Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
flower-filled meadows in spring. There's no public transport. Taxis from Maku ask US$15
return from Maku via Shot including waiting time.
CROSSING THE TURKISH BORDER AT SERO
This
border post
( 8am-10.30pm, Iran time)
, called
Esendere
in Turkey, consists of just a few lonely buildings
on a pretty mountain road. Procedures are relatively easy for individuals but it's wise to cross early to ensure trans-
port connections. Freelance moneychangers offer poor rates for Turkish lira and worse ones for US dollars. Get bet-
ter rates in Orumiyeh or (for euros or dollars) or at the bank within the Iran-side customs building.
The nearest Turkish-side accommodation is 40km away in Yüksekova.
Van Erçiş
( 0438-351 4193)
operates
a regular Yüksekova-Esendere dolmuş (minibus; YTL5, 45 minutes) till around 6pm: ignore the blatant denials of
taxi drivers. Vangölü Turizm run Yüksekova-Van buses (YTL10, 3½ hours) roughly hourly, passing the magnificent
ruins of Hoşap Castle in Güzelsu village (64km before Van). In central Van,
Vangölü Turizm
( 0432-216 3073;
cnr Maraş & Cumhuriyet Sts)
also offers a 9.30am direct bus to Orumiyeh. Turkish time is 1½ hours earlier than
Iran's, half an hour in summer.
In Iran,
Sero
is a tiny village with a fine mountain backdrop. Taxis run from here to Orumiyeh (45 minutes); the
taxi drivers charge like wounded bulls.
Orumiyehهیمورا
0441 / POP 623,000 / ELEV 1327M
Known as Rezayeh during the Pahlavi era, Orumiyeh (Urmia, Urumiyeh) is a logical stop
en route to southeastern Turkey. It's a large, very historic city but offers no must-see
sights.
History
Bountiful orchards made Orumiyeh the historically prosperous 'Garden of Persia'. For
centuries various Christian groups (Chaldeans, Armenians, Assyrians and Nestorians)
lived harmoniously here alongside local Azari Muslims and a thriving Jewish community.
However, in the 19th century overzealous Protestant and Catholic foreign missionary
activities resulted in a harsh backlash against all non-Muslims. This was initially led by
Kurdish groups fearing the possible loss of territory should a Christian-Armenian state be
declared.
