Erciş, Administrative district in Van Province, Turkey
Erciş is a town on the northern shore of Lake Van in Van Province, located across diverse landscapes with mountains and farmland. The area mixes flat fertile zones with higher terrain that shape how residents live and work.
The town was originally called Arsissa and stood in a different location before moving to its current site in 1841. The relocation happened because the old settlement faced flooding as the lake expanded.
Agriculture shapes daily life here, with farming families growing grain and raising livestock across the surrounding valleys. This rural rhythm remains central to how people live and relate to their land.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, since winters are harsh and summers very hot. Bring clothing suited to the season so you can explore the district and surrounding areas comfortably.
Two prominent peaks, Mount Süphan and Mount Nemrut, frame the landscape and shape local weather patterns through their height. These geographical features make the area unmistakable and offer visitors dramatic viewpoints.
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