Sungurlu district is located approximately 52 km west of Çorum's city center. Located on the historic Silk Road, the district is a major hub for both road and rail transportation. The region's economy is primarily based on agriculture and trade, with wheat and sunflower production being prominent.
Sungurlu ( Çorum Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism )
History
Sungurlu and its surrounding area have been inhabited since the Chalcolithic Period (approximately 3000 BC) and have hosted various civilizations throughout history. Between 1800 and 1200 BC, the Hattians were influential in the region, and then, during the Hittite period, the region gained importance due to its proximity to the capital Hattusa. During this period, Sungurlu, located on the Royal Road, became an important connection point between the interior and coastal regions of Anatolia, thanks to the trading colonies established by Assyrian merchants. After the Hittite period, settlement continued throughout the Phrygian, Galatian, and Roman periods.
Following the Victory of Manzikert, Sungurlu was captured from Byzantium by Danishmendli Ahmet Gazi and came under Turkish rule. It is believed that the district was named after Sunguroğlu Mehmet Bey's influence in the region during the Ottoman period. In the 17th century, the Sunguroğlu family built structures such as mosques and bathhouses; during this period, Evliya Çelebi mentions a watermill belonging to the family in the district.
Initially administratively affiliated with the Bozok (Yozgat) Sanjak, Sungurlu was established as a municipality in 1866, with Gregoryan Efendi as its first mayor. In 1894, when Çorum became a sanjak center within the Ankara Province, Sungurlu was separated from Yozgat and annexed to Çorum. With the proclamation of the Republic in 1924, it was among the districts of Çorum, which was granted provincial status. Boğazkale was separated from Sungurlu and gained district status in 1987.
Sungurlu has historically been built upon two distinct settlements. The old settlement was destroyed by the earthquake known as the "Little Apocalypse" in 1509, and the city, estimated to have had a population of approximately 80,000, was relocated and rebuilt to its current location. The new settlement was initially known by various names, including Kalınsaz, Budaközü, and Selimler, before finally adopting the name "Sungurlu" in reference to the Sunguroğlu family.
Geography and Climate
Sungurlu is the largest district (2,557 km²) in Çorum Province, located at the intersection of the Central Anatolia and Black Sea regions. The district center is approximately 71–72 km southwest of Çorum. It is located between 40° 09′ 50″ north latitude and 34° 22′ 30″ east longitude. Its geographical location is at the intersection of the transition zone where the North Anatolian Mountains descend to the north and the Central Anatolian plateau to the south. This location makes the district an important junction on the highway connecting the Black Sea and Central Anatolia. State highway 190-02 is a transit route supporting east-west and north-south transportation.
Sungurlu's neighbors are Uğurludağ and Bayat to the north; Çorum Central and Alaca to the east; Boğazkale to the southeast; Yozgat Central and Yerköy to the south; Kırıkkale's Delice and Sulakyurt to the southwest; and Çankırı's Kızılırmak district to the northwest. This puts the district near the intersection of three provinces.
The terrain consists of undulating plateaus, hills, and interspersed plains. The highest point is Kartaltepe, approximately 1,700 m. Other significant elevations include Nöbetibaba Hill (1,641 m), Ziyarettepe (1,425 m), Korçocuk Pınarı Hill (1,434 m), and Beşdam Mountain (1,365 m). The average elevation is 780 m.
The river network is connected to the Kızılırmak basin. The Budaközü Stream, which flows through the district center, is the most important stream and is fed by various tributaries. To the south lies the Delice River, a tributary of the Kızılırmak, and its tributaries. Valleys and agricultural lands have formed around these streams.
The district's largest plain is the Sungurlu Plain (approximately 750 km²). This plain, formed by the union of several smaller plains, has alluvial soil suitable for agriculture. The Taybı Plain (144 km²), Delice Plain (300 km²), and Emine Pınarı Plain in the southwest are also productive agricultural areas.
The climate is continental. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and snowy. The most precipitation occurs in spring, and the least in August. Average annual precipitation is 418 mm. January is the coldest month, and August is the hottest.
The natural vegetation is largely steppe. Forest areas are limited, with oak and Scots pine groves occurring at higher elevations. Xerophytic herbs and shrubs are common. Halophilic plant species grow in closed basins with saline soils. Sungurlu lies in a region that exhibits transitional characteristics between the steppe flora of Central Asia and Asia Minor.
Population and Demography
Sungurlu's population, which was 64,631 in 2007, decreased to 48,844 as of 2024. During this period, there were limited increases in some years, but the overall trend was downward. Population increases of 528, 138, 268, and 790 people were recorded, particularly in the 2017–2018 and 2020–2023 periods, while decreases were observed in other years. According to 2024 data, the male population in the district was 25,322 (51.84%) and the female population was 23,522 (48.16%). The population difference between the genders is limited and is generally around a few hundred people. Population movements have fluctuated over the years due to migration, demographic changes, and updates to the address registration system.
