Erzincan (Province)

Erzincan is a city in Türkiye's East Anatolia Region, covering an area of place, and has been inhabited by numerous civilizations throughout history. Located along the Silk Road at strategic, Erzincan has come under the influence of many historical and states. Evidence of settlement dating back to the 2000s BCE shows that the region was influenced by the Urartian, Med, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman like civilizations.

Erzincan (Source: Erzincan Municipality)

Early Antiquity Period

Although definitive information about Erzincan’s early history remains elusive, records indicate that the Hurrians inhabited the region followed by the Hayasans and Azzi. It is also believed that Erzincan fell under the dominance of the Hittites during their rule over Anatolia from 1850 to 1180 BCE, leaving behind important traces.

Urartian Period

Established around 900 BCE in Eastern Anatolia, the Urartian Kingdom ruled over a vast territory including Erzincan. The Urartians designated Van as their capital and expanded their borders from the Caspian Sea to the Euphrates, from Erzincan to Musul. Excavations near Altıntepe in Erzincan confirm the region’s subjugation under Urartian control.

Median Period

After the fall of the Urartians, the Erzincan region came under Median control in 612 BCE. The Medes conquered Anatolia and administered the region as far as the Persians.

Persian Period

Around 550 BCE, the Persians defeated the Medes and took control of Anatolia, bringing Erzincan under Persian rule. Following Persian dominance, the region was conquered by the Macedonians.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods

After the death of Alexander the Great, the Erzincan region became part of the Macedonian Empire. Subsequently, the Roman Empire captured the area in 70 BCE. During Roman rule, Erzincan became a center of numerous conflicts. Under Byzantine influence, the city changed hands among various powers.

Islamic Period

Following Islamic conquests, Erzincan came under Muslim control in 655 during the time of Hz. Osman, and later fell under Abbasid Arab authority. During this period, Erzincan remained under Arab administration amid repeated Byzantine attacks.

Turkic Period

Turkic incursions into Anatolia gained momentum after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Mengücek Ahmet Gazi, one of the commanders of Alparslan, conquered Erzincan and established the Mengücek Beylik. In 1228, Erzincan was captured by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat and thereafter came under Seljuks control. After the Battle of Köse Dağ in 1243, Erzincan fell under Ilkhanid administration.

Eretna Beylik Period

During the decline of the Ilkhanids, Alaeddin Eretna seized Erzincan in 1335 and declared independence. The Eretna Beylik governed the region through alliances with local beyliks and other regional powers.

Ottoman Period

The Ottomans conquered Erzincan in 1473 following the Battle of Otlukbeli, bringing the region under Ottoman rule. After the 1514 campaign against the Safavids, Erzincan rejoined the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman era, the city became an important center both strategically and culturally.

Modern Period

After the proclamation of the Republic, Erzincan became a province of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923. In 1939, the city suffered a major earthquake disaster, sustaining extensive damage and losing tens of thousands of lives. Reconstruction began after the earthquake, leading to the establishment of modern Erzincan. The Russian occupation of 1916 and liberation in 1918 are among the most significant events in Erzincan’s history.

Geographical Structure

Erzincan is located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye, within the Upper Euphrates Basin. Its geographical coordinates lie between 39°02' and 40°05' north latitude and 38°16' and 40°45' east longitude. Erzincan borders Erzurum to the east, Sivas to the west, Tunceli to the south, Bingöl to the southeast, Elazığ and Malatya to the southwest, G is a proper noun referring to a place in Türkiye. As per the guidelines, place names should be preserved in their standard English form where they exist.Gümüşhane → GümüşhaneThe correct translation is: **Gümüşhane** and Bayburt to the north, and Giresun to the northwest. Erzincan has an area of 11,903 km² and its provincial center lies at an elevation of 1,185 meters above sea level.

Erzincan (Source: Pexels/Selim Özgün)

The geography of Erzincan province is largely covered by mountains and plateaus. The Mountain ranges occupy approximately 60% of the province’s territory and extend in various directions. The Munzur Mountains enter from the southwest and the Refahiye Mountains from the northwest. Erzincan features a landscape shaped by valleys and plains between its mountain ranges. The Erzincan Plain extends 40 km in an east-west direction and covers an area of 500 km², offering extensive arable land.

