Refahiye is a district of Erzincan province, notable for its natural beauty and historical fabric.Eastern Anatolia, its location at the intersection of the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions has brought both geographical and cultural diversity to the district. Refahiye, located 71 km from the provincial center, has an area of 1,744 km².
History
The history of Refahiye is based on the settlement formerly known as Gercanis. Gercanis, which was part of the Kemah Sanjak between 1566-1871, was moved to its current location in 1872 due to its mountainous and steep geography. Established as a district center in 1882, Refahiye was named "Refahiye," meaning "abundance," by Erzincan Governor Şerif Pasha in 1884.
Geography and Climate
Refahiye, which has a mountainous terrain, hosts natural beauties such as Kızıldağ and Gülendağı. While the Black Sea climate is effective in the northern parts of the district, the continental climate of Eastern Anatolia prevails in the southern parts. This situation manifests itself with harsh winters and short, cool summers.
Population and Demography
According to 2024 data, Refahiye's population is 11,609. Of this population, 6,094 are male and 5,515 are female. There are 121 villages and 73 hamlets connected to the district.
Economy
Refahiye's economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Products such as wheat, rye, legumes, walnuts, melons, and watermelons are grown. Additionally, honey production is an important source of income. The honey festival held every August contributes to the district's economic and cultural life.
Tourism
Refahiye has rich potential for tourism with its natural beauties and historical structures. Dumanlı Plateaus are located between Soğukgöze and Karaçam areas and allow for summer-winter tourism.
Among the historical structures in the district are Kutlutepe Remains, Kadıköy Church, Central Mosque, and Köroğlu Cave. The local cuisine carries the characteristics of Erzincan cuisine; delicacies such as yaprak döner, kesme çorbası (cut soup), and su böreği (water pastry) stand out.
Kadıköy Church
Kadıköy Church has survived intact to this day. The church, built of cut stone, is notable for the decorations on its entrance gate. On the lintel stone of the door, there is an embossed cross motif. Inside the church, traces of wall paintings are present. In front of the apse, there is a finely crafted, ornamented wooden panel.
Kadıköy Church (Cultural Inventory)
Central Mosque
The Central Mosque, located in Refahiye district of Erzincan, was built in the second half of the 19th century. Since its inscription has not survived to the present day, its founder and exact construction date are unknown.
The mosque, built of local cut stone, is a structure entirely influenced by Western architecture. It is understood from its entrance gate and pointed arched windows that the architects and masters who built this mosque were influenced by church architecture. It has a rectangular plan and is covered with a hip roof.
Above the entrance gate, a triangular pediment continues from the roof. Its round-bodied minaret, on a stone base, is made of cut stone and has a single balcony. The Bahattin Pasha Martyrdom is also located in the cemetery of the mosque, which is situated in the middle of a large courtyard.
Dumanlı Plateau
It is located west of Refahiye District, between Soğukgöze and Karaçam areas. Dumanlı Plateau is within an area that starts right above the Refahiye district center and extends southward. The Dumanlı Plateaus, with an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, are generally covered with pine forests, as well as meadows and various plants. With its natural beauty, clean air, abundant cold water springs, hunting opportunities, and camping facilities, it is open to summer and winter tourism.
Dumanlı Plateau (T.R. Refahiye District Governorship)
