Kadem Bastı (Tariria Vineyards)

The famous vineyards established by King Menua for his wife Tariria are located in the Kadem Bastı (Kadembas) area. This region is approximately 20 km from the city center and lies south of the cement factory. The area covers about 6 km² and is crescent-shaped, overlooking a lake surrounded by hills. Therefore, it receives less wind and more sunshine compared to its surroundings. Most importantly, the Menua (Shamram) canal flows directly above this region from the east.

Terrace retaining wall remnants

The entire area is artificially terraced using soil brought to the site. Retaining walls were built for the terracing process, and these retaining walls are still visible today. Because of the soil poured into these retaining walls and compacted by being stepped on, the area has been called "Kadem Bastı," meaning "place where one steps with good fortune," since the Ottoman period.

Kadem Basti Location

The Kadem Bastı region also contains the largest retaining walls of the Menua canal, reaching heights of up to 18 meters in places, which are truly remarkable.

There are small caves in the area.

It is known that 5 Urartian inscriptions were found in the Kadem Bastı region. One of these inscriptions stands out by describing the punishment to be given to those who stole grapes from the vineyards.

Entrance to the Giant's Roof Cave (above)

The Kadem Bastı region appears before you like an oasis in the desert; the vineyards, nourished by the cool and abundant water of the Menua canal, merge with the blue of Lake Van, creating a truly delightful sight.

Menua Canal and the Tariria Vineyards it Irrigates

These vineyards, planted in the name of Tariria, were so magnificent that they were compared to the famous hanging gardens of the Assyrian Queen Semiramis and became the subject of legends.

Menua Channel

In the Kadem Bastı region, there is also a cave, approximately 50 square meters in size, which the locals call Dev Damı (Giant's Roof); this cave is not accessible on foot.

Menua Channel Support Walls

The foundation stones of structures that appear to have been residences for those responsible for the upkeep and protection of the vineyard are also visible in the area.

Source: Urartian Viticulture and Wine Culture in the Lake Van Basin, Prof. Dr. Oktay Belli, IV. International Lake Van Basin Symposium, 2008.