Gürün (District)

Gürün is a district of Sivas Province, located between Türkiye’s Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and Mediterranean regions. The district is situated along the Tohma Valley in an east-west orientation at an elevation of 1,250 meters. Gürün is 137 km from the city center of Sivas, 140 km from Malatya, 190 km from Kayseri, 280 km from Kahramanmaraş, and 90 km from Elbistan.

^Gürün(Republic of Türkiye Sivas Governorate)

Archaeological research has shown that human settlement in Gürun dates back to the 2000s BCE. Settlements found in the villages of Davulhöyük and Göbekören have been identified as Assyrian trade centers. During the Hittite period, the settlement known as Tilgarimmu occupied a key pass along the Royal Road. Gürün, which was a subdistrict during the Ottoman period, attained district status in 1869. Following the proclamation of the Republic, various developments took place in the district across multiple sectors.

As of 2020, the total population is 20,957. In addition to the district center, there is the town of Suçatı and 60 villages. The total area of the district is 2,797 km².

The district has a mountainous and rugged terrain and exhibits continental climate characteristics. The natural vegetation consists mostly of drought-resistant species such as keven, cattle tail grass, shepherd’s cushion, thyme, and kangal. Poplars, willows, and fruit trees grow along riverbanks. Once covered by forests, the region now has limited forested areas dominated by juniper, oak, and hawthorn trees.

The district lies on the watershed divide between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean basins. The main rivers in Gürün are the Tohma Creek and the Hurman Creek (also known as Akdere Creek). The lakes of Gökpınar, Uyuzpınar, and Aygır are also located within the district boundaries.

^{Gürün – Gökpınar Lake}(District Governorship of Gürün, Republic of Türkiye)

The main tourist sites in the district are Gökpınar Lake and Şuğul Canyon. Gökpınar Lake is known for its natural life park and trout production facilities. Şuğul Canyon offers rock inscriptions and opportunities for nature hiking. The district also contains churches from the Roman period, rock dwellings, mosques and tombs from the Ottoman period.

^{Gürün – Şuğul Valley}(Republic of Türkiye Sivas District Governorate)

Gürün was historically known for shawl weaving. Today, carpet and kilim weaving, wood carving, and handmade products continue to be produced. Carpet weaving courses and traditional arts are supported.

^{Gürün Shawl}(District Governorship of Gürün, Republic of Türkiye)

The economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Beekeeping, fishing, and mining are widespread in the district. There are trout production facilities with an annual capacity of approximately 800 tons. Gürün also has mineral deposits of iron, chromium, basalt, marble, and kayrak stone (Gürün salt). Bulgur production and mulberry molasses production also contribute to the local economy.

Gürün attracts attention through numerous social and educational projects. Campaigns such as the “Smart Classroom Project,” “White Flag Project,” and “Gürün Progressing Through Reading” have been implemented. The district hosts various educational institutions including an Anatolian High School, a Teacher’s High School, a Technical High School, and a Vocational College. The Gürün Public Library, with over 30,000 books, is the second largest library in Sivas Province.

Cultural activities are supported through the annual Gürün Culture and Art Festival. The district has produced many folk poets and bards. The house of poet Hüseyin Korkmazgil has been converted into the Poets’ House. The district also has a cultural center featuring a cinema hall with a capacity of 250 seats.