Other important plains within the provincial boundaries include the Tercan Plains on either side of the Euphrates Valley. These plains support irrigated agriculture and produce significant agricultural crops. Erzincan’s mountains are known for peaks of varying elevations. The Esence Mountains, at 3,549 meters, are the highest point in the province. Other notable peaks include Köhnem Dağı (3,045 m), Sipikör Dağı (3,010 m), and the Munzur Mountains (3,449 m).

The vegetation cover of Erzincan province is predominantly steppe. However, in the western districts of Refahiye and Kemah, pine forests, oak groves, and shrublands are common. In the southern part of the province, particularly in the Munzur Mountains, vegetation is especially rich.

The climate of Erzincan is generally continental. Compared to other environment provinces, Erzincan experiences a drier and hotter write season, while winters are harsh and cold. The annual average temperature is 16.6 °C, with the coldest moon, January, reaching as low as -3.7 °C, and the warmest month, August, reaching 23.9 °C. The annual average precipitation is 380.6 mm, with spring being the wettest season.

The largest river in Erzincan is the Euphrates. The Euphrates flows through the Tercan Plain, divides the Erzincan Plain, and is fed by various tributaries. Its waters are used for irrigation, energy production, and water sports. Other important water sources in the province include Çayırlık Stream, Tuzla Water, and Kadıgölü in Kemaliye.

The geographical structure of Erzincan province is diverse, characterized by mountainous areas, plains, rivers, and vegetation. These geographical features significantly influence the province’s agricultural activities, climate, and economic structure. Erzincan stands out for its natural and climatic diversity, which has shaped the region’s historical and cultural development.

Economic Structure

Thanks to its geographical location and natural resources, Erzincan has a diverse economic structure. The economy of Erzincan is largely based on agriculture. The most important agricultural products in the province include wheat, barley, sugar beet, alfalfa, and bean. The Erzincan and Tercan Plains are fertile agricultural areas that benefit from irrigation facilities, enabling intensive production. While 44% of Erzincan’s agricultural land is dedicated to field farming, the remainder is used for vegetable and fruit cultivation. The largest income source from agriculture comes from wheat and sugar beet. In addition, settled farmers in Erzincan engage in both large and small livestock farming. The number of large livestock in Erzincan is 114,915 and small livestock is 434,457. The livestock sector plays a significant role in meat and milk production. Erzincan is also a fish-producing region, with a fish production of 589.25 tons recorded in 2018.

Erzincan’s industry sector is primarily composed of small and medium-sized factories and production facilities. Industrial establishments in Erzincan include companies active in food, textile, automotive, and construction sectors with activity capacity. Erzincan has notable production capacity in the food industry, hosting numerous enterprises involved in dairy products, flour-based goods, and meat processing. In addition, the automotive and construction sectors are among the province’s growing economic areas. Industrial establishments in Erzincan primarily serve local markets, but in recent years, steps have been taken to enhance export potential.

Another significant sector in Erzincan’s economy is industry based on livestock and agriculture. Erzincan also plays an important economic role as a transportation hub. Erzincan is a key intersection point for both railway and land transport. This strategic location supports trade and logistics activities. Erzincan is seeking to diversify its economy through regional exports. In the industrial sector, Erzincan aims to attract investment and increase local labor capacity through regional development incentives.

Historical Sites and Tourism

Erzincan possesses tourism potential through its natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage. Natural areas such as the Munzur Mountains and the Erzincan Plain are important gravity centers for nature tourism. Additionally, Erzincan attracts tourists through its cultural heritage elements including historic mosques, madrasas, and bridges. Various festivals are held annually in Erzincan that draw the attention of domestic and foreign tourists, contributing to the development of the province’s tourism potential.

• Altıntepe: Located 15 km from the city center of Erzincan, north of the Erzincan-Erzurum highway, Altıntepe contains some of the most intact remains from the Urartian period. Excavations conducted in 1959 uncovered temple-palace complexes, tombs, dwellings, as well as ivory and metal artifacts, helmets, and wall paintings dating to the 8th century BCE. These artifacts are displayed at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, representing significant examples of Urartian art from its golden age.
• Terzi Baba Türbesi: Terzi Baba, who lived between 1779 and 1848, was known for his profession as a tailor. Revered as a spiritual leader by the local population, Terzi Baba’s tomb is a frequently visited site in Erzincan. He also authored a Sufi work titled “Kenzil Fütuh”.

