Van, the main city in the Southeast part of Turkey, is located 4km. from Lake Van, the biggest natural lake in Turkey, from which it takes its name. It has a very old, long and at times sad story, being inextricably bound up with the Armenians. The city had been the capital of Urartians until Armenian infiltrating in 612 BC, which began the demise of the Errata state. During that time, the old Van was burnt in all the mayhem, and hence, modern Van was founded 4 Km. inland. So it became an Armenian city, and the Armenians became the major group there and lasted well into the Ottoman times. Today it is a very good base from which to explore the greater area and to view the Georgian-Armenian architectural remains. The great lake of Van and the flat high altitude plains offer unforgettable picturesque moments to the traveler.