Van boasts magnificent Islamic architecture including the historic Ulu Mosque and numerous Ottoman-era mosques that reflect centuries of Islamic heritage. The city served as an important center for Islamic scholarship and trade along the Silk Road, with a rich history of Muslim dynasties including the Ayyubids and Ottomans. Today, Van maintains a strong Muslim community with vibrant religious traditions, traditional Islamic arts, and cultural practices that continue to flourish in this eastern Anatolian city.