Russian-era Old Town (Baltic Architecture)
Kars Baltık Mimarisi
A chessboard-plan district laid out under late 19th-century Russian rule, lined with “Baltic-style” buildings with basalt façades.
From 1878 to 1918, Kars was part of the Russian Empire. The southern part of the city was replanned on a grid, and many buildings were erected with dark basalt façades and white window frames in the “Baltic style,” including the old exchange, municipal buildings and private residences. They are still in use today, and the district is considered the most Russian-flavoured neighbourhood in Turkey. Strolling along Faik Bey Street and Atatürk Street is enough to enjoy the sights, and in snowy weather the scene looks especially like an Eastern European town. Along the way are old shops selling Kars cheese and honey.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Fethiye Mosque
- Kars Cheese Museum
- Church of the Holy Apostles (Kümbet Mosque)
- Doğu Express (Kars Station)
- Taşköprü (Stone Bridge)
- Kars Castle
- Caucasus Front War History Museum
- Kars Museum