Karaman (Province)

Karaman is a historically and culturally significant city located in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Karaman, one of the oldest settlement centers in Anatolia, has been home to various civilizations from the Hittites to the Ottomans. Known as Larende during earlier periods, it became the capital of the Karamanoğulları Beylik in 1256 and adopted the name Karaman during the Ottoman era. It was officially registered as Türkiye’s 70th province on 15 July 1989.

Karaman, Türkiye (Source: Karaman Municipality)

History

The earliest settlement traces in Karaman and its surroundings extend back to the Neolithic period (circa 8000 BCE). During the Hittite era, region served as a military and commercial center and was subsequently governed by the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Hellenistic kingdoms, Romans, and Byzantines. Particularly during the Roman and Byzantine periods, evidence indicates intensive agricultural and livestock activities in the region.

Following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Turkish tribes settled in Karaman and its surroundings, bringing the region under the control of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. In the late 13th century, as the Seljuk state weakened, the Karamanoğulları Beylik gained dominance in the region and declared Larende its capital.

Karamanoğlu Mehmet Lord made a significant contribution to the preservation of Turkish language and culture by issuing a decree in 1277 that declared Turkish the official language. At its peak, the beylik extended over a vast territory encompassing Konya, Karaman, Niğde, Kayseri, Adana and Antalya. After prolonged conflicts with the Ottomans, Fatih Sultan Mehmet incorporated the Karamanoğulları Beylik into Ottoman territories in 1469.

During the Ottoman period, Karaman was administered first as a beylerbeylik and later as a district center. In the 19th century, under the Ottoman provincial system, Karaman was attached to Konya Vilayet. It gained municipal organization in 1911 and was elevated to provincial status in 1989.

Throughout history, Karaman has been regarded as one of Anatolia’s key cities due to its location along major trade routes, its role as a host to multiple civilizations, and its status as the center of the Karamanoğulları Beylik. Today, it continues to preserve its rich historical heritage while advancing in agriculture and trade.

Geographical Structure

Located in the southern part of Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region, Karaman lies between 37°11' north latitude and 33°15' east longitude. With an area of 8,924 km², it borders Mersin to the east, Konya to the west, Aksaray and Niğde to the north, and Antalya to the south. Situated at an average elevation of 1,039 meters above sea level, Karaman features a landscape dominated by plateaus and plains.

Karaman, Türkiye (Source: Pexels/Talha Aytan)

Mountains and Plateaus

Karaman lies under the influence of the northern extensions of the Taurus Mountains. The most prominent highland areas in the region are Montenegro (2,271 m) and Erenler Mountain. Additionally, the plateaus in the north and Güllük Mountain form significant elevated areas within Karaman’s provincial boundaries.

Plains and Alluvial Plains

Karaman possesses fertile agricultural land. Its most important plains include:

• Karaman Plain: An agriculturally significant area where cereal and legume cultivation is widespread.
• Ayrancı Plain: Located in the northeast of Karaman, this plain is used for dry farming and livestock activities.

Rivers and Lakes

Due to its location within the Konya Closed Basin, Karaman has a limited river network. The main rivers in the city are:

• Göksu River: A major river flowing southward from Karaman toward the Mediterranean Sea.
• Taşkale Creek: One of Karaman’s local water sources.

The lakes in Karaman, including Başkuyu Lake and the Karadağ crater lakes, hold significant geological and ecological value.

Climate and Vegetation

Karaman generally exhibits continental climate characteristics. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snow. The natural plant cover consists primarily of steppes. Vegetation includes geven, yavşan otu, oregano like plants, and in higher elevations, juniper and black pine forests.

Economic Structure

Karaman is a province whose economy is largely based on agriculture and agro-industry and holds a significant position in Türkiye’s economy, particularly in the food industry. The province stands out due to its fertile agricultural land, strong industrial infrastructure, and growing foreign trade potential. Agricultural production, especially fruit cultivation and cereal production, forms a cornerstone of its economic structure, with the industrial sector developing largely around this production base.

As of 2021, Karaman ranked 28th in Türkiye in terms of gross domestic product per capita, with a per capita income of 70,495 TL, placing it at a country economic level compared to the national close. Although industrialization has gained momentum in the province, it has not yet developed a distinct identity as an industrial city.

Industrial facilities, led by the Karaman Organized Industrial Zone (OSB), are concentrated primarily in the food manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, development efforts for the Karaman Technology Region and the second OSB are ongoing. The province also hosts a designated free zone, with investments continuing to strengthen its industrial infrastructure.

Agriculture and Livestock

Karaman has fertile agricultural land, with 37% of its total area used for agriculture. Although 71% of agricultural land is suitable for irrigation, insufficient irrigation infrastructure means only 43.5% of total agricultural land is actually irrigated. Agricultural activities are predominantly based on cereal and fruit production. Major agricultural products include:

• Wheat (Durum and other varieties)
• Barley
• Maize
• Sugar beet
• Sunflower
• Bean
• Apple

Karaman is one of Türkiye’s largest apple production centers and ranks among the top three provinces nationally in apple production. With the highest number of certified apple orchards in Türkiye, Karaman’s annual production varies depending on climatic conditions but consistently contributes significantly to national output. In 2022, it accounted for 15.6% of Türkiye’s total apple production.

