We can confidently assert that Bahcesaray is the exclusive settlement in our country where everyone, without exception, engages in chess playing. It is genuinely remarkable to witness children, grandfathers, and grandmothers all participating in chess games together. While the county’s isolation from other regions provides people with ample free time, it cannot be merely attributed to the primary reason for this widespread interest in chess; rather, it is the fundamental cause for its adoption and dissemination. Chess brings a distinctiveness to Bahcesaray. The author of this text has organized “the National Bahcesaray Chess Festivities” there for three years in coordination with the municipality and district governorship. These festivities have garnered interest nationwide, contributing to the county’s public recognition.
Lure is Present, Tourism Thrives
Bahcesaray remains an undiscovered gem in terms of tourism, presenting itself as a true tourist attraction. The region boasts a rich variety of products. For instance, if you desire to ski in June, the Kirapet mountain pass in Mukus awaits you with its splendor and excitement. The Kirapet road, Bahcesaray’s summer route Pets Wander the Streets, offers an exhilarating course for safari enthusiasts. The vicinity of the Mukus brook serves as an ideal camping spot. A visitor from Istanbul expressed his excitement upon seeing the Mukus brook for the first time: “I see the water color for the first time here.”
Rafting on the Mukus brook offers a unique adventure. The brook’s course is not fraught with dangers but is filled with exciting experiences that are difficult to express. The mountains and the valley provide a unique opportunity for paragliding. In short, Bahcesaray is an ideal destination for a one or two-week vacation in the summer, offering both excitement and comfort. By enhancing accommodation options, the county has the potential to transform into a tourism hub within the framework of these activities.
For those intending to visit the county, the behaviors of the local people, Mayor Naci Orhan’s approach to the matter, and his personality are must-see aspects. Listening to his insights about the region, especially his humor, while enjoying tea by the Mukus brook adds to the pleasant experience. In addition to tombs, fortresses, and iron forging facilities from the Urartian era, Bahcesaray also boasts numerous monasteries, churches, and bridges dating back to the Vaspurakan Principality, along with madrasahs, mausoleums, and mosques established by the renowned Arvasi family during the Ottoman reign Private Balkan Tours.
Our famous poet Necip Fazıl Kısakürek ventured into this region and chronicled it in his books. The details mentioned here only scratch the surface; one must visit and experience the area to fully appreciate it. Bahcesaray eagerly awaits your visit.