This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
+1 More
Kırşehir is a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye, covering an area of 6,570 km² and with a total population of 244,546 according to 2024 data. Throughout history, Kırşehir has been home to various civilizations including the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks like. During the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, it became a significant important center, particularly shaped by its commercial and social structure through the efforts of Ahi Evran, the founder of the Ahi Organization.
Kırşehir and its surroundings have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the region has a history extending back to the Neolithic era. Kırşehir’s history becomes more distinct during the Hittite period.
During the Hittite era, although not a major administrative center, Kırşehir attracted attention due to its location along key trade routes of Anatolia. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire, the Phrygians gained dominance over the region and established an agrarian civilization. Subsequently, Kırşehir came under the control of various civilizations including the Lydians and Persians.
During the Roman period, the region was administered as part of the Cappadocia province. In the Byzantine era, it became a center for the spread of Christianity, but suffered damage over time due to Arab raids.
After the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, the Turks who settled in Anatolia conquered the Kırşehir region. By the 12th and 13th centuries, Kırşehir had become one of the important centers of the Anatolian Seljuk State.
During this period, the region became closely associated with the activities of Ahi Evran, the founder of the Ahi Organization, and emerged as a center of Ahi activity. The Ahi Evran Külliyesi and various Seljuk structures in Kırşehir preserve the legacy of this era.
Following the collapse of the Anatolian Seljuk State, Kırşehir came under the control of Anatolian beyliks such as the Karamanids and the Eretna Beylik.
Kırşehir was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 15th century and became a district center. During the Ottoman period, the region primarily sustained itself through farming and animal husbandry. By the 19th century, it existed as a relatively quiet settlement within the Ottoman administrative framework.
During the War of Independence, Kırşehir became one of the key centers of resistance in inland Anatolia and served as one of the stops during Atatürk’s journey to Ankara.
Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s visits to Kırşehir strengthened public support for the Republic and aligned with the Ahi tradition to endorse the new era’s economic and social policies.
During the Republican period, Kırşehir was initially separated from Ankara and established as a independent province. However, in 1954, under the political climate of the time, its provincial status was revoked and it was attached to Nevşehir. In 1957, it regained provincial status and has since continued to stand out for its regional economy and cultural heritage.
Kırşehir possesses a vast geography characteristic of Central Anatolia. It is spread across undulating plateaus at elevations of 900–1,200 meters. The Kızılırmak River is one of the most important waterways in the province and vital for agricultural activities. The region features water sources such as the Hirfanlı Dam and Seyfe Lake. Seyfe Lake is an important wetland renowned for bird diversity and serves as a habitat for migrant birds.
Kırşehir’s vegetation cover is predominantly steppe, with limited forested areas. Oak and juniper trees grow in mountainous zones, while extensive grasslands dominate the steppe climate regions. Baran Dağı, one of the highest points in the city, reaches an elevation of 1,635 meters.
A continental climate prevails in Kırşehir. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snow with precipitation. Temperatures can rise to 35°C during Summer months and drop as low as -15°C during winter months. Spring and autumn months feature variable temperatures and higher rainfall. The annual average precipitation in the province is approximately 400–450 mm. This climatic structure directly influences agricultural and livestock activities in the region.
As of 2024, Kırşehir’s population is recorded at 244,546. The majority of the city’s population resides in the central district, while rural areas have lower population density. The districts with the highest populations are Merkez, Kaman and Mucur.
Population growth in the province varies according to migration trends and fertility rates. Since the 2000s, Kırşehir has been among the provinces experiencing outward migration, particularly among the youth who move toward major centers such as Ankara, Istanbul and Konya. However, the development of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, increased investment and improved transportation infrastructure aim to balance population distribution.
In Kırşehir’s population structure, male and female ratios are nearly equal, with women accounting for 50.3% and men for 49.7%. In terms of education, Kırşehir has an average level compared to the national standard. The educational opportunities provided by the university contribute significantly to the academic development of the youth population.
Kırşehir’s economy is based on agriculture, livestock and industry. Key agricultural products include wheat, barley, sugar beet and sunflower. Livestock farming, particularly of large and small ruminants, is widespread. The city hosts an organized industrial zone that contributes to economic development.
Although the industrial sector contributes only marginally to the provincial economy, several large enterprises stand out. Industrialization accelerated from the 1970s onward, with major companies such as Petlas Lastik Sanayi A.Ş. and Çemaş Döküm Sanayi A.Ş. making significant contributions. Petlas, privatized in 1997, is Türkiye’s first and only producer of military aircraft tires and exports to over 50 countries. Çemaş Döküm Sanayi A.Ş. produces castings for the cement, automotive and white goods industries.
Industrial establishments in the city are primarily concentrated in food processing, metalworking, plastic and construction materials sectors. The Kırşehir Sugar Factory, which began production in 2001, is one of the largest agro-based industrial facilities in the province.
Throughout history, Kırşehir has been a commercial hub along caravan routes. Today, its major trade items include automotive spare parts, steel castings, agricultural machinery, batteries, flour, animal feed and marble. Petlas’s production constitutes a large portion of the province’s trade volume. While most trade activity is concentrated in the provincial center, Kaman and Mucur districts are also significant commercial areas.
Kırşehir possesses a rich cultural heritage due to its role as the center of the Ahi Organization. Historical sites in the city include the Cacabey Medresesi, Ahi Evran Külliyesi and Kesikköprü Kervansarayı. Seyfe Lake and Hirfanlı Dam Lake attract attention for their natural beauty.
Kırşehir cuisine embodies the traditional flavors of Anatolia. Notable dishes include:
Kırşehir is an important educational center due to Ahi Evran University. University continues its activities in education and research fields through various faculties.
Kırşehir is located on the Ankara-Kayseri highway and enjoys easy connectivity to environment provinces via land routes. Although there is no railway line, the nearest railway station is in Kayseri. The closest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Havalimanı.
The governorship of Kırşehir is currently held by Murat Sefa Demiryürek. The following individuals have served as governors from the past to the present:
The Kırşehir Municipality is currently administered by Selahattin Ekicioğlu as of 2019.
Kırşehir has six districts:
No Discussion Added Yet
Start discussion for "Kırşehir (Province)" article
History
Prehistory and Antiquity
Seljuk and Beylik Periods
Ottoman Period and Kırşehir’s Status
National Struggle and Republican Period
Geography and Climate
Population and Demographic Structure
Economy
Trade
Culture and Tourism
Local Cuisine
Education and University
Transportation
Administration
Governor
Municipality
Districts