Located 6km southeast of town, İshak Paşa Palace is perched on a small plateau abutting stark cliffs. Combining Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Persian and Armenian architecture, the palace was begun in 1685 and completed in 1784. Minibuses (TL1.50) rattle between the centre and the palace. Taxis charge about TL15 to TL20 one way; TL25 to TL30 return, including a one-hour wait. The protective glass roofing means you can visit on a rainy day.
The palace's elaborate main entrance leads into the first courtyard, which would have been open to merchants and guests.
Only family and special guests would have been allowed into the second courtyard, where you can see the entrance to the haremlik , selamlık , guards' lodgings and granaries. An elaborate tomb is richly decorated with a mix of Seljuk carvings and Persian relief styles. Steps lead down to the sarcophagi.
From the second courtyard, pass through the marvellously decorated portal of the haremlik into the palace living quarters. The highlight here is undoubtedly the beautiful dining room, a melange of styles with walls topped by Seljuk triangular stonework, Armenian floral-relief decoration, ornate column capitals showing Georgian influence, and both black and white stone incorporated. There's a hamam and rooms with stone-carved fireplaces and windows surveying Doğubayazıt.
Returning to the second courtyard, climb a staircase to the selamlık . Entry is via the stately hall where guests would have been greeted before being entertained in the ceremonial hall-courtyard to the right. The selamlık also has a library, terrace and lovely mosque, which has kept much of its original relief decoration (note the life tree) and ceiling frescoes.
Across the valley from the palace are the ruined foundations of Eski Beyazıt (Old Beyazıt), probably founded in Urartian times c 800 BC. You can also spot a mosque, tomb and ruined fortress, which may date from Urartian times (13th to 7th centuries BC). The peaks above the car park here have excellent views of the palace with Doğubayazıt and Mt Ararat beyond.
