This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
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Üzümlü is a district of Erzincan Province located 23 km away from the provincial center place. With an area of 410 km², Üzümlü had a population of 11,376 as of 2014. The district’s name is derived from a unique black grape variety native to the region grape. It gained district status through a law enacted in 1987 and was previously administered as a village under the central district of Erzincan town entity.
The area where Üzümlü is situated has witnessed continuous human activity since antiquity historical. This region came under the influence of the Hittites and Phrygians like and was used as a settlement site. The settlement, believed to date back to around 3000 BCE, played a significant religious and commercial center role during the Hittite period important. Following the Hittites, the Urartians also occupied the region, which became part of the Urartian Kingdom. Additionally, the area remained inhabited during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
The presence of ancient settlements and archaeological finds demonstrates that Üzümlü has been consistently recognized as a str "translation": "strategic"} region throughout history. The historical role of these settlements reveals that the area has been inhabited for millennia and reflects its cultural diversity.
Following the Seljuk State’s conquest of Anatolia together, the Üzümlü region began to be settled by Turkic peoples. The Seljuk period laid the groundwork for the region to become an important cultural and commercial center. During the Ottoman Empire, Üzümlü continued to develop, particularly due to its agricultural potential. Located within the expansive borders of the Ottoman Empire, Üzümlü flourished both economically and culturally as a settled community.
During this period, numerous Ottoman-era mosques, bridge, fountain, and other structures were constructed in the district. These buildings are integral to both religious and social life. Üzümlü’s traditional stone architecture preserves traces of the Ottoman era while contributing to the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage.
After the proclamation of the Republic, Üzümlü entered a new phase of development as a district of Erzincan Province. Agriculture and animal husbandry remained the primary sources of livelihood for the local population. Üzümlü’s significance as a production center for grape cultivation and fruit production played a decisive role in shaping its economy. Additionally, traditional handicrafts in the district represent an important cultural value.
The 1939 Erzincan Earthquake caused extensive destruction in the district, but short it was quickly rebuilt. This process demonstrates the resilience and determination of the local population during the reconstruction process. The post-earthquake construction efforts marked a key phase in Üzümlü’s modernization process.
Üzümlü is located 23 km east of the Erzincan provincial center and covers an area of 410 km². To its east lies Tercan, to its west the central district of Erzincan, to its north Çayırlı, and to its south the district of Pülümür in Tunceli Province. Üzümlü’s geography is predominantly mountainous and rugged, which has shaped agricultural and settlement patterns in the region situation.
Üzümlü lies within the influence of a black climate. During Summer months, hot and dry conditions prevail, while winter months are characterized by cold and snow rainy weather. This climatic structure significantly influences agricultural activity and shapes the region’s agrarian economy. It also provides favorable conditions for grape cultivation in the area.
Üzümlü’s water resources are among the most critical factors ensuring the sustainability of agricultural activities in the region. Rivers, irrigation systems, and groundwater sources serve as the primary water supplies for local farming.
Üzümlü possesses a rich cultural heritage. Historical structures, religious sites, and cultural traditions reflect the values passed down from the past to the present. In this context, the district contains numerous historical mosques, tomb, and ruins.
Among Üzümlü’s historical structures are the Akkoyunlu Camii, Hacı Nutullah Camii, and the Sheikh Karpu’z Türbesi Mağarası. These buildings reflect influences from both Ottoman and Seljuk architecture. Additionally, the Altıntepe Kalesi in the district holds major archaeological significance due to its Urartian-era remains. Excavations at Altıntepe Kalesi have revealed the region’s historical richness.
Üzümlü is also a district where local traditions are actively preserved. The annual Üzüm Festivali and other local events strengthen the district’s cultural richness and community cohesion. These activities aim to promote local culture and support tourism.
The district lies along important historical routes such as the Silk Road and the Cibice Pass, and thus bears traces of numerous civilizations throughout history.
Altıntepe Höyüğü in the district attracts history enthusiasts due to its Urartian-era remains. This mound is known for its settlement sites, temples, and tombs from the Urartian period. Küçük Höyük, located northeast of Altıntepe, is another remnant of the ancient era. Additionally, the Şeyh Karpuz Mağarası and rock tombs at the Village Tepesi site further enrich Üzümlü’s historical fabric.
Bayırbağ village contributes to the region’s cultural heritage through its historical fountains, guesthouses, and inscriptions on the mosque fountain. The Karakaya Taşları and castle ruins in Karakaya village represent another example of the region’s historical structures.
Aygır Gölü and Yedi Göller are popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Esence Dağları offer numerous to do for nature explorers opportunity. Çamlık Hanı, an important lodging center along historical trade routes, provides visitors with rest and accommodation.
For those interested in water sports, the Karasu Irmağı and Sansa Boğazı are suitable for rafting. Rafting and paragliding events initiated by Recep Yazıcıoğlu and involving international participants have made significant contributions to promoting Erzincan and Üzümlü.
