This small province several times was the capital city of ruling states. It was fortified in the early 14th century by the Vizir Ilkhanid Ali Shah. Erciş was a town of Karakoyunlu Turks. Erciş was moved to its new location called Alada in 1841, due to floods. In 1914, the Russians invaded the city, but they were eventually expelled from the city on April 1, 1918.
The city has total of 2,115 km² area and is surrounded by Muradiye on the east, Bitlis on the west, Ağrı on the north and the Lake Van on the south. Erciş is actually more than what Westerners would call a 'city'. It is more likely a province. There are 143 settlement areas, including 3 municipalities, 14 districts, 2 subdistricts, 85 villages and 39 other entities.
It is one the most developed cities in eastern Turkey and it is the place where the folk songs are still alive. Every kind of fruit and vegetable can be raised. Planting of poplar trees is widely seen in the city and surroundings.
The total population of the city is 145,229 and spread among the city center and villages. The village population is 66,832, while the city - or "Centrum"- population is 78,397. Population density is 47/km².
Historical Artchesh
From the 18th century because of the increase of the level of Lake Van the old town Artchesh slowly disappeared. And in the second half of the 19th century the buildings, churches and dwelling houses can not be seen. Only during the severe wavering, when the waves of the lake were retreating to the depth, the ruins of the defense walls and the towers were seen. After old Erciş was covered by water, it was moved to north to much higher place called Alada in 1841. And was built new town called Akants (Նոր Արճեշ , New Artchesh in Armenian and Erciş, eɾdʒiʃ) in Turkish).
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