Turkey: Dogubeyazit – Ishak Pasha Palaceik
Ishak Pasha Palace, a medieval 17th century Ottoman palace in the hills above the border town of Dogubeyzot along the ancient Silk Route is an absolute must see! Standing proudly on top of sharp cliffs in the middle of the desert near the Iranian border, the semi-ruined palace looks like something from the Lord of the Rings – desolate and colorful and ultra-ornate. The palace was built between 1685 and 1785, hundred years to complete! It’s one of the few remaining Ottoman era palaces, opulent and intricate in its sandstone carved detail, it was heavily influence by Persian architecture and style. The palace was lux to the max with stupendously decorated halls and rooms, and with a insane at the time array of facilities and amenities – a bakery, a mosque, dungeons, a harem, and even a heating system!
