Kars: A city with baltic architecture

The historical buildings along Haydar Aliyev Avenue have been carefully restored and brought back to life. With its stunning stone craftsmanship on one side and the breath-taking colours of autumn on the other, Kars stands out as one of Turkey’s rising stars in tourism — a true open-air museum.

Many of the city’s iconic stone buildings were constructed during the Russian occupation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Kars was under the rule of the Russian Empire. These structures, built in the distinctive Baltic architectural style, continue to fascinate visitors with their robust forms and historical depth. Today, Kars is home to around 170 buildings reflecting Baltic architecture — a rare sight in Turkey.