Eldivan, affiliated with Çankırı province, is a district located in the Central Anatolia Region. Eldivan, one of Çankırı's smaller settlements in terms of population, draws attention with its agricultural production, natural beauties, and historical past. The district is considered one of the examples of regional rural settlements, both in its geographical structure and social characteristics.
Geographical Location and Natural Structure
Eldivan is located southwest of Çankırı city center and is approximately 20 kilometers away from the center. To the east of the district is the Central district, to the west is Şabanözü, to the north is Korgun, and to the south is the border of Ankara province. Surrounded by the Eldivan Mountains, the region has an undulating terrain. A continental climate prevails in the district; winters are cold and snowy, while summers are hot and dry. These climatic conditions are decisive in the development of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Eldivan drone view (Eldivan Municipality)
History
The history of Eldivan dates back to ancient times. Traces of various civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines are seen in the region where the district is located. Although the origin of the name Eldivan is not fully known, there are tombstones and architectural elements from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods in the region. Eldivan, which was a village during the Ottoman period, gained sub-district status after the declaration of the Republic, and then district status in 1954.
Population and Socioeconomic Structure
According to Turkish Statistical Institute data, Eldivan's population is approximately 6,400 (2024). The population lives scattered in the district center and its affiliated villages. Agriculture and animal husbandry are among the main sources of livelihood in the district. Wheat, barley, chickpeas, sunflowers, and fruit cultivation are common. Especially apple and cherry production holds an important place in Eldivan's economy. There are also small-scale industrial activities and local handicrafts in the district.
Education and Cultural Structure
There are institutions providing primary, secondary, and high school education in Eldivan. In addition, Eldivan Health Services Vocational School, affiliated with Çankırı Karatekin University, also operates in the district. Cultural life bears the traces of traditional Anatolian village life. Local dishes, folk dances, and wedding traditions reflect the cultural fabric. Festivals and fairs, traditionally organized annually in Eldivan, offer social event areas for both local people and surrounding districts.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transportation to Eldivan is provided by road. Due to its proximity to Çankırı center, transportation facilities are relatively developed. The district center has asphalt roads, a health center, municipal service buildings, and small-scale shopping centers. Basic infrastructure services such as drinking water, sewage, and electricity have been largely completed. In addition, village roads and drinking water projects are periodically renewed in rural settlements.
District Center (Source: Çankırı Governorship)
Natural Beauties and Agricultural Products
Eldivan is one of the greenest and most tranquil settlements in Çankırı province. The district's especially mountainous regions and forested areas offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as nature walks and photography.
Eldivan Mountains
The Eldivan Mountains, which give the district its name, are among the most prominent geographical features of the region. These mountainous areas attract attention with their rich vegetation and wildlife. In spring and summer, the mountains, which take on different shades of green, are preferred areas for picnics and plateau activities by the local people.
Eldivan Bülbül Pınarı (Source: Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate)
Eldivan Plateaus
The plateaus located within the borders of Eldivan are preferred especially in summer due to their cool air. These plateaus, which serve as pastures for villagers engaged in animal husbandry, are also a cultural living space. Natural water sources, flower cover, and unspoiled structure make the plateaus environmentally valuable.
Eldivan Cherry
Eldivan is known for its high-quality cherry production recognized throughout Çankırı and on a regional scale. Eldivan's lands, with high altitude and a dry-semi-humid climate, are suitable for cherry cultivation. Especially the Eldivan cherry harvested from late May to mid-June stands out with its large fruit, shiny skin, and sweet aroma. Cherries produced in the district meet consumers both in the local market and in surrounding provinces.
Cherry cultivation is at the forefront of fruit-based agricultural activities in Eldivan's economy. Cherry festivals are occasionally organized in cooperation with provincial agricultural directorates and local producers; these events play an important role in both product promotion and cultural interaction.
Eldivan Cherry (Source: Eldivan District Governorship)
