Gürün is a district of Sivas province, located in Türkiye, between the Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and Mediterranean regions. The district is established along the Tohma Valley in an east-west direction, with an altitude of 1250 meters. Gürün is 137 km from Sivas city center, 140 km from Malatya, 190 km from Kayseri, 280 km from Kahramanmaraş, and 90 km from Elbistan.
Gürün (T.C. Sivas Governorship)
History
Archaeological research indicates that human settlement in Gürün dates back to 2000 BC. Settlements found in Davulhöyük and Göbekören villages have been identified as Assyrian Trade Centers. During the Hittite period, the settlement, called Tilgarimmu, was an important passage on the King's Road. Gürün, which was a sub-district during the Ottoman period, gained district status in 1869. After the declaration of the Republic, various developments occurred in the district.
Population and Settlement
As of 2020, the total population is 20,957. Besides the district center, there is the town of Suçatı and 60 villages. The total area is 2,797 km².
Topography and Climate
The district, which has a mountainous and rugged structure, exhibits continental climate characteristics. The natural vegetation mostly consists of drought-resistant plants such as astragalus, mullein, shepherd's purse, thyme, and thistle. Poplar, willow, and fruit trees grow along the riverbanks. The region, which was covered with forests in ancient times, now has limited forest areas with juniper, oak, and hawthorn trees.
Water Resources and Lakes
The district is located on the water divide line of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean basins. Tohma Stream and Hurman (Akdere) Stream in Gürün are the main waterways. Gökpınar, Uyuzpınar, and Aygır lakes are also within the district borders.
Gürün - Gökpınar Lake (T.C. Gürün District Governorship)
Tourism and Natural Beauties
Gökpınar Lake and Şuğul Canyon are important tourist areas in the district. Gökpınar Lake is known for its natural life park and trout farming facilities. Şuğul Canyon offers rock inscriptions and hiking opportunities. The district also houses Roman-era churches, rock houses, and Ottoman-era mosques and tombs.
Gürün - Şuğul Valley (T.C. Sivas District Governorship)
Cultural Values and Handicrafts
Gürün was known for its shawl weaving in the past. Today, carpet and rug weaving, wood carving, and handmade products continue to be produced. Carpet weaving courses and traditional arts are supported.
Gürün Shawl (T.C. Gürün District Governorship)
Economy
The economy is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Beekeeping, fishing, and mining are common in the district. There are trout farming facilities with an annual capacity of approximately 800 tons. Gürün also has mineral deposits such as iron, chromium, basalt, marble, and slate (Gürün slate). Bulgur production and mulberry molasses production also contribute to the economy in the district.
Education and Social Projects
Gürün stands out with many social and educational projects. Many campaigns such as the "Smart Classroom Project", "White Flag Project", and "Gürün Develops Further by Reading" have been carried out. The district has various educational institutions such as an Anatolian high school, a teacher training high school, a technical high school, and a vocational school. Gürün Public Library is the second-largest library in Sivas province with over 30,000 books.
Culture and Arts
Cultural events are supported through the annual Gürün Culture and Art Festival. Many folk poets and bards have grown up in the district. The house of poet Hüseyin Korkmazgil has been converted into the Poets' House. The district also has a cultural center with a cinema hall for 250 people.
