Kahramanmaraş

🏔️ The City of Ice Cream and Heroism

Depiction of the Kahramanmaraş Medal Monument (generated by artificial intelligence)

🏰 History of Kahramanmaraş

The history of Kahramanmaraş dates back over 10,000 years. Since the Paleolithic Age, humans have settled here and practiced agriculture. During the Hittite period, the city was known as Markasi; in the Roman era, it was called Germanikeia; and during the Ottoman period, it was known as Maraş. The city earned the title “kahraman” for its heroism during the War of Independence.

🕌 Historical Sites

🏯 Kahramanmaraş Castle

Kahramanmaraş Castle is a millennia-old historical structure located in the center of the city. Although its exact date of construction is unknown, its foundations are believed to extend as far back as the Late Hittite period, around the 9th century BCE. Artifacts and inscriptions from this era demonstrate that the castle has held strategic importance since antiquity.

Throughout history, the castle has come under the rule of numerous civilizations including the Assyrians, Medes, Persians, the Kingdom of Cappadocia, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Anatolian Seljuks, and the Ottomans. Each era brought repairs and additions that strengthened the structure and ensured its survival to the present day.

Architecturally, the castle has a rectangular plan. Its outer walls are built of cut stone while the inner walls are constructed of rubble stone. The castle walls measure approximately 150 meters in length and 75 meters in width. The main entrance is located on the southern wall, while arrow slits for archers are found on the eastern wall.

Representative depiction of Kahramanmaraş Castle (generated by artificial intelligence)

🕌 Ulu Camii

Kahramanmaraş Ulu Camii is one of the city’s most important historical places of worship. It was constructed during the Dulkadirid Beylik period in the 15th century. The mosque features cut stone construction and has a simple yet elegant design. It includes a large courtyard, a crowned entrance gate, and a single-minaret.

🌄 Natural Beauties

🌳 Başkonuş Plateau

Başkonuş Plateau lies at the foot of high mountains and is surrounded by lush green pine forests. Its walking trails, clean air, and cool climate attract nature lovers. Red deer are also protected in their natural habitats on the plateau.

🏞️ Yedikuyular

Yedikuyular is an ideal region for skiing. During the summer months, other nature-based sports are also practiced here.

🎉 Cultural Events

🎨 International Ice Cream and Culture Festival

Kahramanmaraş hosts the International Ice Cream and Culture Festival annually to promote its world-famous Maraş ice cream. The festival features ice cream performances, folk dance shows, and concerts. In 2017, the festival set a world record for the longest stick ice cream at 280 centimeters in length.

🎭 Poetry Days and Art Events

Kahramanmaraş, the birthplace of many poets, hosts Poetry Days and Art Events. These events include poetry readings and storytelling sessions for children.

Representative depiction of Kahramanmaraş (generated by artificial intelligence)

🍧 Flavors of Kahramanmaraş

🍦 Maraş Ice Cream

Maraş ice cream differs from other known ice creams. It is specially made using goat’s milk and salep. The natural fibers in salep give the ice cream exceptional firmness, allowing it to be cut with a knife. Vendors often play a small game with customers, stretching and pulling the ice cream as if it were elastic.

🥩 Kelle Paça Soup

This soup is prepared using special parts of the animal such as bones, head, and trotters. It is commonly consumed for breakfast. Rich in collagen, it is beneficial for bone health.

🍖 Tarhana Soup

Maraş tarhana is distinct from other varieties as it is prepared with yogurt, cracked wheat, and oregano. As a result, its soup has a white color and a slightly sour taste. It is dried during summer and used to make soup in winter.

🥧 Walnut Maraş Sucuk

A sweet snack made with walnuts and grape molasses or mulberry molasses.

🥥 White Maraş Sucuk (Foamy Sucuk)

A soft and light dessert made with walnuts, grape molasses, flour, and starch.

Representative depiction of Kahramanmaraş delicacies (generated by artificial intelligence)

🧒 Kahramanmaraş for Children

🎡 Children’s Parks and Amusement Centers

The city has numerous play areas, parks, and entertainment centers designed for children.

🦉 Nature Exploration

Forest areas offer opportunities for exploration trips and birdwatching.

Representative depiction of Kahramanmaraş for children (generated by artificial intelligence)

🏷️ Geographically Indicated Products

Kahramanmaraş is renowned in Türkiye not only for its ice cream but also for 31 unique local products protected by geographical indication status. These products are preserved across generations, protected against imitation, and promoted globally. Below are some of Kahramanmaraş’s distinctive geographically indicated products:

Flavors

• Maraş Ice Cream
• Maraş Tarhana
• Maraş Kelle Paça
• Andırın Tirşiği
• Afşin Tava & Afşin Koçovası Sarımsağı
• Elbistan Kelle Peyniri
• Maraş Eli Böğründe & Maraş Samsası
• Ravanda Şerbeti
• Maraş Pistachio Paste

Crafts

• Maraş Carved Walnut Chest
• Maraş Yemeni
• Maraş Gold Thread Embroidery / Maraş İş
• Maraş File Embroidery
• Maraş Camekanı & Maraş Rahlesi
• Güllü Motif
• Maraş Copperwork

Natural and Agricultural Products

• Çağlayancerit Walnut
• Bertiz Kabarcık Grape
• Maraş Sumac Souring Agent and Ash

📚 References

Kahramanmaraş Governorship. “History.” Accessed 18 May 2025. http://www.kahramanmaras.gov.tr/tarihce1

DHMİ. “Kahramanmaraş Airport – City History.” Accessed 18 May 2025. https://www.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Havalimani/Kahramanmaras/SehirTarihcesi.aspx

Başkonuş Plateau. “History of Kahramanmaraş.” Accessed 18 May 2025. https://www.baskonusyaylasi.com/detay/947-kahramanmaras-tarihi

Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Islamic Encyclopedia. “Kahramanmaraş.” Accessed 18 May 2025. https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/kahramanmaras

Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. “Kahramanmaraş Geographical Indications.” Kahramanmaraş Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Accessed 18 May 2025. https://kahramanmaras.ktb.gov.tr/TR-250981/kahramanmaras-cografi-isaretleri.html

Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University. “The Life of Sütçü İmam.” ksu.edu.tr. Accessed 18 May 2025. https://www.ksu.edu.tr/Default.aspx?SId=21362