Terzi Baba Türbesi (Source: Erzincan Municipality)

• Mamahatun Kervansarayı: Built in the 13th century, Mamahatun Kervansaray has a structure similar to Ottoman urban caravanserais. Constructed from yellowish cut limestone, the kervansaray features pointed arch gateways and various rooms. To the northeast of the structure lies the Mama Hatun Hamamı. The kervansaray is an important historical structure retaining features from the 12th century.
• Kemah Kalesi: Kemah Castle is one of Anatolia’s oldest and most natural fortresses, believed to date back to the Hittite and Urartian periods. Built on steep cliffs, the castle is protected by two nested structures and surrounding walls. The structures within the castle reveal one of the most significant defensive systems of the past.
• Abrenk Church and Standing Stones: Located southeast of Vank Mountain near Üçpınar Village, Abrenk Church bears inscriptions from the Seljuk Principality of the 12th century. The church and its surroundings include standing stones and a chapel with religious significance. These stones are notable for their architecture and ornamentation.
• Mamahatun Türbesi: Located in the Tercan district, Mamahatun Türbesi was constructed between 1192 and 1202 in honor of Saltukid Princess Mamahatun. This tomb, unique in Anatolia for its architectural design and plan, stands out for its fine craftsmanship and original segmented body. The tomb also functions as a külliye, containing a kervansaray, hamam, and mosque in its vicinity.
• Sultan Melik Türbesi: Located northwest of Kemah, Sultan Melik Türbesi dates to the Mengücek Beylik period and is situated on a rocky platform. The octagonal tomb contains the mummy of Sultan Melik of the Mengücek Beylik and five graves. The tomb is notable for its construction material and original burial chamber.
• Refahiye Merkez Camii: The central mosque in Refahiye district features decorative elements characteristic of the Western period. It also forms an important historical site with the Bahaettin Paşa Şehitliği located in its courtyard. The mosque’s architecture is a significant example of local religious structures.
• Kemah Gülabibey Camii: This mosque in Kemah district is notable for its restoration inscription dating to the 18th century. The mosque, with a square plan and sloping roof, features Baroque ornamentation and muqarnas fillings around the mihrab. The later-added congregational area enhances the building’s size and historical importance.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Erzincan province plays a significant role in regional development through its road networks, railways, air transport, and infrastructure improvements. With a total road network of 830 km, Erzincan is one of the key main transportation nodes in Eastern Anatolia. The length of divided roads in Erzincan increased from 7 km in 2002 to 266 km, significantly improving intra-city and inter-city transportation. Village roads also hold considerable importance; the total network consists of 3,611 km, including 2,991 km of first-priority village roads and 620 km of second-priority village roads. These roads strengthen the connection between rural settlements and the city center.

In terms of Rail transport, Erzincan has a total railway length of 243 km, providing important transport links through the Doğu Ekspresi between Kars-Haydarpaşa and passenger services between Erzincan and Divriği. Erzincan is also hosting project studies for the Sivas-Erzincan fast railway line.

Air transport in Erzincan is gradually developing. Turkish Airlines operates scheduled flights to Istanbul Atatürk Airport, while Sun Express offers flights to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. These air connections strengthen Erzincan’s position within the national transportation network.

Infrastructure improvements, particularly the modernization of transportation networks, aim to enhance the quality of life in the city. Key initiatives include constructing new roads, upgrading existing ones, and developing public transportation systems. These efforts in Erzincan seek to reduce urban traffic congestion and accelerate connectivity with neighboring provinces. Additionally, innovations in energy infrastructure contribute to a sustainable building, providing both economic and environmental benefits to the city. These improvements will significantly support Erzincan’s future development.

Regional Cuisine

• Erzincan Grape
• Erzincan Tulum Cheese
• Tava Leblebi
• Erzincan Karakovan Honey
• Erzincan Walnut
• Erzincan Ketesi

Local Administration

Governor

The active Governor of Erzincan is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamza Aydoğdu. Aydoğdu was appointed Governor of Erzincan by Presidential Decree No. 2023/376 dated 10.08.2023.