Yeşilyurt is a district of Tokat Province, located in the Central Anatolia Region. The district's economy is based primarily on agriculture and animal husbandry. Natural areas include the Boztepe Recreation Area and the Karatepe Plateau.

^{Yesilyurt (Tokat Yesilyurt Municipality)}

History

The first structures symbolizing the founding of Yeşilyurt emerged on February 15, 1932, when the Sivas–Samsun railway line extended to Yeşilyurt (then known as Arabacımusa/Köprübaşı) station. In 1936–1937, an adobe shop was opened next to the train station to provide transportation access for the surrounding villages. Topal Yusuf, Aziz Ertaştan, and people from nearby villages—Yusuf Erdür, Salih Sevim, Hafız Ahmet Şener, Bekir Sarıcan, and İsmail Misafir—who ran this shop, formed the first households in the area. By 1942, the settlement had grown to five households, exceeding fifteen in 1944–1945.

The opening of a two-classroom elementary school in the 1949–1950 academic year, followed by the construction of a high school in 1977–1978, consolidated the settlement's transition to urban status. Arabacımusa, which gained town status in 1972, established its first mayor and the city's infrastructure (water, sewage, electricity) in elections held that same year. Public investments such as the establishment of a gendarmerie station, the launch of an agricultural credit cooperative, sugar beet cultivation and a weighbridge, and the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) enabled the population to transition from a village to a town.

Divided into three neighborhoods in 1981 (Martyrs, Gazi Osman Pasha, and 100th Year), the town officially changed its name to "Yeşilyurt" in 1984 at the suggestion of then-Minister of Rural Affairs Münir Güney. Home to 114 households settled by Turkmen immigrants from Afghanistan between 1984 and 1986, Yeşilyurt's transformation from a town affiliated with Artova into an independent district in 1987 was facilitated. Yeşilyurt gained district status with a law dated July 4, 1987, and its first district governor began his duties on August 12, 1988.

Geography and Climate

Yeşilyurt, with an area of 24,876 hectares, is located approximately 55 km west of the Tokat province center. With an average elevation of 1,050 m, the district is situated between latitude 40°04′ N and longitude 36°26′ E. It is a transitional area bordered by Niksar to the north, Artova to the east, Reşadiye to the west, and Sivas to the south. Two towns, 16 villages, and one hamlet, located 5–15 km from the district center, form a dispersed settlement pattern; Black Sea-style village architecture is maintained in the settlements scattered on the higher slopes and in the valleys.

The climate is a transition between the mild, humid influence of the Black Sea and the continental, dry summers and cold winters characteristic of Central Anatolia. Average summer temperatures are 17–19 °C, while winter temperatures are below 0 °C. The vegetation allows for productive agricultural crops in alluvial lands, while scattered plateaus with oak, Scots pine, and plane forests dominate the higher elevations. Rainfall is concentrated in winter and spring, with a distinct dry period in summer. The main rivers are the Çekerek, a tributary of the Yeşilırmak, and the Özdere, which flows from south to north.

Population and Demography

The population of Yeşilyurt district was 11,921 in 2007, but followed an uneven course throughout the period and decreased to 8,213 people as of 2024. During this period, an increase of 426 people was recorded from 11,359 to 11,785 in 2011–2012, and a decrease of 1,167 people from 11,458 to 10,291 in 2013–2014. While limited increases of 21 and 20 people were observed between 2017–2018 and 2022–2023, respectively, significant decreases were experienced in the majority of the other years. According to 2024 data, the male population was 4,124 people (50.21%) and the female population was 4,089 people (49.79%); the difference between the genders generally does not exceed a few dozen people. This fluctuating structure indicates that the migration movements and demographic dynamics of the region have changed over the years.

Economy

The Yeşilyurt economy is predominantly based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing. Agricultural products such as sugar beets, potatoes, vetch, corn, and legumes are grown in the district. Natural forage resources form the basis of animal husbandry (both small and large). The Çekerek River and Özdere River provide irrigation facilities, supporting irrigated agriculture.

There are no major industrial investments; two flour mills, one textile workshop, and one shoe factory are active. Approximately 458 tax-registered tradespeople operate in the trade and service sectors. Within the social structure, small businesses focused on livestock production, along with civil servants, contribute to the diversification of the local economy.

Tourism–Culture–Cuisine

Yesilyurt has tourism potential with its natural and cultural resources. Some the are in the below:

• Green Park: Located in the town center, the park supports urban recreation with its green space arrangements, walking paths and recreational units.

• Yeşilyurt Train Station: Providing transportation in the region since 1932, the train station preserves the nostalgic train journey experience. It is a historical transportation hub for locals and visitors.

• Karatepe, Armutalan and Dumanlı Plateaus: Offering natural recreation areas with cool climates at an altitude of 1 200–1 800 m, they serve camping and photography tourism from spring to autumn.

• Ponds and Streams: Irrigation ponds connected to the Çekerek River provide opportunities for amateur fishing and picnics by the water.

• Highland Festivals: Festivals held in villages and towns during the summer months reinforce social solidarity with folk dances, jingles and local cultural exhibitions.

The foundation of Yeşilyurt's cuisine is comprised of agricultural and livestock products. Potatoes, beets, vetches, and legumes grown in the district form the basic ingredients for pastries, regional soups, and vegetable dishes in home kitchens. Simple yet nutritious dishes prepared with small-scale legumes and local herbs support family finances. A detailed compilation of the district's unique culinary heritage is not included in the source texts provided. However, agricultural product diversity and livestock farming are the most important elements shaping Yeşilyurt's culinary culture.