Afyonkarahisar (Province)

Located at the intersection of Anatolia, between east and west, Afyonkarahisar is one of Türkiye’s important cities, distinguished by its rich historical and cultural heritage. The city is characterized by the Afyonkarahisar Castle, rising on a volcanic rock mass 226 meters high. This castle has been used by various civilizations throughout history and has been known by multiple names. The Hittites called it Hapanuva, the Romans and Byzantines referred to it as Akroinon, while the Seljuks and Ottomans named it Karahisar-ı Devle or Karahisar-ı Sahip.

The city’s name derives from the Turkish pronunciation of the word opium, which describes the sap obtained from the poppy plant cultivated in the region. The name Afyonkarahisar first appears in 17th-century court records. It is also known that during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the city was called Phrygia Salutaris (Healing Phrygia) due to its thermal springs.

Afyonkarahisar Castle (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)

History of Afyonkarahisar

Afyonkarahisar in Prehistory and Antiquity

Archaeological findings indicate that Afyonkarahisar and its surroundings have been inhabited since the 3000s BCE. Excavations in the areas of Kusura Höyük, Kaklık, and Karaoğlan have uncovered artifacts from the Bronze Age. During this period, tools and objects made of stone, kil, bone, and bronze, vehicle implements, weaving tools, and grave items were discovered.

Afyonkarahisar in History

Hittites (c. 1800–1200 BCE)

During the Hittite period, Afyonkarahisar lay along an important trade route. The Boğazköy-Apassa (Ephesus) trade route would later be known as the King Road. Excavations from this period at Seydiler Yanarlar have revealed Hittite cube tombs, hieroglyphic stelae, and bronze figurines.

Phrygians (c. 1200–546 BCE)

The Phrygians settled in the region in the 9th century BCE and left a strong cultural legacy. Rock-cut monuments in the rocky area between Afyonkarahisar and Eskişehir—such as Yazılıkaya (Midas City), Aslankaya, and Göynüş Valley—such as significant Phrygian monuments place. Phrygian culture remained influential in the region until the Byzantine era.

Lydians (c. 660–546 BCE) and Persians (c. 546–333 BCE)

During the Lydian period, significant settlements were established around Dinar and Dazkırı. The Lydians, the first civilization in history to mint coins, strengthened trade in the region. The Persians administered the area with Dinar as their administrative center.

Hellenistic Period and Roman Empire (333 BCE–395 CE)

After Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 333 BCE, the region was divided among the Hellenistic Kingdoms. Subsequently incorporated into the Roman Empire, Afyonkarahisar became an important marble trade center during this period. The marble from İscehisar (Dokimeion) was exported throughout Roman territories. Important cities such as Apameia (Dinar), Synnada (Şuhut), and Dokimeion (İscehisar) were established in the region.

Byzantine Period (395–1176)

During the Byzantine era, Afyonkarahisar, particularly around Amorium (Hisarköy), became a religious and military center. Fortified border outposts were constructed in the 9th and 10th centuries to defend against Arab and Turkish raids. However, after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the city came under Turkish control.

Turkish Rule in Afyonkarahisar

Seljuks and Beylik Period (1071–1428)

Following the Battle of Manzikert, the Seljuks who entered Anatolia significantly developed Afyonkarahisar. Under I. Alâeddin Keykubat, the castle’s towers and walls were reinforced, and madrasas and caravanserais were built. Important Seljuk-era structures in the city include:

• 40 Columned Grand Mosque
• Sahipata Caravanserai
• Kureyş Tomb

Grand Mosque and Afyonkarahisar Castle (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)

After the Battle of Kösedağ in 1243 weakened the Anatolian Seljuk State, Afyonkarahisar became the capital of the Afyonkarahisar Sahipataoğulları Beylik. Later, under the Germiyanoğulları, the city was ceded to the Ottomans by the will of II. Yakup Lord.

Ottoman Period (1428–1922)

During the Ottoman period, Afyonkarahisar held a strategic position as a transit point between Rumelia and Central Anatolia. It served as a key center during Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Karaman Campaign. Although affected by events such as the Celali Rebellions, Karamanogulları conflicts, and Crusades in the 17th century, the city continued to grow. The Mevlevi order became widespread in the city during this period.

Ottoman-era economic development included the growth of tanning, sugar refining, marble trading, and commerce. Important structures from this period include the Grand Mosque, Gedik Ahmet Pasha Külliyesi, and Mevlevihane.

War of Independence and Afyonkarahisar

Afyonkarahisar held great strategic importance during the War of Independence. After the Armistice of Mudros, French and Italian forces occupied the region, followed by Greek forces on 28 March 1921. On 26 August 1922, at the start of the Great Offensive, the Turkish army repelled the enemy via Afyonkarahisar-Kocatepe and liberated the city on 27 August 1922.

