Tokat (Province)

Tokat, located in the northeastern interior of Black Sea Region, is a city that has been home to various civilizations throughout history. With an area of 10,072 km², its population was 612,674 as of 2024. Situated on the fertile lands of the Yeşilırmak basin, Tokat has historically served as a important, trade and culture center.

Tokat Clock Tower - Central Black Sea Development Agency

History

Tokat is one of the oldest settlement sites in Anatolia, with its history extending back to 5500 BCE. Throughout history, it has been a significant center due to its strategic position in trade, culture and strategic. Region has been under the rule of many states including the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Danişmendids, Seljuks and Ottomans such as.

Ancient Era and Early Civilizations (5500 BCE – 395 CE)

Archaeological findings in Tokat and its surroundings indicate that the region has been inhabited since the Chalcolithic Age (5500–3500 BCE).

• Hittites and Phrygians (2000–600 BCE)
• Tokat was within the boundaries of the Hittite Empire and later came under the control of the Phrygians. During this period, the region lay along important trade routes.
• Persian and Hellenistic Period (600–66 BCE)
• Under the Persians, Tokat was incorporated into the Great Cappadocia Satrapy. Following Alexander the Great’s campaign in Anatolia (333 BCE), the region came under Hellenistic cultural influence.
• Roman and Byzantine Period (66 BCE – 1071 CE)
• In 66 BCE, the Roman Empire conquered Tokat after destroying the Kingdom of Pontus. Sebastopolis and Comana Pontica became important religious and commercial centers during this time. After the division of the Roman Empire (395 CE), Tokat became part of the Byzantine Empire.

Turkish Entry into Anatolia and the Beylik Period (1071–1392)

• Danişmendids (1071–1175)
• After the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, Danişmend Gazi conquered Tokat and its surroundings and established the Danişmendids Beylik. The Danişmendids, with their capital in Niksar, built the Yağıbasan Medrese in Tokat, one of the earliest medreses in Anatolia.
• Anatolian Seljuk State (1175–1243)
• Following the fall of the Danişmendids, Tokat became part of the Anatolian Seljuk State. During this period, structures such as the Gökmedrese and Hıdırlık Bridge were constructed and the city became a center of learning.
• Mongol and Ilkhanid Rule (1243–1335)
• After the 1243 Battle of Köse Dağ, Seljuk authority in Anatolia weakened and Tokat came under Mongol control. During the Ilkhanid period, the city suffered heavy taxation and experienced economic decline.
• Beylik Period (1335–1392)
• After the collapse of the Ilkhanids, Tokat came under the rule of local beyliks including the Eretna Beylik (1335–1388) and the State of Kadı Burhaneddin (1388–1392).

Ottoman Period and the Rise of Tokat (1392–1923)

• Ottoman Conquests and Growing Trade (1392–1600)
• In 1392, incorporated Tokat into Ottoman territory. After Timur’s victory at the Battle of Ankara in 1402, the city briefly came under Timur’s control but was returned to the Ottomans in 1413 by Çelebi Mehmet. During the Ottoman period, Tokat became a major commercial center along the Silk Road and Spice Route.
• Celali Rebellions and the City’s Decline (1600–1800)
• The Celali Rebellions in 17th-century Ottoman territories deeply affected Tokat. The city lost power due to uprisings and economic collapse.
• Industrialization and Administrative Changes (1800–1923)
• In the 19th century, Tokat was reorganized as a nahiye under Sivas Eyalet in 1863, became a mutasarrıflık in 1878, and was elevated to an independent liva in 1920. During World War I and the War of Independence, the city resisted Pontic gangs and demonstrated local resistance.

Republican Era and Modern Tokat (1923–Present)

• Early Republican Years and Tokat’s Status as a Province (1923–1950)
• Tokat gained provincial status in 1923. Atatürk visited Tokat in 1924 and 1930. During this period, investments in education, health and infrastructure accelerated.
• Industrialization and Agricultural Development (1950–2000)
• • From the 1950s onward, Tokat’s economy grew through the production of tobacco, sugar beet and fruit.
  • Between 1973 and 1980, Tokat was designated one of the priority provinces for development.
  • In the 1990s, the food and textile industries emerged prominently.
• Contemporary Tokat (2000–Present)
• In the 2000s, Tokat continued to grow through its agriculture, industry and tourism sectors.
• • In 2022, Tokat Airport resumed operations.
  • Ballıca Cave, Almus Dam and historical structures have enhanced its tourism potential.

