Ortaköy is a district of Çorum that stands out for its historical and natural beauty. İncesu Canyon is a suitable area for activities such as hiking and rafting. The ancient city of Şapinuva is an important archaeological site dating back to the Hittite period.
Ortaköy ( Çorum Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism )
History
While the exact date of Ortaköy's founding is unknown, it is known that Turks arriving from Central Asia settled in the region in three tribes. These tribes settled in Asraköy, located northeast of the district center, Pınarköy, located west of the district center, and the district center. Ortaköy takes its name from its location between these two villages. The present-day district was formed by the merging of Pınarköy and Asraköy with Ortaköy.
The region has been historically enriched with remains from the Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine periods. In 1324 AD, a sub-district organization was established under the Amasya district of Sivas province, and later it was annexed to the Mecitözü district of Çorum. In 1959, a district organization was established and it was annexed to Çorum province.
The Şapinuva archaeological site, in particular, is notable as one of the Hittite's important administrative centers. Excavations, which began in 1990, have unearthed administrative, commercial, and religious structures at this site, located approximately 3 km away. The excavations have unearthed nearly 4,000 cuneiform tablets and fragments containing administrative, military, religious, and oracular texts in Hattic, Hurrian, and Akkadian. These documents date to the Middle Hittite period (14th century BC) and indicate that the royal family of Tashmisharri (Tuthaliya III) and Taduhepa ruled the city.
Geography and Climate
Ortaköy is located south of Çorum, 57 kilometers from the city center. The district covers an area of 238 km² and has an elevation of 810 meters. The district exhibits the characteristics of the Central Anatolian steppe climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. Annual precipitation averages 409.5 mm. These climate characteristics directly affect agricultural and livestock activities.
Population and Demography
The population of Ortaköy district, which was 9,711 in 2007, decreased to 6,553 in 2024. During this period, increases of 1,014, 1,848, and 2,232 people occurred in 2007–2008, 2017–2018, and 2022–2023, respectively, while decreases occurred at varying rates in the other years. According to 2024 data, the male population was 3,320 (50.66%) and the female population was 3,233 (49.34%), with the gender gap generally remaining at a few hundred people. Annual population changes have followed a fluctuating course, which can be explained by various factors such as administrative record updates and migration movements.
Economy
The Ortaköy district's economy is largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The agricultural land area is 14,560 hectares, 6% of which is irrigable and 94% is dryland. Main agricultural products include wheat, barley, vetch, chickpeas, sugar beets, lentils, rice, and poppy seeds. According to 2003 data, wheat is cultivated in the district and its villages on 60,000 acres, barley on 34,000 acres, poppy seeds on 8,000 acres, chickpeas on 20,000 acres, lentils on 1,000 acres, sugar beets on 4,000 acres, and onions on 3,000 acres.
Additionally, women's contribution to the district's economy is also significant. A toy workshop established within the Public Education Center provides economic support to women. This workshop contributes to the district's women's economy and supports their family budgets.
Tourism, Culture and Cuisine
Ortaköy is a district notable for its historical and natural beauty. Natural wonders such as İncesu Canyon, Karlıca Plateau, and Aşdavul Cave are important destinations for nature lovers. The Şapinuva archaeological site, which has yielded important artifacts from the Hittite civilization, is also located within the district.
İncesu Canyon, 12.5 km long, is important for nature walks and ecotourism. The Şapinuva archaeological site, a major Hittite administrative center, boasts a rich archaeological and historical heritage. Administrative, commercial, and religious structures, cuneiform tablets, and various archaeological finds have been unearthed at the site.
Ortaköy's culinary culture reflects the characteristics of traditional Turkish cuisine. Traces of the culinary culture and products of civilizations that have existed in the region from past to present are evident. There are 148 food and beverage varieties that can be considered for gastronomic tourism. The city's three registered products with geographical indications and two products for which geographical indication applications have been submitted stand out as gastronomic elements.
