Walnut Central Population:
Driving round the northern shore of Lake Van (Van Gölü) you will come eventually to the small town of Adilcevaz where with a little help from the European Union a promenade has been laid out alongside the lake. Adilcevaz is known for its tasty walnuts, a sculpture of which in giant form, predictably, greets visitors as they drive into town.
Just before you turn inland for the town centre you will see on the lefthand side of the road the handsome Tuğrulbey (Zalpaşa) Cami; although this dates back to 1557-58, the claim that it’s a work of Sinan should probably be taken with a pinch of salt.
On the hillside behind it what looks like a medrese or caravanserai is currently being renovated while high above that sit the scattered the remains of a 16th-century castle.
Trickier to get to unless you arrive wearing suitable shoes are the remains of the Urartian Kefkalesi (Kef Castle), a fine relief from which can be seen in the grounds of Van Museum.
Looming above Adilcevaz is spectacular Suphan Dağı (Mt Suphan), at 4058 meters the second highest mountain in Turkey but not (supposedly) especially hard to climb.
Accommodation
Although there is simple accommodation in Adilcevaz most people will probably visit from Tatvan which offers more choice.
Transport info
There are infrequent dolmuşes to Adilcevaz from Ahlat to the west and Erciş to the east.
Day trip destinations
