Otlukbeli (District)

Have you ever seen a lake unique in the world or a battlefield that changed the fate of a vast empire?

Let us embark on a journey to Otlukbeli, a district hidden among the high mountains of Erzincan, renowned for both its history and natural beauty.

^{Otlukbeli Martyrs Monument (generated by artificial intelligence)}

The name Otlukbeli derives from one of the largest and most significant battles in Turkish history, the Battle of Otlukbeli. In 1473, Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Akkoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan confronted each other on these lands. Following this great victory, the region was named Otlukbeli in commemoration of this historic event. The district’s former name was Karakulak. Once a village subordinate to the districts of Tercan and Çayırlı, Otlukbeli officially became a district in 1990.^【1】

The Otlukbeli Lake is a vital part of Otlukbeli’s natural landscape. What makes this lake unique is that it is formed by a travertine dam created by mineral-rich waters. This formation type is the only known lake of its kind in the world and is therefore recognized as a "natural monument."

^{Otlukbeli Lake (generated by artificial intelligence)}

The lake is located approximately six kilometers from the district center. This deep blue lake, about 15 to 18 meters deep, continues to form even today.

Otlukbeli lies at a high altitude near the border of Bayburt and Erzincan. Nearly all residents—eight out of every ten people—engage in livestock farming. Thanks to its vast pastures, small-scale animal husbandry and beekeeping are widespread here.

Hidden beneath the soil are also valuable resources. Otlukbeli possesses rich manganese ore deposits, which are currently mined by private companies.

• 2000 BC: The Hurrians were the first to dominate the region.
• 11 August 1473: Fatih Sultan Mehmet defeated Uzun Hasan, securing the unity of Anatolia.
• 1954: Otlukbeli (then known as Karakulak) was attached to the district of Çayırlı.
• 9 May 1990: Otlukbeli officially became a district of Erzincan.