Erbaa, one of the largest and most developed districts of Tokat, is situated in central Black Sea Region on a fertile plain formed by the confluence of the Kelkit and Tozanlı rivers into the Yeşilırmak. Due to its agricultural land, strategic location, and its history as a home to numerous civilizations, Erbaa has been a culturally and economically significant important center.
History
Erbaa’s history extends back to the Chalcolithic period (5000–3000 BCE). Excavations in the region have demonstrated that it has been an important settlement since the Hittite era. Throughout history, the region has been ruled successively by the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, the Kingdom of Pontus, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Danişmendids, the Anatolia Seljuks, the Ilkhanids, and the Ottomans.
Erbaa Kale Köprüsü - Orta Karadeniz Kalkınma Ajansı
Ancient Period (5000 BCE – 395 CE)
- Important settlements such as the Horoztepe Ancient City are located in the region. Excavations at this mound have uncovered burial sites and various artifacts from the Early Bronze Age.
- During the reign of King Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus, the region was known as Eupatoria.
- Under Roman rule, following the fall of the Kingdom of Pontus in 66 BCE, the region became part of the Roman Empire and developed into a major trade center.
Byzantine Period and the Arrival of the Turks (395 – 1392)
- During the Byzantine era, the region was named Magnapolis, and the Boğazkesen Castle was constructed for defensive purposes.
- After the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, Danişmend Gazi conquered the region and introduced the first Turkish-Islamic monuments to Erbaa and its surroundings.
In the 11th century, although the Byzantines briefly regained control of the region, it was once again incorporated into the Anatolian Seljuk State during the reign of II. Kılıçarslan.
Ottoman Period and the Formation of Erbaa as a District (1392 – 1923)
- In 1392, Yıldırım Bayezid incorporated the region into Ottoman territory.
- During the Ottoman period, Erbaa prospered economically due to its position along major trade routes, becoming known for viticulture, tobacco, and grain production.
- In 1872, Erbaa was organized as a district under the Amasya Sanjak, and in 1892 it was attached to Tokat.
Important Events
Erbaa Earthquakes and the 1942 Great Earthquake
Erbaa lies along the North Anatolian Fault Line and has therefore experienced numerous major earthquakes throughout history.
- 1939 Erzincan Earthquake: This earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.9, caused serious damage in Erbaa.
- December 20, 1942 Erbaa-Niksar Earthquake: This major earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.0, nearly destroyed Erbaa entirely. Almost the entire town was reduced to rubble, hundreds of people lost their lives, and thousands were left homeless. Due to the near-total destruction of the district center, a new urban plan was developed in 1946, and Erbaa was relocated to its current site.
- 1943 Ladik Earthquake: This earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6, caused the complete collapse of structures already damaged in previous quakes.
After these earthquakes, construction and city planning in Erbaa were made more resilient, and the reconstruction process accelerated.
Economic Developments and Industrialization
- From the 1950s onward, tobacco and grape production increased rapidly, becoming one of the district’s most important sources of income.
- In 1973, following Tokat’s designation as a priority development province, small-scale industrial investments were made and the Erbaa Organized Industrial Zone was established.
- Today, Erbaa continues to grow economically through clay industries (brick and tile factories), textiles, forest products, and food processing.
Geography and Climate
Erbaa is located in the Yeşilırmak Basin, bordered by the Canik Mountains to the north and the Sakarat and Boğalı Mountains to the south. The district covers an area of 1,177 km² and is situated 85 km from the city of Tokat.
Its climate exhibits transitional characteristics between the Black Sea and Central Anatolian climates:
- Winters are mild and rainy,
- Summers are hot and dry.
- Due to its microclimate, agricultural products such as grapes, walnuts, and tobacco are cultivated with high yields.
Geographically Indicated Products
Erbaa is notable for its geographically indicated products in agriculture and gastronomy:
1. Erbaa Narince Grape
- Considered one of Turkey’s finest table grapes.
- Recognized for its unique thin skin, aromatic flavor, and durability.
- This grape, also used in winemaking, is one of the foundational agricultural products of Erbaa’s economy.
2. Erbaa Vine Leaves
- Vine leaves harvested from Narince grape vines are preferred for their soft texture and veinless structure.
- Ideal for making dolma, they are in high demand throughout Turkey.
- This geographically indicated leaf holds an important place in the district’s agricultural development.
3. Erbaa Pekmez
- This pekmez, produced using natural methods, is known for its high nutritional value and intense aroma.
- Its properties that strengthen the immune system make it commonly consumed during winter months.
- These protected products reflect Erbaa’s agricultural potential and traditional production methods, contributing significantly to the regional economy.
Culture and Historical Structures
Erbaa offers visitors a rich array of historical and cultural heritage:
- Horoztepe Ancient City: An archaeological site yielding significant findings from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages.
- Boğazkesen (Kale) Köprüsü: A Roman-era bridge and one of the region’s most important historical structures.
- Silahtar Ömer Paşa Camii: Built in the 17th century, it is among the finest examples of Ottoman wooden craftsmanship.
- Erbaa City Museum: A museum illuminating the district’s history and culture.
Transportation
Erbaa is located on major routes connecting the Black Sea region with Central Anatolia:
- Road Network: Easy access via roads linking to Samsun, Amasya, and Sivas.
- Railway: The Samsun-Sivas railway line passes through the district.
- Air Transport: Air connectivity has been restored with the reopening of Tokat Airport in 2022.
Throughout history, Erbaa has hosted numerous civilizations and, despite repeated destruction by earthquakes, has always been rebuilt and continued to develop. With its strong agricultural sector, growing industry, and cultural richness, Erbaa remains one of Tokat’s most important districts.
