Çat (District)

Located in the southwest of Erzurum province, Çat district is a settlement notable for its historical and natural attractions. Under the influence of a continental climate, the district is distinguished by its fertile plains and mountainous terrain. Agriculture and livestock farming are among the main sources of livelihood in Çat, which is approximately 115 kilometers from the center of Erzurum city. The population in 2022 was 16,239 and the district consists of 45 neighborhood and 32 mahalles.

History

The history of Çat and its surroundings extends back to very ancient periods. Archaeological research in the region has revealed that settlement dates as far back as the Paleolithic Era. Çat came under the rule of the Hittites, Urartians, Romans and Byzantine Empire before falling under Turkish control following the Battle of Manzikert. It maintained its importance as a significant settlement during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

In the 18th century, a bucak center was established near the area of today’s Yavi Mahallesi, where Ottoman sipahi units gathered. Initially subordinate to Kığı district, this bucak center was transferred to Tercan district in 1914 due to transportation difficulties and geographical factors. In 1934, the village of Aşağı Çat became the district center, but in 1938 it was reverted to bucak status and attached to Aşkale district. In 1946 it was again attached to Erzurum Center district as a bucak. Finally, through administrative reorganization in 1954, the village of Oyuklu was designated as the district center and the Çat district was officially established and organized. The same year, Çat Municipality was founded and began operations. The first Municipality mayor was Burhanettin Saydın (1954–1977), followed successively by Hamit Yaşar (1977–1980), Mirza Wolf (1984–1994), Seyfettin Yellow (1994–2004), Şibli Saydın (2004–2014), Arif Hikmet Kılıç (2014–2019), and Melik Yaşar (2019–present).

With the enactment of Law No. 6360 on Metropolitan Municipalities on 30 March 2014, the provincial boundaries of Erzurum became administrative boundaries, and all villages under the district gained the status of mahalles. The former town of Yavi also lost its legal personality and became a mahalle. This law brought Çat district within the boundaries of the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, abolished special administrations, and reorganized the division of duties and authority between metropolitan and district municipalities.

Çat Municipality (Source: Çat Municipality)

Geography

Çat district is located in the southwest of Erzurum. It borders Tekman and Hınıs to the east, Karlıova district of Bingöl to the west, Erzurum center to the north, and Muş’s Varto district to the south. The district’s terrain is generally mountainous and rugged. Extensions of the Bingöl Mountains lie in the west section of the district. Between these mountains lie fertile plains and plateaus. Important rivers in the district include the Hınıs Çayı. Due to the mountainous topography and the extensive coverage of high plateaus, arable land is limited, and this situation has contributed to the greater development of livestock farming. Underground resources of the district include the salt deposits of “Muhlis” in Bozyazı Mahallesi, “Karagöl” within the boundaries of Karaşeyh Mahallesi, and “Çögender” in Tuzluca Mahallesi.

Climate

A continental climate judgment prevails in Çat. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snow snowy. The annual average temperature is low. Especially during winter months, temperatures frequently drop below zero and snow cover can remain long duration permanent. Spring and autumn months are mild transitional periods. The elevation is 1,980 meters and the area covers 1,386 km².

Population and Demographics

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) 2022 Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) data, the population of Çat district is 16,239. Due to the predominance of rural settlements, the population is generally low. A large portion of the population resides in the district center and surrounding villages. In recent years, a migration trend toward major cities has been observed due to economic and social factors.

Çat National House (Source: Çat municipality))

Economy

The economy of Çat district is largely based on agriculture and livestock farming. In the fertile plains, wheat, barley, sugar beet and like crops are cultivated. Livestock farming is widespread, with both small and large ruminants being raised. In recent years, beekeeping has also become an important economic activity. There are also medium-scale small and trade activities in the district center.

Tourism and Culture

Çat possesses tourism potential due to its natural beauty and historical fabric. The natural landscapes, highland pastures and rivers of the Bingöl Mountains provide suitable areas for hiking and photography. The district also contains historical structures dating from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

Hölenk Thermal Springs: Located in Hölenk village, these springs were little known until recent times and are reputed to contain healing waters that emerge once every seven years.

Çarşı Fountain: A 250-year-old fountain located in the district center, it is an inscribed Ottoman-era structure.

Bardakçı Village Mosque and Fountain: An Ottoman-era structure dating to the last quarter of the 1800s.

Çat Dam: It has added a unique color to the district. For the past five years, Erzurum’s drinking water has been sourced from here.

Additionally, Çat features several visited musical mode and sites such as Ardıç, Çamlık, Güney tepe, Cilli Göz, Kumaşlı and Oyuklu.

Çat Municipality Islamic Art Museum (Source: Çat Municipality)

Cuisine

Çat cuisine reflects the general characteristics of Erzurum and East Anatolia regions. Due to harsh winter conditions, meals are typically hearty and nutritious. Major local delicacies include cağ kebabı, water böreği, hıngel, ayran aşı and katmer. Additionally, locally produced natural honey and varieties of cheese hold an important place in the regional diet.