Gölbaşı is a district located in the west of Adıyaman province and has a strategic importance, especially due to its geographical location. The district borders Besni and Tut to the east, Kahramanmaraş to the west, and Malatya to the north. Gölbaşı, with Gaziantep to the south, is located at a junction point connecting Malatya, Adıyaman, Gaziantep, and Kahramanmaraş provinces and thus functions as a bridge between the east and the west. The district has an area of ​​784 km² and an altitude of approximately 860 meters above sea level. In addition, Boruk Mountain, one of the highest mountains in the region, rises to 2320 meters.

Gölbaşı, which gained district status in 1958, attracts attention as an important recreation area, especially within the scope of the GAP Project. Natural water resources such as Gölbaşı Lake, Azaplı Lake, and İnekli Lake provide opportunities for various tourism-oriented activities in the vicinity of the district. In addition, the fact that the Göksu Stream passes through the district adds value to the natural beauties of the region.

History

The history of the Gölbaşı district is quite deep-rooted due to the strategic location of the region. Gölbaşı, which was a village affiliated with the Besni district until 1958, gained district status after Adıyaman province became a province. The settlement area where the district was established developed rapidly with the passage of the railway and played a major role in the growth of the district. Gölbaşı developed rapidly as a district affiliated with Adıyaman during the Republican period and has become an important settlement center today. Throughout the history of Gölbaşı, important roads such as the Baghdad Road, the War Road, and the Aleppo Road intersected here, bringing great historical dynamism to the region.

Geography and Climate

Gölbaşı district is surrounded by mountain ranges that are part of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains, and these mountains are a factor that affects the climate of the district. While the district is protected from extreme heat in the summers, it is cold and under high pressure in the winters. 29.66% of the district is used as arable agricultural land. The highest mountain in the region is Boruk Mountain, which rises to 2320 meters. Gölbaşı also has a rich ecosystem with lakes and natural water resources.

Population and Demographic Structure

The population of the Gölbaşı district has increased over time. While the population was 18,643 in 1960, this figure has reached 50,204 as of 2020. While the majority of the population is located in the city center, villages and rural areas also have an important place. Gölbaşı has both Sunni and Alevi populations. Turks and Kurds are the main ethnic groups that make up the demographic structure of the district.

Economy

The economy of the Gölbaşı district is mainly shaped by agriculture and animal husbandry. Grape, walnut, and fig production are the leading agricultural products. Besni grape is the most well-known agricultural product of the district and has an important place in the regional economy. There are also several industrial facilities in the district. These facilities include coal mines, textile factories, feed factories, and flour factories. In addition, various industrial establishments in the district are important factors that increase the economic vitality of the region.

Tourism, Culture, and Cuisine

Gölbaşı attracts attention with its historical and natural riches. Especially the lakes in the district and the recreation areas established around the Göksu Stream attract the attention of local and foreign tourists. The GAP Recreation Area, declared within the scope of the GAP Project, also increases the touristic appeal of the region. The historical structures in the district, especially the bridges and ruins, reveal the historical past of the area. Structures such as the Altınlı Bridge, Paşa Bridge, and Vicne Bridge have an important place among the historical values ​​of the region.

Gölbaşı's cuisine has also been shaped by utilizing the agricultural products of the region. Dishes and desserts made with products such as grapes and figs are unique to the region. Gölbaşı cuisine offers traditional dishes enriched with local agricultural products.