Economy
Sungurlu's economy is predominantly agricultural. Grains, primarily wheat, barley, and sugar beets, are widely cultivated in the district. Paddy (rice) is also cultivated in irrigated areas. The vastness and fertility of the agricultural lands support sustainable production. Additionally, some fruit and vegetables, such as melons, cabbage, squash, and onions, are grown and marketed in regional markets.
Livestock farming is a complementary activity to agriculture. Small and large livestock farming is a major source of income in rural areas of the district. While pastureland is limited, forage production and agricultural waste support livestock farming. Dairy farming and sheep and goat raising are traditional practices in the villages.
The industrial sector is limitedly developed, with agriculture-based industrial activities prominent. The district boasts small-scale businesses such as bakery products, feed production, and agricultural equipment manufacturing. The Sungurlu Organized Industrial Zone has been established, and investments have begun in areas such as papermaking and machine parts production. However, industry plays a limited role in the overall economic structure.
The district's geographical location contributes to the commerce and service sectors. The main highway passing through the district center has supported the development of transportation and accommodation businesses. Rest areas, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels are located along this route. Passenger traffic stimulates the local service sector and transforms the district center into a commercial hub for surrounding villages. Agricultural trade increases on market days and during harvest season. As Çorum's largest district, Sungurlu also serves as an alternative trading hub to the city center.
Tourism and Culture
Sungurlu is rich in cultural heritage, boasting archaeological sites dating back to ancient times and structures dating back to the Ottoman period. Boyalı Mound, Hüseyindede Mound, and Fatmaören Mound, located near the town of Yörüklü in the northwest of the district, bear traces of settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Excavations at Hüseyindede Hill, in particular, have unearthed a Hittite temple site. The Hüseyindede Vase, discovered here, depicts Hittite religious rituals in relief and is a notable artifact in archaeological literature. The vase is currently on display at the Çorum Museum.
The Clock Tower in Sungurlu town center, built in 1891, is a landmark of the district. The nearby Sungurlu Grand Mosque, built in 1762, stands out for its cut-stone architecture and massive dome. It was restored and reopened for worship in 2015.
The historic Sungurlu Bathhouse, built in 1756, exhibits the characteristics of Ottoman bathhouse architecture. The arched Pasha Bridge over the Diğ Stream is another example of stone construction from the Ottoman period and is still in use.
Among the historical structures in the rural area, the Yörüklü Ulu Mosque, the Kavşut Mosque in Kavşut Village, and the Demirşeyh Tomb stand out. These structures are under protection by the General Directorate of Foundations.
Sungurlu's cultural landscape has been shaped by the region's historical past and ethnic diversity. Along with traces of ancient times, elements of Turkish-Islamic culture are evident in the district. The Yörük and Turkmen tribes (e.g., Karaevli, Yazır, Karakeçili, and Hilâllı) settled in the region during the Ottoman period influenced its demographic and cultural structure.
The blending of settled and nomadic lifestyles can be traced in traditional handicrafts and social structures. Crafts such as carpet weaving, rug weaving, and wood carving are still found in rural areas. Despite the influence of modern lifestyles, these activities continue in some villages.
Cultural events include fairs, oil wrestling, and traditional ceremonies such as Hıdrellez celebrations. Local folk dances and musical traditions are kept alive, particularly by young people, through folklore groups.
Kitchen
Sungurlu cuisine is part of the traditional Anatolian culinary culture unique to Çorum province. The "Çorum Five" menu, commonly used at wedding dinners, is also maintained in Sungurlu. This menu consists of wedding soup, meat stew, rice pilaf, water pastry, and baklava for dessert. These dishes are often served at social events.
Daily culinary culture is dominated by pastries and meat dishes. Keşkek (locally known as helise) is prepared by cooking ground wheat and meat together for a long time. In Sungurlu, manti is made in various ways, sometimes as a bundle, or as dried manti baked in the oven and served with yogurt and sauce. Tirit is another traditional dish, made with meat on bread soaked in broth.
The region's agricultural products are directly reflected in the cuisine. Dishes made with the wild twigs harvested in the spring, along with soup-like dishes like toyga soup, bulgur aşı, and dügül aşı, are frequently consumed. Homemade products like noodles and höşmerim are featured on both daily and special occasion tables.
Sungurlu also produces roasted chickpeas, Çorum's famous product; freshly roasted chickpeas are sold in the district and in markets. Among the meat dishes, tandoori kebab is prepared and served in local ovens.
Among the desserts, flour halva, molasses halva (hasıda), and walnut buns are prominent. Traditional beverages made with buttermilk and grape molasses are also consumed locally.
