Archaeological research South of the Van Fortress discovered Ottoman-era architecture and artefact being testimony to lifestyle during these times.

Team of archaeologists from Van History and Archaeology Research Center at Istanbul University lead by Erkan Konyar conducted excavations in the ancient capital of the Urartian Empire and one of the most important cities in the region throughout the later Ottoman Empire. The excavations covered over 6000-square-metres. Among the discoveries are Russian ceramics and European accessories. The excavations were mostly carried out in public areas such as the assembly and municipal buildings, revealing the well-planned structure of the city.

(after Hurriyet Daily News & AA photo)