Dogubayazit was as far east as we got, about 20 miles from the Iranian border. We were finally persuaded to buy carpets in this town, as they came from Iran and the shop was closing for the winter in a week. We received the rugs about 3 months later.

The main site here was Ishak Pasa Palace, a 17th century amalgam of Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Persian, and Armenian architecture. Gorgeous, especially at the end of the day, when we visited.

We also visited a spurious Noah's Ark site, attainable over the worst road on our entire trip, where we had to get out of the car constantly so the guide could get through the holes. Nevermind--there was a great view of Mt. Ararat from that site.

Erzurum was our final stop in East Turkey, and a delightful surprise, with beautiful Seljuk architecture. It also seemed less eastern than many places, possibly because it is a popular Russian ski destination.