Karaman also has considerable potential in vegetable production. Tomatoes, dried onion, cucumbers, fresh bean, and other vegetables are cultivated over extensive areas. Vegetable farming holds an important place in agricultural production, particularly for local markets and as industrial raw material.

The livestock sector is concentrated in large and small animal husbandry and beekeeping. As of 2018, Karaman had 68,266 head of cattle, 470,774 sheep, and 192,079 goats. Among small livestock, Merino sheep and Angora goats are particularly prominent. Beekeeping is also well-developed; in 2022, approximately 323.9 tons of honey were produced, with wax production reaching significant levels.

Industry and Manufacturing

Karaman’s industry is largely shaped by agro-based food manufacturing. As one of Türkiye’s most important biscuit and chocolate production centers, Karaman accounts for approximately 35% of the country’s biscuit output. Other key sub-sectors of the food industry include:

• Biscuit, chocolate, cake, and pastry production
• Bulgur, pasta, and flour production
• Fruit processing and storage industry
• Packaging industry
• Dairy and dairy products industry
• Agricultural and food machinery industry
• Feed industry
• Forest product processing
• Mining industry

In terms of industrial output and trade volume, Karaman is developing rapidly. In 2021, four firms from Karaman were listed in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry’s “Top 500 and Second 500 Large Industrial Establishments,” all operating in the food industry. The Organized Industrial Zone provides employment for approximately 15,879 people, and employment rates continue to rise with the expansion of industrial facilities.

Domestic and Foreign Trade

Due to its location on the Silk Road as a historical, Karaman has long been a hub of commercial activity. Today, domestic and foreign trade continue to represent significant economic potential. Major products exported from Karaman to other provinces include:

• Cereals and legumes
• Biscuits, pastries, and chocolate
• Dairy and dairy products
• Live animals and meat products
• Vegetables and fruits
• Feed industry products
• Agricultural tools and machinery

Imports into Karaman from other provinces include textiles, construction materials, industrial raw materials, automotive products, and fuel.

Karaman has also gained significant momentum in foreign trade. In 2022, it exported a total of 310 million USD to 154 countries. Major export products include biscuits, chocolate, cocoa products, confectionery, pasta, and bulgur. Karaman’s export-oriented industrial structure makes a vital contribution to Türkiye’s foreign trade objectives, particularly in the food sector.

Infrastructure

Logistics and Infrastructure Development

Strengthening transportation and logistics infrastructure plays a crucial role in Karaman’s economic development. Key projects underway include:

• Konya-Karaman High-Speed Rail Line
• Karaman-Ulukışla-Yenice New Railway and Second Line Construction Project
• Karaman Bypass Road Project
• Karaman-Mut, Ermenek-Mut, and Ayrancı-Erdemli Roads

To further enhance its industrial infrastructure, Karaman is implementing the Second Organized Industrial Zone and Free Zone projects. Upon completion, these investments are expected to significantly boost the province’s industrial and commercial potential.

Demographic Structure

As of 2023, Karaman has a population of 263,960, with the majority residing in urban centers. The province’s demographic structure is notable for its high proportion of young and work population: 51% of the total population is under 35 age, and 68% falls within the working-age group of 15 to 64 years.

With a urbanization rate of 76.25%, Karaman exhibits significant demographic dynamic from rural areas to urban centers. Key drivers of internal migration include land fragmentation, the spread of mechanized farming, greater employment opportunities in cities, and better access to education and healthcare services in urban areas. Additionally, external migration to Europe and Middle Eastern countries since the 1960s has led to population decline in villages, yet seasonal write return migration to Karaman has generated economic dynamism in the city.

According to TÜİK’s Index of Living Conditions in Provinces, Karaman ranks 25th among 81 provinces, performing above the national average in terms of security, residence access, and infrastructure. With ongoing industrialization and infrastructure investments, Karaman’s population growth and urbanization process are expected to accelerate.

Historical Structures

• Karaman Castle: Built in the 11th century and serving as a key defensive structure during the Karamanoğulları period, Karaman Castle has been under the control of numerous civilizations throughout history, featuring outer walls and an inner citadel.

• Binbirkilise (Madenşehri and Değle Ruins): Located on the Karadağ volcanic massif north of Karaman, this area contains religious and military structures dating from the 4th to the 9th centuries. It includes monasteries, churches, cisterns, and dwellings, representing significant examples of Byzantine art.

• Tol Medrese: Built in 1339 by Karamanoğlu Alaaddin Bey, this medrese is one of the finest examples of Anatolian Seljuk stone masonry, particularly noted for its elegant ornamentation on the crown gate.

• Taşkale Grain Silos: These carved caves in the town of Taşkale have been used for centuries to store grain and represent important cultural structures preserving Anatolia’s traditional grain storage methods.

Tol Medrese, Karaman (Source: Culture Portal)

Administration

Governor

Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli is currently serving as Governor of Karaman, having been appointed by Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette on 19 September 2024, numbered 32667. He assumed office on 26 September 2024.