Kemah is a district in the Eastern Anatolia Region, notable for its historical and cultural riches. Located approximately 52 km from the Erzincan city center, Kemah covers an area of 2,354 km².
History
Kemah's history extends back to the Hittite period. It is first mentioned as "Kumaha" in a text written during the reign of Hittite King Suppiluliuma I, describing a battle against King Kranis of Hayasa. The district has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history, including the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and many others. An important center during the Mengücek Beylik period, Kemah came under the protection of the Anatolian Seljuk State in 1228. Afterwards, it was under the rule of the Eretna Beylik, Kara-Koyunlu, and Ak-Koyunlu Turkmen communities. From 1503 onwards, it fell under Safavid rule.
Geography and Climate
Kemah has a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy. The average annual temperature is 12.3°C, and the average rainfall is 11.6 mm. The district's vegetation is generally steppe; herbaceous plants that sprout in spring dry up in summer. The surrounding mountains are generally barren and treeless, but there are oak groves in places, and poplar and willow trees along the streams.
Population and Demography
According to 2024 data, Kemah's total population is 6,850. Of this population, 3,596 are male and 3,254 are female. 2,248 people live in the district center, while a total of 4,602 people reside in towns and villages.
Economy
Kemah's economy is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. In the past, small handicrafts such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tailoring, weaving, coppersmithing, tinsmithing, construction, stove making, milling, hand weaving, baking, saddlery, and tinsmithing were widespread, but today these handicrafts have largely disappeared.
Tourism and Culture
Kemah attracts visitors with its rich historical heritage. Kemah Castle is one of the district's most important historical structures. The Sultan Melik Tomb, dating back to the Mengücek Beylik period, is among the district's significant cultural assets. Kemah also features numerous historical structures, including examples of traditional architecture, mosques, and tombs.
Sultan Melik Tomb
Located on a natural rocky platform in the northwest of Kemah district, the Sultan Melik Tomb dates back to the Mengücek Beylik period (1071–1228). The structure is considered one of the important examples of the Anatolian Turkish tomb tradition due to its architectural features and unique construction techniques. The tomb is an octagonal structure built of brick. In the lower section, there is an octagonal column in the middle of the burial chamber that supports the upper section. This column provides architectural balance and contributes to the vertical organization of the structure. The ceiling moldings, central column, and ceiling are designed in a brickwork pattern, reflecting the understanding of early Turkish architecture. The tomb is noteworthy for the preservation of both the building material and the original form of the burial. Also known among the people as the "Sultan Melek Tomb," the structure contains a total of five graves, including the mummified body of Sultan, believed to be from the Mengücek Beylik period. This situation indicates that the structure is important not only architecturally but also in socio-cultural and religious contexts.
Sultan Melik Tomb(Kemah Municipality)
Acemoğlu Strait Bridge and Martyrs' Monument
The Acemoğlu Strait Bridge is located on the Erzincan-Kemah road route, over the Karasu River, approximately 35 kilometers from the center. The structure connects the two banks of the Karasu River, holding a strategic position in terms of both transportation and geographical integrity.
Built using dressed stone and having a single-arched (single-span) structure, the exact construction date of the bridge is unknown. However, it reflects the characteristic elements of traditional stone bridge architecture in the region. With its architectural simplicity and integration with the natural environment, the bridge is also remembered for a dramatic event that left deep marks in historical memory. Therefore, a Martyrs' Monument has been erected near the bridge to commemorate those who lost their lives in this event. This adds historical and emotional depth to the place, beyond the transportation and architectural functions of the bridge; reminding visitors of the traces of the past.
Acemoğlu Bridge(Kemah Municipality)
Cuisine
Kemah cuisine is known for its local flavors. Mulberry molasses, pevler (aluça marmalade), rosehip gorabası, bastık, apple and pear gahı, basmaca, çemiç (dried mulberries), köme, and tarhana are important elements of the district's traditional cuisine. Furthermore, the tandır (earth oven) culture and local dishes reflect Kemah's gastronomic richness.
