Kalecik is a district of Ankara province in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Located approximately 70 kilometers from Ankara city center, Kalecik is situated in the northeast of the province, on the banks of the Kızılırmak River. To the north of the district is Çankırı province, to the east is Keskin district of Kırıkkale, to the south is Akyurt district, and to the west is Elmadağ district. With an area of approximately 1,104 km², Kalecik is among Ankara's medium-sized districts in terms of area.

^{Ankara, Kalecik - General View (Kalecik Municipality)}

History

The history of Kalecik district dates back to very ancient times. Archaeological research in the region indicates that the settlement extends back to the Hittite period. The name of the district comes from the castle located in the center, which is thought to belong to the Roman-Byzantine period.

Throughout history, Kalecik has remained under Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule. During the Ottoman period, Kalecik was an important settlement connected to the Sanjak of Ankara, especially distinguished by its viticulture and commercial potential in the 17th and 18th centuries. Continuing its development after the proclamation of the Republic, Kalecik gained district status in 1929.

Geography and Climate

The elevation of Kalecik district is approximately 725 meters. The geography of the district is shaped by the steppe and undulating terrain characteristic of Central Anatolia. Kalecik has fertile agricultural lands extending along the Kızılırmak River. Vineyards, wheat, and legume-planted areas are common in the district. Furthermore, non-agricultural natural life is also present in the Kalecik Mountains and rural areas.

The climate bears the typical continental climate features of the Central Anatolia Region: hot and dry summers, and cold and snowy winters. However, microclimatic differences are also observed in the Kızılırmak Valley.

Population and Demographic Structure

According to TURKSTAT 2024 data, the total population of Kalecik district is 13,012 people. With this population, Kalecik is one of Ankara's medium-sized districts in terms of population. While a large portion of the population lives in the district center, there are lower-density settlements in over 50 neighborhoods and villages connected to the district. In recent years, the youth population has decreased due to out-migration from the district, but an increase in the student population has been observed thanks to Ankara University Kalecik Vocational School.

Economy

Kalecik's economy is largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The most important agricultural product of the district is a black grape variety called Kalecik Karası Grape. Wines produced from these grapes are recognized nationally and internationally. Additionally, crops such as wheat, barley, lentils, and sunflowers are widely cultivated. Thanks to the Kızılırmak River, fertile irrigation opportunities are also available.

^{Ankara, Kalecik Karası Grape (Kalecik Municipality)}

In animal husbandry, small and large livestock breeding is carried out, and poultry farming and beekeeping are also among the economic activities. Agriculture-based industry and the sale of homemade products (grape molasses, walnut sausage, jam) contribute to the district's economy.

Tourism, Culture and Cuisine

Kalecik possesses significant potential for cultural and rural tourism with both its natural beauties and historical structures. The Kalecik Castle, Historic Stone Bridge, old Ottoman houses, mosques, Turkish baths, and vineyards located in the district attract visitors' interest.

The annual Kalecik Karası Grape Festival is one of the most important events reflecting the district's cultural identity. The festival features grape competitions, folk dances, local music, and handicraft exhibitions. Additionally, traditional arts such as hand-weaving and wood carving are part of the local culture.

^{Ankara, Kalecik Karası Grape Festival Brochure (Kalecik Municipality)}

Kalecik cuisine encompasses Central Anatolian flavors. Products such as tarhana soup, keşkek, meat and chickpea dishes, tandoor kebab, homemade noodles (erişte), and jam stand out. Grape molasses, walnut sausage (cevizli sucuk), and homemade wines are among the products unique to the district.