Haymana is a district located in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye, affiliated with the Ankara province. Situated approximately 75 kilometers from the capital, the district covers a large area and has an average altitude of 1,260 meters. Access to the district is provided by road, with easy access by public transportation from both Ankara and surrounding districts. To the east of the district are Balâ, to the south Kulu and Cihanbeyli, to the west Polatlı, and to the north the Gölbaşı districts. Haymana Plateau constitutes 2/3 of the district's land.
Ankara, Haymana (Haymana Municipality)
History
Haymana's history dates back to ancient times. Archaeological research in the region indicates that settlement traces extend to the Hittite period. Haymana, which later came under the rule of many civilizations such as the Phrygians, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines, came under the domination of the Seljuks after the Battle of Manzikert. It gained great importance especially during the Turkish War of Independence, with some fronts of the Battle of Sakarya taking place on Haymana's lands. For this reason, there are many martyrs' cemeteries and monuments in the district.
There are various legends regarding the origin of the name Haymana. The most well-known of these is the legend attributed to Hayme Ana, the mother of Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. According to the accounts, Hayme Ana passed away in the region where the current district center is located and was buried here. Because her tomb was here, over time, the name "Hayme Ana" transformed among the public into "Haymana".
Furthermore, the etymological origin of the word "Haymana" is also noteworthy. In Kaşgarlı Mahmud's work, Divanü Lügati’t-Türk, the word "haymana" is used to mean pasture, grassland, and greenery. This meaning also aligns with the geographical structure of the district and its past usage.
In historical sources, the region is referred to by different names.
In the 18th century, this region was named "Haymanateyn" within the administrative structure around Ankara. Additionally, in the Ankara Sharia Registers from 1588–1590, the region is mentioned as "Büyük Haymana" (Greater Haymana) and "Küçük Haymana" (Lesser Haymana). These expressions indicate that Haymana has been an important center in terms of settlement and administration throughout history.
Geography and Climate
Geographically, Haymana is a typical Central Anatolian district. It stands out with its vast steppe lands and pastures. It is under the influence of a continental climate; summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. This natural structure has also shaped agricultural and livestock activities in the district. Cereal products such as wheat and barley are widely grown, while cattle and small ruminant farming are among the important livelihoods of the people.
Population and Demographic Structure
According to current data from the Haymana District Governorship, the total population of Haymana district as of 2021 is 27,298 people. Of this population, 7,693 live in the district center, while the remaining 19,605 people reside in rural neighborhoods (outer neighborhoods). The data shows that a significant portion of Haymana's population lives in rural settlements, and the non-central population is decisive in the district's demographic structure.
Due to limited economic opportunities in Haymana district and migration movements primarily towards large cities like Ankara, the district's population is gradually decreasing, and with the young population moving to cities, the average age is also increasing. The demographic structure of the district is quite diverse; in addition to predominantly Turkish and Kurdish populations, communities of different ethnic origins also live together in the region.
Ankara, Haymana Map (Ankara Governorship)
Economic Structure and Tourism
The economy of Haymana district is largely based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and thermal tourism.
Haymana's most known feature is its thermal springs. There are many thermal hotels and spa facilities in the district. The thermal water, with a temperature of approximately 44–45 degrees Celsius, is believed to be beneficial for rheumatism, skin diseases, and musculoskeletal system disorders. This feature has made Haymana an attractive health tourism center for both local and foreign tourists. Thermal tourism has brought economic prosperity to the district, provided new job opportunities, and increased investments.
Ankara, Haymana Thermal Springs (Haymana Municipality)
Culture and Cuisine
Haymana's cultural structure is shaped by being a region densely populated by people of Turkish and Turkmen origin. The local people maintain traditional Turkmen culture, which manifests itself in local music, dance, clothing, and daily life. Furthermore, traditional handicrafts and weaving activities are still common in the villages around Haymana. In the district, historical and cultural structures such as the Haymana Thermal Springs make significant contributions to the district's cultural heritage. Also, the traces of the Turkish War of Independence are visible in the district; battlefields and monuments in the region create a historical depth.
Haymana cuisine boasts the rich flavors of the Central Anatolia Region. Meat dishes are quite common in Haymana. Especially traditional dishes such as meat cooked in a tandoor and kuymak are prime examples of local cuisine. In addition, appetizers like tarator, bulgur pilaf, and kısır are frequently consumed. Pastries also hold an important place in Haymana's cuisine. Delicacies such as bazlama, gözleme, and simit are often preferred for both breakfasts and meals.