Another important gravity center in the region is the kaynarca and social facilities in the Çermik locality of Karakaya village. These facilities serve as health tourism destinations for visitors drawn by the healing waters and Hıdrellez celebrations.
Picnic areas such as the Pahnik Çayı surroundings and recreational sites like Çaho’nun Gölü are popular among visitors seeking time to undergo to pass through to experience to transmit to spend (time) to carry out *(The appropriate translation depends on context. Common encyclopedic uses include: "to undergo" (a procedure), "to experience" (a condition), or "to spend" (time).)* with nature. These areas offer opportunities to enjoy natural beauty and engage in outdoor activities.
Esence Dağı(Anadolu Agency)
Akkoyunlu Camii: This mosque was constructed during the Akkoyunlu period and restored in 1965. It is currently used as a still mosque.
Hacı Nutullah Camii: Located in Karakaya village, this mosque has a history of approximately 200 years. It is notable for its Wood decorations and was commissioned by Hacı Nutullah Efendi. It remains Today active as a mosque.
Şeyh Karpuz Türbesi Mağarası: Located on the hilltop of the central village, this cave is approximately 30 m² in size. A fine stream flows from a stone inside. This cave, considered sacred People between sacred, is frequently visited by pilgrims.
Aygır Gölü: Situated on Keşiş Mountain, Aygır Gölü is a crater lake. This lake, located in the northern part of the district, is one of the region’s key tourist attractions due to its natural beauty.
Hıdırellez Gölü: Located north of Çadırtepe village, Hıdırellez Gölü is known for its abundant source waters and distinctive natural environment.
Bayırdağ (Değirmenönü) Recreation Area: This recreation area, located in Bayırbağ village along the Pahnik Çayı, has been completed through Infrastructure efforts. With its rich tree cover and natural landscape, it is one of the district’s most important recreational sites.
Karakaya (Çermik) Recreation Area: Çermik in Karakaya village is known for its cold waters and mineral springs emerging from the ground. Trout farming ponds are also located here. The Kaynarca Festival is held annually on 20 May.
Şeyh Karpuz Mağarası: This cave, located on the hilltop of Üzümlü village, measures approximately 4–5 m² in area and 3 m in height. Locally regarded as sacred, the cave contains grooves and hollows carved into the stone walls. According to legend, a watermelon was seen growing here in midwinter, leading the locals to regard it as the tomb of a saint. Additionally, an event event that occurred near this cave during the Russian occupation holds significant local importance.
Cimin Grape (Erzincan Provincial Special Administration)
The Erzincan Grape, grown in the Üzümlü (Cimin) region, is distinguished by its black colorful color and flattened oval shape. Each berry typically weighs 3–4 grams and contains 1–4 seeds. The skin is of medium thickness, and the berries have an aromatic, sweet-tart flavor. The clusters are conical and densely packed, with weights ranging from 300 to 1500 grams. The Erzincan Grape is ideal for table use.
Composition of the Product: The berries contain nitrogen (0.36%), phosphorus (0.01%), potassium (0.20%), magnesium (0.008%), and calcium (0.04%). The leaves contain nitrogen (1.75%), phosphorus (0.30%), potassium (0.49%), magnesium (0.11%), calcium (1.47%), iron (66.0), zinc (29.95), and copper (36.25).
Growing Conditions: The Erzincan Grape grows under the influence of the region’s unique geographical conditions, climate, moisture, temperature, and wind.
Geographical Location: The Erzincan Plain is part of the Euphrates Basin in the Central Anatolia Region and lies between 38°18 and 40°42 east longitude and 39–40°06 north latitude. Vineyards in this region are typically found on slopes at elevations of 1300–1500 meters, often on alluvial cones. In Erzincan, vineyards rise as high as 1700 meters in Bayırbağ village.
Climate Characteristics: The most beneficial rainfall in Erzincan occurs in winter, early spring, and after harvest. Grapes receive sufficient water during the dry summer months to prevent fungal diseases. Grapes require water from the beginning of June to mid-September. The highest water demand occurs between the beginning of July and the first week of August.
Relative Humidity: The average relative humidity in Erzincan is around 58%. Low humidity combined with high temperatures can lead to excessive evapotranspiration, potentially damaging grape leaves and berries damage.
Temperature: The Erzincan Grape can grow in areas with annual average temperatures between 9–12°C. Erzincan’s annual average temperature is 10.7°C, with summer averages of 22.6°C. For healthy development, temperatures should not fall below 15–20°C.
History of Üzümlü (Erzincan)
Ancient Period and Early Settlements
Seljuk and Ottoman Periods
Republican Era and Subsequent Developments
Geographical Structure
Climate
Water Resources
Cultural Heritage
Historical Structures
Traditions and Festivals
Tourism in Üzümlü District
Historical Sites
Erzincan Grape