Aziziye and Mecidiye Redoubts are two of the 21 stone structures located 3 km from Erzurum city center on the Kars road, which protected the city during the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War; Nene Hatun's tomb is located in the Aziziye Redoubts.
Erzurum's redoubts date back to the Ottoman-Persian war in the 18th century. However, the vast majority of these 21 stone structures surrounding the city were built against Russian incursions starting from the early 19th century. Among the redoubts spread across the high hills east of the city, the most important are Mecidiye and Aziziye. These were critical structures that halted the Russian advance in the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War, known as the 93 War.
The redoubts are built of stone and covered with a thick layer of earth. Inside, there are barracks rooms, artillery rooms, ambush rooms, cisterns, and infirmaries. The width of the barracks rooms varies between 3-4 meters, and their depth between 6-14.5 meters. Some rooms were divided into two with wooden planks to save space, making them two-story. Visitors mostly go to the Aziziye Redoubts because Nene Hatun's tomb is here, and the people's resistance against the Russian raid in 1877 took place on these hills.
Comments praise the spaciousness of the area, the ample parking, and the scenic viewpoints; it is said that exploring by reading the information panels enriches the experience. But there is also the other side of the coin: some visitors state that some redoubts other than Nene Hatun Redoubt are neglected and dark, citing a lack of lighting and restoration. Some also mention that there are no toilets or souvenir shops nearby, so it's good to keep this in mind before visiting.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Erzurum historical places, Three Tombs.
Guide's Note
What are Redoubts, Why are They Important?
There are 21 redoubts built on the hills surrounding Erzurum. The two most visited by travelers are the Mecidiye and Aziziye Redoubts. These were built to protect the city from attacks that might come from the Kars side during the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War. Thick layers of earth cover the stone walls; inside, barracks rooms, artillery positions, ambush rooms, and cisterns are connected to each other.
Best Time to Visit
Erzurum's winters are long and harsh, and the redoubts are visited outdoors. The period between late May and October is the most suitable in terms of both weather conditions and ease of walking. Going before noon is logical for those who want to avoid both the heat and the crowds.
How to Get There?
The redoubts are located 3 kilometers from the city center, north of the military barracks on the Kars road. Going by private car is the most practical option; visitors state that the spacious parking lot does not cause parking problems. Access by commercial vehicles is also possible, but their schedules need to be researched in advance.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Visiting the Aziziye and Mecidiye Redoubts together takes 1-2 hours. It is advisable to leave a little more time to visit Nene Hatun's tomb, read the information panels, and enjoy the view from the observation points.
Things to Know Before You Go
Nene Hatun Redoubt is well-maintained and orderly. However, some visitors state that other redoubts are neglected and dark due to lack of lighting and restoration, and some rooms are so dilapidated that they are frightening to enter. Comments also mention that there are no toilets or souvenir shops nearby; it would be good to be prepared accordingly.
Good Spots for Photos
From the hills where the redoubts are located, a general view of Erzurum can be seen; the observation points are suitable for capturing both the city skyline and the surrounding mountains. The interiors of the stone barracks rooms are also interesting for historical texture photographs.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting with the Aziziye Redoubts and visiting Nene Hatun's tomb, then moving on to the Mecidiye Redoubt, is a logical sequence. It is also possible to add Erzurum's central historical structures (Çifte Minareli Medrese, Ulu Camii) to the itinerary on the same day, as the redoubts are only 3 km from the center.
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