This small province of Igdir, which recently was a district of Kars, lies as a fertile plain on which fruit and, unusually for this geographical region, cotton grow between two lofty locations in Eastern Anatolia. In the northwest, at a distance of 180 kilometers (112 miles) extends the high plateau of Kars province. In the southeast stands Mount Agri (Ararat), as the highest mountain in Turkey, rising magnificently beside this province.
The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded, Noah and his family descended from Mount Ararat toward the fertile Igdir plain. From here, their progeny settled to the south and west along the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second generation of mankind. From this plain, you have the best view of Mount Agri with the ever present snow over its slopes and peaks. Olive groves cover this area, and the dove, which allegedly brought an olive branch to Noah, is believed to have taken it from this wide grove.
Harmandoven (or Ejder) Caravanserai was built in the 12th century by Serafettin Ejder Bey during the Seljuk period on the Batumi - Tabriz silk road axis. It's located 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city center and was restored in 2010 then opened to the public.
Other monuments to visit near the city include Urartian rock monuments and the Karakale (Black Castle). In Karakoyun village, on the road between Igdir and Aralik, you should stop at the impressive 15th century cemeteries with Karakoyun (black ram) monumental tombstones. These tombstones were made with black basalt stones from Ararat mountain and decorated with ram-head friezes. They were dedicated to brave men and heroes, and also to young people buried there.