Yeşilyurt (District)

Imagine a place just nine kilometers from the center of Malatya, where every street flows with ice-cold water and fruit trees blanket the sky.

Yeşilyurt, a City as Green as Its Name

This is Yeşilyurt, a town nestled in the arms of nature that has hosted many names throughout history. Have you ever imagined playing hide-and-seek in a city named after its emerald-green gardens? Let us explore this natural wonder together!

Kaletepe (generated by artificial intelligence)

From Çırmıktı to Yeşilyurt: A Journey of Names

Yeşilyurt’s name has changed several times throughout history. In ancient times, it was known as Çırmıktı (or Çırmıhti). After the founding of the Republic, out of affection for the renowned statesman İsmet İnönü, it was briefly called İsmetpaşa.

However, when it gained district status in 1957, its official name was changed to Yeşilyurt, in recognition of the beauty of its gardens and the emerald green of every corner. Thus, this name is like a gift bestowed upon the town by nature itself.

Mysterious Traces Beneath the Soil

The history of Yeşilyurt stretches far deeper than one might imagine. When scientists conducted research at the Kaletepe site in Şabandede, they discovered that the earliest settlements here date back approximately 1,200 years to the Byzantine period. Moreover, ancient graves found in the Taftacık region and the tumuli (mound-like burial structures) scattered around the area whisper that Romans once lived here too. Beneath your feet lies a vast historical archive spanning thousands of years.^【1】

The Heart of Nature: Derme Water and Valleys

What makes Yeşilyurt so special is Derme Suyu, the life-giving water that turns every place it passes into paradise. Particularly the areas of Gündüzbey and Pınarbaşı offer serene spots to rest beneath towering plane trees.

Derme Suyu (generated by artificial intelligence)

One of the district’s greatest natural wonders is the Beylerderesi Valley, where water flows gracefully between massive rocks and trees. Additionally, the world-famous Dalbastı cherry and Malatya’s golden fruit, the apricot, are treasures of Yeşilyurt.

A Museum Town Where Traditions Live

Yeşilyurt is rich not only in nature but also in culture. The town boasts wonderful museums you can explore. For instance, you can discover the stories of ancient woven fabrics at the Textile Museum and learn the secrets of famous local dishes at the Gastronomy House.

Moreover, the pristine Kaptaj spring, which supplies all of Malatya’s water needs, lies within Yeşilyurt’s boundaries. This water is drinkable directly from nature, without any treatment—a rarity found in very few cities worldwide.

A Journey Through Time

• 8th–9th Century: The first settlements began at Kaletepe during the Byzantine era.
• Ottoman Period: Weaving and agriculture flourished, turning the region into a prosperous center.
• 1957: It gained district status and was officially named Yeşilyurt.
• 2007–2010: Excavations uncovered exciting artifacts from the Roman period.