Afyonkarahisar in the Republican Era

Following the proclamation of the Republic, Afyonkarahisar rapidly developed and became a together center. The sugar, cement, flour, animal feed, leather, and marble industries strengthened the city’s economy. With the growth of thermal tourism, the Afyonkarahisar thermal springs became a national and international tourism hub.

Today Afyonkarahisar continues to be one of Türkiye’s important tourist and cultural centers, thanks to its historical fabric, thermal facilities, rich cuisine, and natural beauty.

Geography

Afyonkarahisar is one of the rare provinces in Türkiye that spans three geographical regions. The majority of the province lies within the Inner Western Anatolia section of the Aegean Region, while its eastern part is influenced by Central Anatolia and its southwestern part by the Mediterranean Region. Due to this location, it forms a transition zone between the Aegean, Central Anatolian, and Mediterranean regions.

The province borders Konya to the east, Uşak to the west, Kütahya to the northwest, Denizli to the southwest, Burdur to the south, Isparta to the southeast, and Eskişehir to the north. Located between 37° 45' and 39° 17' north latitude and 29° 40' and 31° 43' east longitude, the province has an average elevation of 1,034 meters above sea level.

Afyonkarahisar, situated at the convergence point of three regions, features high plateaus, mountains, plains, and significant water sources. The region experiences a continental climate with cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Due to its distance from the sea and high elevation, temperature variations are pronounced. Afyonkarahisar remains a vital center for agriculture, industry, tourism, and trade, shaping the region’s economic and social life through its climate, water resources, and geographical structure.

Landforms

Afyonkarahisar forms the southern portion of the elevated area extending from north to south, connecting Western Anatolia to Central Anatolia. As such, it serves as a natural corridor and is a hub where black and railways intersect.

Within the provincial boundaries, 47.5% consists of mountains, 32.6% of plateaus, and 19.9% of plains. The surface topography of Afyonkarahisar generally comprises high mountains, extensive plateaus, and plains.

• Mountains (47.5%): Mountainous areas rise in the east, west, and south of the province, significantly influencing its climate and agricultural zones.
• Plateaus (32.6%): The central areas are covered with highland pastures and broad plateaus.
• Plains (19.9%): The Afyon Plain, Sandıklı Plain, Dinar Plain, and Bolvadin Plain are the province’s most productive agricultural areas.

Rivers and Lakes

Afyonkarahisar possesses significant river and lake systems as water sources.

Rivers:

Lakes:

Climate

Although located within the Aegean Region, Afyonkarahisar does not exhibit a typical Aegean climate due to its position in the transition corridor to Central Anatolia. The high elevation and distance from the sea result in pronounced continental climate effects. Nevertheless, air currents from the Aegean and Mediterranean moderate the climate to some extent.

Overall, the climate features hot, dry summers; warm, rainy springs; and cold, snow rainy winters.

• Precipitation is highest in spring months (April and May) and lowest in summer months (July and August).
• Due to distance from the sea and low humidity, drought conditions occur especially during summer.
• The annual average temperature is 11.2°C, with January being the coldest and July the hottest month.
• The lowest recorded temperature was -27.2°C on 30 December 1948; the highest was 39.8°C on 29 July 2000.
• The average number of days per year with temperatures below 0°C is 89.
• The long-term annual average rainfall is 444 mm.
• Summer downpours can sometimes cause damage rather than provide benefit.

Winds and Meteorological Observations

The direction and speed of wind in Afyonkarahisar are determined by general atmosphere circulation, frontal effects, and topographic conditions.

• North and south winds dominate in winter, while northerly winds prevail in summer.
• The strongest wind recorded was 129.6 km/h on 13 December 1967.
• Meteorological observations have been conducted since 1929.
• Today, there are 43 Automatic Meteorological Observation Stations (AMOS) across the province.
• A meteorological radar is located on Şuhut Kumalar Dağı (2,247 meters), and an Airport AMOS (A-AMOS) is located at Afyonkarahisar Airport.
• The Afyonkarahisar Regional Directorate of Meteorology houses a Lightning Detection and Tracking System (LDTS).

Population

Afyonkarahisar has been under the influence of various civilizations throughout history and has remained a significant settlement center due to its geographical location. Its Population structure has been shaped by various factors including urbanization, economic activities, migration movements, and agrarian living conditions.

Population of Afyonkarahisar Through History

During the Ottoman period, Afyonkarahisar developed as an important trade and craft center, experiencing population growth. In the 16th century, approximately 8,500 people lived in the city. By 1572, this number had risen to 9,400, with the population composed of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. According to Evliya Çelebi’s 17th-century records, the city’s population was approximately 20,000.

