Aziziye district, located in the west of Erzurum province, formerly known as Ilıca, is one of Erzurum's largest districts with an area of approximately 1686 square kilometers. It is located 1812 meters above sea level. Ilıca, which gained district status in 1991, merged with Dadaşkent neighborhood under Law No. 5747 "Establishment of Districts within Metropolitan Municipality Boundaries" and was named "Aziziye", becoming one of Erzurum's three central districts. The establishment of the Aziziye (Ilıca) Municipality Organization dates back to 1953. The district stands out not only for its natural beauties but also for its important thermal springs.

^{Erzurum Ilıca (Erzurum encyclopedia)}

History

The first settlement area of Aziziye (Ilıca) district is the fertile lands between the Karasu River and Pulur Stream. Archaeological excavations carried out in Karaz (Kahramanlar Village) within this region indicate that the settlement dates back to 4000 BC. In the historical process, Aziziye (Ilıca) successively came under the domination of the Hurrians, Hayaša, Azzi Kingdom, and Urartians (900-600 BC), and was then subjected to Scythian, Median, and Persian invasions. The region, which came under the control of the Roman Empire in 65 BC, was used as an encampment by Ibrahim Yınal and Kutalmış, commanders of the Great Seljuk State, between 1040 and 1063 AD, with the aim of capturing Erzurum. After the Battle of Manzikert, Ilıca completely fell under Turkish rule.

Ilıca, subjected to various occupations and invasions, fell into Russian hands during World War I, after fierce clashes on the night of February 16-17, 1918, as the Russian army commanded by General Yudenich followed the retreating Turkish army, which had been pushed back after the occupation of Erzurum on February 16, 1916. Russian military historian Korsun states in his work "Erzurum Operation" that "on February 18 at 2:00 PM, the vanguard forces of the 156th Elizavetplski Infantry Regiment captured Ilıca." With the Russian occupation, the people of Ilıca were forced to migrate to inland regions such as Kayseri, Adana, Sivas, and Tokat via Erzincan, despite the harsh conditions of the winter season, and many people lost their lives due to cold and hunger during this migration. The Turkish army, commanded by Kazım Karabekir Pasha, ended Ilıca's days of captivity on March 11, 1918. Ilıca, which gained district status in 1991, merged with Dadaşkent in 2008 and was named Aziziye.

Geography

Aziziye district and its central villages are located on the Erzurum Plain and Daphan Plain. The Ovacık sub-district, located north of the district, has a mountainous and rugged terrain structure. The total area of the district is 1686 km², and the municipal boundary is approximately 300 km². Its elevation is 1812 meters.

Important rivers passing through the district boundaries are:

• Karasu: Originates from Dumlu Mountain and joins the Euphrates River near Tecer village in Aşkale district. It merges with Köşk Stream from Kargapazarı Mountains, Pulur Stream descending from Palandöken Mountains, and Serçeme Stream passing through the district boundaries. Karasu, a branch of the Euphrates River, has a total length of 185 km, with 140 km within Erzurum boundaries. Its average flow rate is 44 m³/sec.
• Serçeme Stream: Serçeme Stream, a branch of the Karasu River, originates from Yıldız Mountains. It joins the Karasu River at Çağdariç bridge near Aşkale. Its total length is 69 km, all within the district boundaries. Its average flow rate is 9 m³/sec.
• Pulur Stream: Pulur Stream, another branch of the Karasu River, originates from Tabya Mountains and joins the Karasu River near Ilıca. Its total length is 43 km, all passing through the district boundaries. Its average flow rate is 2 m³/sec.

There is no natural lake within the district boundaries. However, there is the Kuzgun Dam Lake and a pond built for irrigation purposes near Merkez Söğütlü village.

Climate

Aziziye district has similar climate characteristics to Erzurum province due to its proximity. It is under the influence of a continental climate, with summers generally hot and dry, and winters cold and snowy. The annual average temperature is low. Temperatures frequently drop below freezing in winter, and snow cover can remain for a long time. Spring and autumn seasons are experienced as mild transition periods.

Population - Demography

As of 2024, the population of Aziziye district is 70,032. Of this population, 37,660 are male and 32,372 are female. Males constitute 53.78% of the population, while females constitute 46.22%. The district's population has shown changes over time due to factors such as migration from rural areas to the city center and natural population growth.

Economy

The economy of Aziziye district is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and especially thermal tourism. Agricultural activities are carried out thanks to its location in a part of the Erzurum Plain, and crops such as wheat and barley are grown. Animal husbandry is also an important source of livelihood for the local people.

However, the most important economic potential of the district is its thermal resources. Aziziye (Ilıca) Hot Springs is one of Türkiye's leading thermal tourism centers. The thermal hotel facilities operated by Aziziye Municipality make significant contributions to regional and national tourism. Additionally, it is aimed to increase the potential for nature tourism with arrangements to be made around Pulur Stream. The success Erzurum has achieved in winter tourism with Palandöken is intended to be supported in thermal tourism by Aziziye. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the district's geothermal resources contribute more to the district and provincial economy.

^{Aziziye apart hotels (Aziziye municipality)}

Tourism - Culture - Cuisine

Aziziye (Ilıca) Hot Springs

Aziziye (Ilıca) Hot Springs, located approximately 18 km from Erzurum city center, has undergone periodic maintenance since 1964 and a comprehensive renovation in 2005, transforming it into a modern thermal facility. The facilities, which include a boutique hotel with 86 beds and 14 family cabins, offer three separate pools for men, women, and groups, as well as a sauna, Turkish bath, Finnish bath, physical therapy center, gym, and cafeteria. These facilities, operating under Aziziye Municipality, have become one of Türkiye's important thermal tourism brands.

The waters of Ilıca hot springs have an international reputation due to their carbon and hydrogen mineral content. The thermal waters have a total mineralization of 3535.8 mg/lt, 4 mg/lt fluoride, sodium, and bicarbonate content. The source water temperature is 39.4 °C, and its hardness is 38 French hardness degrees. It appears clear, is slightly yellow in color, odorless, and has little sediment. These thermal waters are believed to have positive effects on stomach, intestinal, liver, gallbladder, nutritional disorders, and rheumatic diseases.

^{Aziziye Ilıca thermal facilities ( Aziziye governorship)}