Kemaliye (District)

Kemaliye is a district located in the southwest of Erzincan Province, preserving its historical fabric. The settlement, situated along the Euphrates River, is known for its original houses built on steep slopes and its natural beauty. The town’s architecture and urban structure have been designed in harmony with the natural landscape.

The region has been under the rule of many civilizations throughout history including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. The settlement was incorporated into Ottoman territory during the reign of Çelebi Mehmet and was long known as “Eğin”. By the 19th century, textile production and trade had become highly developed in the area.

Following the people of Eğin’s declaration of loyalty to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the town’s name was officially changed to Kemaliye on 21 October 1922.

Due to the steep terrain, Kemaliye houses are constructed vertically rather than horizontally. These homes typically range from two to four stories, with each level opening directly onto a street or courtyard below. Local natural stone and wood materials are combined in their construction.

^{Kemaliye Houses (generated by artificial intelligence)}

Inside each house, a common passageway called a “sofa” connects the rooms. The living area offering the best view of the surroundings is known as the “divanhane”. Kitchen doors are smaller than other doors, requiring those entering to bow their heads as a sign of respect for the provisions.

One of the district’s most significant natural features is the Dark Canyon, among the deepest canyons in the world. Within this canyon lies the “Stone Road”, a 7-kilometer-long path carved into the rock, featuring 38 tunnels. This route is listed among the world’s most dangerous and aesthetically striking paths.

^{Dark Canyon and Stone Road (generated by artificial intelligence)}

Each year, during annual festivals, free-fall skydiving events known as “base-jumping” take place over the canyon. Additionally, the region offers numerous nature-based sports activities including mountain biking, canoeing and paragliding.

Kemaliye was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2021. In 2022, it joined Türkiye’s “Cittaslow” network of slow cities. The traditional craft of Eğin carpet weaving continues to be practiced in the district. Due to the limited suitability of the land for agriculture, the population primarily engages in mulberry cultivation, walnut farming and beekeeping. On average, 50 tons of high-quality floral honey are produced annually. Furthermore, the petroglyphs found in the Dilli Valley document the ancient Turkic presence in the region.