Tucked away in Türkiye’s far east, Kars is a city shaped by snow, stone, and centuries of shifting civilizations. In winter, its landscape transforms into a stark, poetic canvas—ancient churches blanketed in snow, quiet villages tucked beneath icy hills, and a peaceful silence that amplifies its historical weight.

The crown jewel of the region is the ancient city of Ani, once a thriving medieval capital known as the “City of 1,001 Churches.” Perched on a windswept plateau above the Arpaçay River, Ani’s ruins include cathedrals, fortifications, and Armenian stonework that date back to the 10th century. Today, the remnants of its spiritual grandeur stand isolated against the snow, lending an eerie beauty and cinematic solitude.

Meanwhile, the city of Kars itself reflects Russian and Ottoman influences with its wide streets, stone buildings, and distinctive architecture. In winter, it becomes a serene film setting—lit by soft white snow and touched by Eastern European and Central Asian visual themes. Wooden houses, horse-drawn sleighs, and steam rising from chimneys give the area a timeless, almost literary feel.

Kars is ideal for filmmakers looking to capture forgotten worlds, borderland histories, or the raw poetry of winter. Its combination of ancient ruins, dramatic weather, and haunting beauty makes it one of Türkiye’s most evocative backdrops.