nice places.
A high overlook offering sweeping views of the town, plateaus, and distant mountains—great for wide landscape shots at sunrise or sunset.
A traditional lane with stone houses and wooden balconies, ideal for architectural detail and candid street photography.
A focal point of daily life with minarets and activity around the square; excellent for cultural portraits and dusk light.
Open fields and open skies that blank the horizon in warm tones as the sun sinks—the quintessential highland photograph.
Food in Tekman
Tekman Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature lamb kebab cooked on a long skewer over charcoal, typically served with roasted vegetables and flatbread.
Must-Try!
Turkish dumplings topped with garlicky yogurt and butter sauce; commonly found in local eateries.
Pan-fried, seasoned preserved or fresh meat served with bread or pilaf, a hearty staple in the region.
A salty yogurt drink enjoyed with meals to balance rich flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, and dried fruits; great for sampling regional snacks.
Casual street stalls offering gözleme, simit, and freshly brewed Turkish tea to enjoy on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Merhaba' and a handshake; use polite forms 'efendim' and 'baba/abla' when addressing elders or familiar locals; dress modestly, especially in rural areas.
Remove shoes before entering mosques; ask for permission before taking photos of people inside homes or religious sites.
Hospitality is valued—accepting tea or coffee when offered is common and friendly.
Safety
Tipping in Tekman
Ensure a smooth experience
In casual teahouses and small eateries, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included; if service is included, a smaller tip is acceptable.
Cash in Turkish Lira is widely preferred in Tekman; some larger cafes may accept cards or mobile payments, but carry cash for smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm daytime temperatures at altitude with cooler evenings; brief afternoon storms are possible. Hydration and sun protection are important; mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor activity.
Fields turn golden, with comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp nights. Great for photography and market visits.
Very cold with frequent snow and icy roads; some routes may be challenging. Winter sports enthusiasts can use Erzurum area facilities for skiing, while packing layers is essential.
Mild temperatures and variable rain; blooming landscapes provide good hiking and photography opportunities.
Tekman at Night
Hiking in Tekman
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic, relatively easy day hike offering expansive views of the town and surrounding highland fields; best in late spring to autumn.
A longer route suitable for experienced hikers seeking expansive landscapes and alpine-style scenery nearby.
Gentle rural walks through farmland, orchards, and pastures near Tekman, ideal for a relaxed day outdoors.
Airports
How to reach Tekman by plane.
The primary regional airport offering domestic flights and connections; accessible by road from Tekman with longer overland transfers.
A nearby airport serving the broader eastern region; useful for longer trips or connections to other Turkish cities, though further from Tekman than Erzurum.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic in the town and surrounding rural areas with strong traditional ties and family networks.
Smaller communities exist in the broader Erzurum region; cultural diversity is present though Tekman itself remains predominantly Turkish-speaking.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed across the region; local clubs and informal games are common in town and school yards.
Traditional wrestling culture is present in rural areas and regional events; less formal in Tekman itself but part of the broader culture.
Skiing and snow-related activities are popular nearby at Palandöken and other Erzurum-area facilities during winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tekman.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable stews, yogurt-based dishes, and bread with olive oil. Request no meat stock or broths when in doubt, and ask for 'sebze yemeği' (vegetable dish) or 'zeytinyağlılar' (oil-based vegetable dishes) when ordering.