| PREFACE
This book is the product of a joint effort. A considerable number of books have been written about Kars over its history, but not many in the relatively modern format of the guide book. In recent years, Kars has become one of the main attractions of Eastern Anatolia with its history, geography, daily life, and also through new archeological discoveries and artistic and cultural projects that tie its past to its present.
Kars has always been of interest to travelers but has recently become a destination visited by an increasing number of tourists every year.
This book is the result of a project undertaken by many writers and editors. The intention is to promote the city to guests and help them create daily programs. The contributors to this book are also local people who take part in the social, cultural and political life of their city. The book draws on a significant number of sources that provide access to current knowledge about the city, and on long periods of discussion and exchange of individual observations and interpretations.
The purpose was obviously not just to publish a guide book. Throughout its preparation we have benefited from the process involved in sharing our creativity and thus enhancing knowledge and mutual understanding. Many thanks go to Okay Akarca, Ayşe Alibeyoğlu, Naif Alibeyoğlu, Semiha Alibeyoğlu, Rana Zincir Celal, Kemal Gökhan Gürses, Dilşad Oygur, Gül Pulhan, Alper Sezer, Hülya Sezer, Cengiz Şıklı, Serap Tombul and all the members of the City Council for their valuable contributions.
We hope that this Kars guide will be a means of bringing more guests to the city, and that they will leave pleased with their experience in the Kars area. | 