In the 19th century, the construction of railways and the beginning of industrialization accelerated population growth. In 1890, the city’s population was recorded at 17,436; by 1902, it had reached 33,000. During this period, the city continued to grow through migration and commercial activity.

Population Development in the Republican Era

After the proclamation of the Republic, population growth in Afyonkarahisar continued, supported by industrial and transportation investments. In 1927, the city’s population did not reach 25,000, but increased steadily in subsequent years:

• 1950: 30,000
• 1980: 75,000
• 1985: 87,033

During this period, Afyonkarahisar became one of the key centers for agriculture, industry, and trade, with increasing population density.

Current Population Structure of Afyonkarahisar

In Afyonkarahisar, urban population is increasing, while rural population, tied to agriculture and animal husbandry, remains less dense. The growth of industry and trade alongside the agrarian economy has influenced population mobility and increased urbanization rates.

According to 2024 data, Afyonkarahisar’s total population is 750,193. Of this, the male population is 375,263 and the female population is 374,930.

Streets of Afyonkarahisar (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)

Economy

Afyonkarahisar is a city that has developed in agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and trade, maintaining its strategic importance as a transit point due to its geographical location. The convergence of traditional production activities with modern investments has contributed to the diversification and growth of the province’s economic structure.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Agriculture and animal husbandry are among the foundational pillars of Afyonkarahisar’s economy. Arable and non-arable land are evenly distributed across the province.

The total area of the province is 1,423,000 hectares, of which 48% is arable agricultural land.

Agricultural Products

Agriculture in Afyonkarahisar is concentrated especially in the plains, with vegetable and fruit production being prominent.

• Vegetable production is widespread in irrigated areas.
• Cereal production occurs over wide areas depending on climate and soil conditions.
• Industrial crops such as opium poppy, sugar beet, potato, and sunflower are significant components of agriculture.

Animal Husbandry

Afyonkarahisar is undergoing a transition from traditional to modern animal husbandry. Beef cattle farming is particularly intensive in the central region and its surroundings.

• Large and small livestock farming has developed.
• Poultry and egg production hold an important position nationally. Afyonkarahisar is one of the centers where Turkey’s egg market prices are determined.
• Dairy cattle farming, beekeeping, and poultry farming have also advanced.

Industry

Industry in Afyonkarahisar began with agriculture-based activities but diversified and expanded over time.

Industrial Zones and Organized Industrial Areas

• Afyonkarahisar has a total of 460 hectares of organized industrial area.
• Organized industrial zones and small industrial sites exist in the central district and municipalities.

Prominent Industrial Sectors

Industrial facilities in Afyonkarahisar have generally developed based on local resources.

• Marble industry: Afyonkarahisar is a major center for processing and exporting marble quarried especially in İscehisar and surrounding areas, both domestically and internationally.
• Food industry: Production of kaymak, sucuk, and kaymak-based sugar is among the traditional industrial sectors of the province.
• Manufacturing industry: Production of pasta, flour, animal feed, bricks, oil, and rubber has significantly contributed to industrialization.

Distribution of Industrial Facilities

The sectoral distribution of industrial facilities in Afyonkarahisar is as follows:

• 335 marble facilities
• 125 food facilities
• 30 clay industry facilities
• 13 animal feed and additive facilities
• 5 packaging facilities
• 4 textile facilities
• 8 forest products facilities
• 29 other industrial facilities

Trade and Transportation

Afyonkarahisar is a key center for road and rail transportation due to its geographical location.

• The province’s trade volume continues to grow daily due to favorable geography and transportation infrastructure.
• The locomotive of Afyonkarahisar’s economy has been Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in local resource-based production.
• Thermal tourism investments have contributed to the diversification and growth of the provincial economy.

As Afyonkarahisar lies at the intersection of major highways and railways, it has significantly contributed to rapid trade development. This advantage has accelerated the expansion of the organized industrial zone.

Tourism and Its Contribution to the Economy

Afyonkarahisar possesses significant potential in thermal tourism, cultural tourism, and nature tourism. Thermal and spa activities in Afyonkarahisar make substantial contributions to the economy. Particularly the thermal centers of Gazlıgöl, Sandıklı-Hüdai, Omar-Gecek, and Bolvadin-Heybeli hold great importance for health tourism.

• In recent years, investments in thermal tourism have increased, and the number of three-, four-, and five-star hotels has grown.
• The construction of modern facilities to ensure year-round tourism has positively impacted the economy.
• Structures such as Afyonkarahisar Castle, Phrygian rock monuments, Mevlevihane, and Ottoman architecture attract tourism.
• Cultural festivals and celebrations contribute to trade and tourism revenue.

Tourism

Afyonkarahisar is a city with rich tourism potential due to its historical and natural beauty, thermal springs, cultural heritage, and handicrafts. The province, marked by archaeological remnants, historical structures, caves, spas, fairy chimneys, open-air temples, and traditional cuisine, offers a wide variety of tourism types beyond sea tourism.

