My bulgur in a golden bowl
One of the oldest culture centers of Anatolia, Erzincan is the greenest city established on the flatland between two majestic mountains justifying the local saying "surrounds mountains, center gardens".
Established on the historical Silk Road in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey, Erzincan had a lively historical and cultural life throughout centuries. The city had had settlements since the Bronze Age and its first name is Zuhma. The name Erzincan on the other is predicted to be coming from Eriza and Aziriz. After the dominations of Urartu, Med, Persian, Helen, Roman and Byzantine civilizations the city had fell under the dominations of Seljuks after 1071. It had been ruled by Ottomans after Otlukbeli War in 1473 until WW1 and was saved from foreign occupation by Turkish Army in 1918.
Places to visit
If Erzincan wasn't on seismic belt and if it hadn't been wiped off the map for thousands of times in the last 1000 years, it would have even more places to be visited.
Kemah Castle located 50 km away from the city center is one of the oldest castles of Anatolia. It has witnessed many civilaziations through its history and is considered a special natural castle due to its formation and location. Built in 3rd century B.C. during the realm of Hittite-Urartu and restored in 12th century by Mengücek Bei, the castle spreads over an 8000 meter square field and is 80 meters high. Mentioned also in the travel book of Evliya Çelebi, this castle is an important part of Erzincan history.
Mama Hatun Caravansary is in Tercan. This building, predicted to be built in 12th century, is a worth-seeing Seljukian architecture wonder. Built in the name of the Seljukian Princess Mama Hatun Shrine is located close to the caravansary and is a part of a big Ottoman social complex. Architecture of the shrine is one-of-a-kind with its cylindrical trunk and is covered with a conical hat.
Melik Gazi Shrine in Kemah where the tomb of Melik Gazi, the founder of Mengücek Chiefdom is located; Hıdır Abdal Sultan Shrine built with Seljukian and Ottoman architectural styles in Kemaliye and Gülabibey Mosque again in Kemah are the must see places of Erzincan.
One of the strongest Armenian monasteries of Anatolia Abrenk Church is located in Tercan, 15 km away from the city center. This church was built in 1854 and it has 2 steles and a chapel. Enlightening the rich history of Turkey, Altıntepe Archeological Site, one of the ancient cities of Urartu, has reached to present day with its temple, palace, hall, open air temple, store and graveyard.
Perished by Euphrates River, Erzincan is a haven garnished by nature. Girlevik Falls located 30 km away from the city center is a wonder of nature. It's even worth to go there to taste the fresh fish served in the surrounding restaurants.
Otlukbeli Lake might be the most wondered and interesting place of Erzincan for tourists. Located 6 km northwest of the center, this lake is a travertine gate formed by mineral waters. It's considered a nature monument due to the uniqueness of its basin and formation. If you didn't visit you cannot know, this place is a magical land! The city is also famous with its thermal waters and springs. There're many healing water springs in Erzincan, the most famous one being Ekşisu Thermal. Erzincan Baths on the other hand has 12 indoor pools with 33 degree water temperature.
The highest mountain chain of Eastern Anatolian Region in the west Munzur Mountains has international importance because it hosts both different endemic plant species and 11 butterfly specie. It's very elegant.
Once you're here you may want to pay a visit to Erzincan Museum where both ethnographic and archeological artifacts are exhibited. When you come to Erzincan, you should not leave without tasting roasted chickpeas and brynza; buying specially ornamented copper souvenirs like teapots, trays, plates and vases; seeing handmade rugs and carpets.
What to Eat?
Erzincan cuisine is mainly formed by pastry products. Foods are usually made with wheat, bulgur, dried yoghurt, noodle and food of animal origin. Ketesi, the famous pastry dish baked with walnut and sesame oil; Sırını, baked on hot sheet and consumed with butter with molasses; Gasefesi, Keşme Soup and Stuffed Grape Leafs are among the special tastes of Erzincan.
How to Get There?
Erzincan is mainly located in Eastern Anatolian Region. If you wish to use the land route, the city is 1019 km away from Istanbul, 688 km away from Ankara and 1277 km away from Izmir. You can reach everywhere in the city from the bus station via buses and minibuses.
If you're considering to travel with the railway there're daily train routes between Erzincan and Divriği and also Doğu Ekspresi (East Express) operates every day.
Airline is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel to Erzincan. There're flights to Istanbul Atatürk Airport 7 days of the week with Turkish Airlines, to Ankara Esenboğa Airline 7 days of the week with Anadolu Jet, to İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport 3 days of the week and to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport 2 days of the week with Sun Express. Erzincan Airport is located 7 km away from the city center.
Erzincan, the "prosperous city with 70 mosques" as quoted from Evliya Çelebi is a flight ticket away.
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