Turkey > The island Akdamar in Lake Van

The city of Van is not the most exciting city. That’s why today I’m taking an excursion in the vicinity of Van. In the morning, I visit Akdamar Island on Lake Van; in the afternoon, the old Van Citadel. Since there’s no opportunity for lunch today, I prepare a picnic. I buy some bread, cheese, and drinks from the shops near the hotel. By bus, I leave Van, heading toward the port of Gevas. In the high season, it can be very busy here, but now only our travel group is present.

Turkey - Akdamar Island in Lake Van

The sun is shining, and there are hardly any clouds over the lake. On the other side, I can see the Nemrut Dagi volcano. The volcano is the origin of Lake Van. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption long ago. Since it has no natural outlet, the water can only leave through evaporation. The minerals from the surrounding mountains remain behind, which is why the water of Lake Van is very salty. Fishermen try to catch fish around the small rivers flowing into the lake. The minerals give the lake a beautiful sea-green glow in the sunlight. In Gevas, I board the boat and take a seat on the upper deck. In about half an hour, the boat brings me to Akdamar Island. I can already see the Armenian Orthodox church on the island from a distance. Once on the island, I walk toward the church and see the reliefs on the outer walls: Adam and Eve, Jonah and the whale, and David and Goliath. The church on this island was built in the tenth century. Inside, the damaged frescoes are still visible. I climb the hill on the island—a steep ascent over rocks and stones.

Turkey - The Armenian Orthodox church on Adkamar Island in Lake Van

From the top, I have a beautiful view of the entire island. The Akdamar Church stands there peacefully. Looking over the cliff from above, I see the blue water of Lake Van. Stunning. When we return to the mainland by boat, it’s time for the picnic. I’m looking forward to my pre-packed cheese sandwich—finally, something other than kebab. Murat claims to know a nice picnic spot and insists on having a barbecue for lunch. In no time, he starts loading meat and charcoal. The picnic spot is less idyllic than I had hoped. We stop by a bench along the main road. Murat quickly gathers some stones to make a small fire. I notice that I’m not the only one among the travelers with slight disappointment. Meanwhile, dark clouds gather over Lake Van. With difficulty, we manage to light the barbecue. Just as the first chicken wings are on the fire, it begins to drizzle. I take shelter under the small roof. Luckily, the fire stays lit, and the sun breaks through again. The chicken, sandwiches, and cheese are shared. All in all, it was still rather amusing to have a picnic this way. By now, it’s getting late. At the end of the afternoon, we drive to the Van Citadel, a massive complex on Lake Van. At the entrance, I find that the citadel is closed for restoration. I don’t think I mind. Instead of visiting the citadel, I go to the little café I visited yesterday and order an Efes beer.