Alaca (District)

Alaca is an ancient settlement in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region, under the province of Çorum, with a history extending back exactly five thousand years. Çorum-Yozgat road, this charming town has served as a home to numerous great civilizations from the Hittites to the Ottomans, resembling an open-air museum. In antiquity, this region was known as "Etonia".

The word "Alaca" originally meant "color" or "multicolored" in Old Turkish. In ancient times, a group living in Central Asia and allied with the Huns was called ""Bo-ma"" by the Chinese, meaning "Multicolored Horsemen," due to their colorful horses. Over time, the name of this group evolved into the Turkish word "Alaca" and was given to our district.

One of Alaca’s most famous sites, Alacahöyük, is the first official and national excavation site of the Republic of Türkiye. Excavations here have uncovered magnificent tombs belonging to Hittite kings, massive lion-gate structures, and ancient temples. Some of the unique artifacts discovered at Alacahöyük are exhibited today at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, while others are displayed in the museum in Alaca.

_{Visual representation of Alacahöyük.(Generated by artificial intelligence)}

The district is not limited to Alacahöyük; you can find traces of history in every corner. For example:

• Eski Cami: Built in 1763 by Ömer Osman Paşa.
• Yeni Cami: A delicate wooden structure built in 1893.
• Hüseyin Gazi Türbesi: A historically significant site reflecting Seljuk architectural elements and held in great reverence.

Additionally, ancient remains from early periods can be found in places such as Eskiyapar, Pazarlı, and Kalınkaya.

If you visit Alaca, not only your eyes but also your stomach will celebrate! The district’s geographically distinctive specialties, the Alaca Purple Onion and the Alaca Yanıç Börek, are among the most beloved delicacies. You can also taste unique dishes such as Hingal and Psihaluj, originating from Circassian and Muhajir cultures.

^{Visual representation of the Alaca purple onion. (Generated by artificial intelligence)}