However, Afyonkarahisar has not fully benefited from the opportunities provided by the tourism sector. The main reasons include:

1. Its location as a transit route, leading tourists to stay only briefly,
2. Incomplete awareness of tourism and insufficient modern tourism investments.

In recent years, various projects have been developed by Culture and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to sustain and diversify tourism year-round, with increased investments in thermal tourism. As a result of these investments, Afyonkarahisar has begun reaching the level of prominence in tourism and has become one of Türkiye’s most important thermal tourism centers.

Afyonkarahisar’s tourism potential is categorized as follows:

Thermal Tourism and Spas (Health Tourism)

Afyonkarahisar ranks among Türkiye’s leading provinces in terms of spas and thermal springs. The healing waters of its thermal sources are used to treat numerous health conditions, particularly rheumatic diseases, skin disorders, and case-skeletal system ailments.

The province has four major thermal centers designated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as “Tourism Centers”:

• Gazlıgöl Thermal Tourism Center
• Sandıklı-Hüdai Thermal Tourism Center
• Ömer-Gecek Thermal Tourism Center
• Bolvadin-Heybeli Thermal Tourism Center

These centers feature modern hotels, spa facilities, curd centers, and spas, providing year-round services to visitors seeking healing. In recent years, investments in thermal tourism have speed and the number of five-star thermal hotels has increased.

Cultural and Historical Tourism

Afyonkarahisar holds great potential for cultural tourism due to its historical monuments and archaeological remains. The city bears traces of many civilizations including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.

Main cultural and historical tourism sites include:

Afyonkarahisar Castle

• A significant structure 226 meters high, used for defense by civilizations from the Hittites to the Ottomans.

Phrygian Rock Monuments and Open-Air Temples

• Aslankaya, Yılantaş, Maltaş, Göynüş Valley, and Kapıkaya are among the most important monuments from the Phrygian period.

Aslankaya (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)

Grand Mosque and Gedik Ahmet Pasha Külliyesi

• Important structures from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

Mevlevihane

• One of the important centers of the Mevlevi order.

Grave of Fatıma Zehra Hanım, mother of Namık Kemal, in the Mevlevihane courtyard (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)

Afyonkarahisar Archaeological Museum

• An important museum displaying historical artifacts from the city.

Nature Tourism and Natural Beauty

Afyonkarahisar is also notable for its natural beauty and natural areas.

Main nature tourism sites include:

• Eber Lake: An important area for birdwatching due to its wetland ecosystem.
• Akşehir Lake: A large lake located between Konya and Afyonkarahisar.
• Tokalı Canyon: A region suitable for hiking and mountaineering.
• Akdağ Nature Park: A suitable area for camping, hiking, and mountaineering, with rich flora and fauna diversity.

Festivals and Celebrations

Afyonkarahisar hosts various cultural and tourism festivals throughout the year. These festivals are important events for promoting the city’s cultural values and revitalizing tourism.

Main festivals include:

• Traditional Victory Week Celebrations (26–30 August): Events commemorating the anniversary of the Great Offensive, a turning point in the War of Independence.
• Sucuk and Kaymak Festival: A festival showcasing Afyonkarahisar’s famous sucuk and kaymak.
• Thermal and Cultural Festivals: Organized to promote thermal tourism and enhance the city’s visibility.

Shopping and Local Products

Afyonkarahisar is an attractive destination for tourists due to its local products and traditional handicrafts. The city is renowned for centuries-old handicraft traditions, whose products serve as important souvenirs for visitors.

Main local products include:

• Afyon sucuk
• Afyon kaymak
• Afyon lokum
• Marble and stone crafts
• Traditional kilims and carpets

Tourism Enterprises and Accommodation Facilities

Afyonkarahisar has numerous facility licensed for tourism operations. Particularly thermal hotels and spas offer luxurious and comfortable accommodation for both domestic and foreign tourists.

In addition, the city has activity travel agencies and guidance services established to promote tourism to develop.

Administrative Structure

The governor of Afyonkarahisar as of 18 May 2022 is Kübra Güran Yiğitbaşı. The mayor is Burcu Köksal. Köksal also became Afyonkarahisar’s first female mayor as of 31 March 2024. Afyonkarahisar has 17 districts, 60 municipalities, 42 towns, and 421 village.

The districts of Afyonkarahisar are:

• Başmakçı
• Bayat
• Bolvadin
• Çay
• Çobanlar
• Dazkırı
• Dinar
• Evciler
• Emirdağ
• Hocalar
• İhsaniye
• İscehisar
• Kızılören
• Sandıklı
• Sinanpaşa
• Sultandağı
• Şuhut