​Kemaliye, formerly known as Eğin, is a district located in the southwest of Erzincan province, on the banks of the Karasu River, notable for its historical and cultural richness.Eastern Anatolia Situated on the northwestern border of the Region, Kemaliye was founded in the Karasu Valley, west of the Munzur Mountains. ​

History

Kemaliye's history dates back to the 4th century AD. The region, which was within the Byzantine Empire's territory, was subjected to Muslim Arab raids in the 7th century. With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, it came under the rule of the Anatolian Seljuks, Ilkhanids, and Akkoyunlus. During the Ottoman period, it was administered for a long time as a district center bağlı to the Arapkir Sanjak of the Diyarbekir Eyalet. In 1922, due to its participation in the Turkish War of Independence, Eğin's name was changed to Kemaliye at the suggestion of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

^{Karanlık Canyon(T.R. KEMALIYE DISTRICT GOVERNORATE)}

Geography and Climate

Kemaliye spans an area of 1168 km² and is located at an average altitude of 950 meters above sea level. The district is surrounded by İliç (Erzincan) to the north, Arapkir (Malatya) and Ağın (Elazığ) to the south, Divriği (Sivas) to the west, and Çemişgezek and Ovacık (Tunceli) districts to the east. Located in the valley formed by the Karasu River, Kemaliye has a mountainous and rugged terrain. Its climate exhibits continental characteristics; winters are cold and snowy, while summers are hot and dry. ​

Population and Demographics

As of 2022, Kemaliye's population is 2,536. A large part of the population lives in the district center. However, due to the migration of the younger population to larger cities, the proportion of elderly residents in the district is high.

Economy

Kemaliye's economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and small-scale handicrafts. Agricultural activities in the region are limited due to climate and terrain conditions. Animal husbandry, especially small ruminant breeding, is common. Among handicrafts, wood carving and weaving stand out. In recent years, with the development of tourism, the service sector has also begun to take its place among economic activities.​

Tourism, Culture, and Cuisine

Kemaliye has significant tourism potential with its natural beauties and historical texture. Karanlık Canyon, located in the district, is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world and offers a suitable environment for nature sports. Furthermore, Kemaliye's historic houses, narrow streets, and stone structures offer visitors an authentic experience. Kemaliye was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2021 and joined the Cittaslow (Slow City) network in 2022.

^{Kemaliye Houses(T.R. KEMALIYE DISTRICT GOVERNORATE)}