Geography and Climate

Tokat lies in a transitional zone between the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions. To the north is Samsun, to the northeast Army, to the south and southeast Sivas, to the southwest Yozgat, and to the west Amasya. City is situated on the Yeşilırmak Valley and is surrounded by elevations such as the Canik Mountains, Köse Mountains, Deveci Mountain and Yaylacık Mountain.

Tokat exhibits influences of both Black Sea and Central Anatolian climates. In the north, a mild and rainy Black Sea climate prevails, while in the south, continental conditions typical of Central Anatolia dominate. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and moderately rainy. The annual average temperature is 12.8°C, and annual precipitation ranges between 400 and 600 mm depending on the region.

Natural Features and Rivers

Tokat is distinguished by its fertile plains suitable for agriculture. Its main plains include Kazova, Turhal Plain, Niksar Plain, Erbaa Plain and Artova Plain. The Canik Mountains rise in the north, the Köse Mountains in the east, and the Deveci Mountains in the south.

The Yeşilırmak and Kelkit River are the most important rivers in Tokat. The Çekerek, Tozanlı and Karakuş streams also play significant roles in the region’s irrigation system. Almus Dam and Zinav Lake are among its key water resources.

Population and Demographics

As of 2024, Tokat’s population is approximately 612,674. In recent years, the population has been declining due to migration, particularly as young people migrate to large cities for economic reasons. Population density is higher in the center, while rural areas show a declining trend.

Economy

Tokat’s economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, trade and industry. Major agricultural products include wheat, barley, maize, legumes, tobacco, sugar beet, sunflower and various vegetables. Tokat is also notable for its grape and walnut production.

In addition to large and small livestock farming, trout production and beekeeping are important sources of livelihood. Almus Dam Lake is one of Turkey’s major trout production centers.

In the industry sector, factories operate in areas such as cigarettes, flour, animal feed, dairy products, textiles, agricultural machinery, food processing and forest products.

Culture and Historical Monuments

Tokat has the character of an open-air museum due to its monuments from various historical periods. Notable historical and cultural structures include:

• Tokat Castle: Built during the Roman period, located in the city center.
• Sulusaray Sebastopolis Ancient City: An important ancient city from the Roman-Byzantine era.
• Gökmedrese: A medrese built by the Seljuks in 1277, noted for its stone craftsmanship.
• Yağıbasan Medrese: One of the oldest medreses in Anatolia, dating to the Danişmendid period.
• Ali Paşa Mosque: An important mosque from the Ottoman period.
• Latifoğlu Mansion: A fine example of Ottoman civil architecture.
• Taşhan (Voyvoda Han): An Ottoman caravanserai built in the 17th century.
• Ballıca Cave: One of Turkey’s largest and most impressive caves.

Ballıca Cave - Central Black Sea Development Agency

Tourism

Tokat offers visitors a wide range of historical and natural attractions. Ballıca Cave, Almus Dam Lake, Çamiçi Plateau and Kaz Lake are among the province’s key tourist areas. Tokat’s traditional crafts include writing instruments, copper smithing and carpet weaving.

Transportation

Tokat lies on major roads connecting the Black Sea with Central Anatolia. Highways pass through Tokat, linking Samsun to Central Anatolia via Sivas and Kayseri, and linking East Anatolia to Istanbul via Erzincan, Reşadiye, Niksar and Erbaa.

• Air: Tokat Airport was rebuilt and reopened in 2022.
• Rail: The Samsun–Sivas railway line passes through some districts of Tokat.
• Road: Bus services connect Tokat to many parts of Turkey.

Tokat Castle - Central Black Sea Development Agency

Administrative Structure

Tokat Province consists of 11 districts and 3 towns:

• Districts: Almus, Artova, Başçiftlik, Erbaa, Niksar, Pazar, Reşadiye, Sulusaray, Turhal, Yeşilyurt, Zile
• Towns: Güryıldız, Akıncılar, Çevreli