Kars has been occupied by the Russians, and probably for that reason (or just proximity) has many buildings in a style that to my eyes is different to the one I see elsewhere in the country. I am not certain about this hypothesis myself, since I have seen similar buildings in Edirne at the other side of the country. Maybe they survived in greater numbers and - often - in better repair. They are often painted in wonderful colours and I hope they will not perish in the "lets go modern" craze.