The first days in Eastern Anatolia brought tailwinds, stunning landscapes, and encounters with people who make every kilometer unforgettable. Cycling Through Eastern Turkey: Between Erzincan and Zara.
On the Road to Erzincan
Day 13: After yesterday’s tough day, where every kilometer felt like a battle, I felt much better today. The promised tailwind truly helped, and I took full advantage of it.
Crossing my first thousand kilometers felt amazing, but I know the main challenge of the journey is still ahead.
I cycled almost 190 kilometers, getting closer with every pedal stroke to my destination: the City of Erzincan. Along the way, I enjoyed breathtaking landscapes and met warm, generous people. Moments like these recharge your energy and remind you why bike travel is worth every effort.
Hiz Siniri Bolgesu – Fact Box
The Hiz Siniri Bolgesu section is known among cyclists as a stretch where strong winds meet steep climbs, testing both endurance and skill. The region features typical Eastern Anatolian scenery: valleys, mountain ridges, and hospitable locals. For bikepacking and cycling enthusiasts, it’s an essential part of the route to measure stamina and experience gained from previous kilometers. A special category of cyclistics here are obstacles and minefields on the road in various forms.
Mountains and Thermal Springs Between Erzincan and Zara
Day 14: Today’s route takes me from Erzincan to the town of Zara, approximately 180 kilometers. Sounds simple at first glance, but reality is different. Two climbs exceeding 2,000 meters make a full day of riding impossible. The plan is clear: find a place to spend the night somewhere in the mountains, surrounded by majestic nature.
The area between Erzincan and Zara is in Eastern Anatolia, the highest region of Turkey, reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. Erzincan sits on the Kara River, a tributary of the Euphrates, and is known for its rich history dating back to the Hittite Empire over 4,000 years ago.
The region is tectonically active, located on the North Anatolian Fault, and has experienced several major earthquakes. Erzincan is also famous for its hot springs and thermal baths, sought after for their healing properties. Historically, Muslims, Armenians, and Greeks lived side by side here; the presence of Armenians is documented as far back as the 13th century by travelers such as Marco Polo. Today, the majority of inhabitants are Muslim.
Zara lies near the Kızıl Irmak, Turkey’s longest river, offering yet another perspective on the dramatic landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, where history and geography meet in every valley and atop every ridge.
Georgian Memories
