10 Surprising Facts About Erzurum You Probably Didn't Know

so here's the thing about erzurum. it's cold, it's old, and it's got layers. like an onion. or a really complicated baklava. i spent a week here as a freelance photographer chasing light and shadows, and let me tell you-this city doesn't hand you its secrets easily. but when it does? chef's kiss.

a building with a clock tower on top of it

a very old building with a tower and a sky background

fact #1: it's colder than your ex's heart

okay, maybe not that cold. but seriously, erzurum holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in turkey: -37°C (-34.6°F). that's not a weather forecast, that's a survival challenge. bring layers. and then bring more layers.

fact #2: the city's name means "war zone" (sort of)

the name "erzurum" comes from the arabic "arz-i rum," meaning "land of the romans." but locals joke it should mean "land of eternal winter" because the snow here is relentless. it's like the city's personality is 50% history, 50% frostbite.

fact #3: it's a ski paradise

erzurum is home to erciyes ski resort, one of the best in turkey. but here's the twist: it's not just for pros. beginners can rent gear for as low as $10 a day. and the views? unreal. you're basically skiing through a postcard.

fact #4: the food will make you forget the cold

have you heard of cağ kebabı? it's a vertical rotisserie meat dish that originated here. it's like shawarma's cooler, more sophisticated cousin. and the cheese? don't get me started. tulum cheese is sharp, tangy, and perfect with fresh bread.

fact #5: it's safer than your hometown (probably)

according to numbeo, erzurum's crime index is 25.7, which is low. like, "leave your phone on the table and it'll still be there" low. the only thing you need to watch out for is ice. lots of ice.

fact #6: the architecture is straight out of a fairy tale

the yakutiye medrese, built in 1310, is a stunning example of seljuk architecture. it's now a museum, but you can almost hear the whispers of scholars from centuries ago. and the clock tower? it's like the city's way of saying, "look at me, i'm fancy."

fact #7: it's a budget traveler's dream

rent in erzurum is shockingly affordable. a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $150/month. and a meal at a local restaurant? about $3. you can live like a sultan without selling a kidney.

fact #8: the people are warmer than the weather

locals here are known for their hospitality. i was invited to a tea ceremony within 10 minutes of arriving. and the tea? endless. it's like they're trying to caffeinate you into submission.

fact #9: it's a gateway to adventure

erzurum is close to kars, trabzon, and even georgia. you can be in a different country in a few hours. it's like the city's way of saying, "don't get too comfortable, there's more to see."

fact #10: it's not on everyone's radar (yet)

most tourists skip erzurum for istanbul or antalya. but that's exactly why you should go. it's raw, it's real, and it's waiting for you to discover it.

overheard in a tea shop:

> "you think it's cold now? wait until january."

drunk advice from a local:

> "if you're here in winter, buy a coat. not a stylish one. a functional one. trust me."

something a local warned me about:

> "don't eat the street food unless you see it being cooked. the cold makes everything suspicious."

cost of living in erzurum (per numbeo):

Expense	Cost (USD)
Rent (1BR, city center)	$150
Meal at local restaurant	$3
Monthly transportation pass	$10
Utilities (basic)	$50

pro-tips for photographers:

- shoot during the golden hour. the snow reflects light like a dream.
- bring a tripod. the cold drains batteries fast.
- don't forget to capture the tea culture. it's everywhere.

links to check out:

- TripAdvisor: Things to Do in Erzurum
- Yelp: Best Restaurants in Erzurum
- Reddit: r/Erzurum
- Numbeo: Cost of Living in Erzurum

so yeah, erzurum. it's not just a city. it's an experience. and if you're brave enough to face the cold, it'll reward you with stories you'll tell for years.