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Geographical Meaning:
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One of the seven geographical regions of Turkey, located in the eastern part of the country.
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It includes provinces such as Erzurum, Van, Malatya, Elazığ, Erzincan, Bingöl, Muş, Ağrı, Kars, Iğdır, Ardahan, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Tunceli.
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Climate:
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Dominated by a continental climate, with long, harsh, snowy winters and short, warm summers.
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Some high-altitude areas experience alpine conditions.
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Economy and Agriculture:
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Agriculture is limited due to climate and terrain; cereals and potatoes are common crops.
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Livestock farming, particularly sheep and cattle, is a major economic activity.
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Mineral resources (such as copper, chromium, and iron) are present in some areas.
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Cultural and Historical Dimension:
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Rich in historical and archaeological sites, including Urartian, Armenian, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage.
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Diverse ethnic composition, including Kurds, Turks, and Armenians.
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Strategic Importance:
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Borders with Armenia, Iran, and Iraq make it geopolitically significant.
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Mountain passes and highlands are critical for transportation and defense.
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