INTEGRATED ENGLISH REFERENCE NOTES - Prof. Dr. Ziya Yurttaş

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� Erzurum is the city where the foundation of the Republic of Turkey was laid in
Erzurum Congress in July 23 rd . 1919 by Atatürk and his friends.
� Other points of interest in the city include the Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai which
is used as a marketplace for black stone jewelry, three tombs and old Erzurum
houses.
Economy
� The economy of Erzurum depends mainly on three Sectors, namely, agriculture,
trade and tourism.
� Fodder crops and animal husbandry in Erzurum has a great potential for
development.
� The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Erzurum has more than 3.500
members. It is the biggest civil society organization in Erzurum.
� Tourism, especially the winter tourism, is becoming a major economical sector in
Erzurum. Palandöken Ski Center is one of the most popular ski centers in the
Country. When fully developed, the center will have a capacity of 32.000 skiers
per day. The center is only 6 kilometers away from the city. There are four five
star luxurious hotels in the center and it has the longest ski runs and the best
snow quality in Turkey.
� There is an important potential in Erzurum, for thermal and eco- tourism as well
as rafting, trekking and mountain biking,
Social and Cultural Structure
� Erzurum has been the center of culture, education and throughout the history.
� Double minarets and Yakutiye Medresah are the two important institutions of
higher education of 12 th and 13 th Century.
� Ataturk University is one of the biggest and most important institutions of higher
education in the Country with about 40.000 Students
� The people of Erzurum are called “dadash” which means “man of dignity “.
Politics
� People of Erzurum are known to be “conservative” in their political and social
views.
� Local elections will be held next year.
� In the political history of Erzurum, no Mayor has been elected twice. The current
mayor claims that he will be an exception in this regard.