Acıpayam (District)

Acıpayam is a district of Denizli province in Türkiye, located at a transitional point between the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. With a surface area of 1,628 km², it is the largest district of the province. Situated at an altitude of 885 meters, the district lies in southwestern Anatolia, at the southeastern tip of the Aegean and the northwestern tip of the Mediterranean. It is bordered by Çavdır, Yeşilova, and Gölhisar of Burdur to the east; Tavas and Beyağaç to the west; Serinhisar and Çardak to the north; and Köyceğiz and Çameli to the south. Under the Metropolitan Law, along with the central district, 14 municipalities that previously held township status and 38 villages were reclassified as neighborhoods, forming a total of 56 settlements within the district organization.

Origin of the Name

The earliest known name of Acıpayam is "Hamit Plain." When it was connected to the Isparta Sanjak in the historical process, it was referred to as "Garbikaraağaç," and during the Germiyanid period, as "Asikaraağaç." Although the exact origin of the current name "Acıpayam" is uncertain, it is believed to derive from the bitter almond trees abundantly found in the region, locally known as "payam."

History

The history of settlement in Acıpayam dates back to the 2000s BCE. The Hittites dominated the region around 1500 BCE, followed by the Ionians (1200 BCE), Lydians (800 BCE), Persians (456 BCE), and Macedonians (440 BCE). The Roman Empire captured the region in 133 BCE, and in 395 CE it passed into the hands of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.

Turkish rule in the region began in 1195. The first conquests are known to have been carried out by Afşin Bey. In the late 11th century, within the scope of the second conquest campaigns led by the Seljuk armies under Mehmet Gazi and Server Gazi, major battles were fought with the Byzantine army around Yeşilyuva (ancient Diokaiseria), and the area was captured by the Turks. Shrines were built in honor of Semerkandi Baba and Beyazıd Han, who were martyred in this war.

During the Seljuk period, Acıpayam was connected to Gölhisar, and later came under the rule of the Beyliks of Hamitoğulları and Germiyanoğulları. The unrest during the Germiyanid period led to frequent conflicts between the local Avşar population and the beylik’s soldiers. The region came under Ottoman rule in the 14th century. Initially connected to Isparta, then to Burdur, Acıpayam became a district of Denizli Sanjak in 1871.

Beyliks and Ottoman Period

During the Beyliks period, the region lived peacefully under the Hamitoğulları until conflicts arose following the arrival of the Germiyanoğulları. Under the leadership of Karaağaç Baba, who belonged to the Avşar tribe, local resistance formed, and he played a significant role in the Turkification of the region and the formation of surrounding villages. In the Ottoman period, Acıpayam was referred to as "Asikaraağaç" and was connected to the Burdur Sanjak for a time. It became an official district in 1871.

Geographical and Climatic Characteristics

Acıpayam lies in a transitional climatic zone between the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. While the northern areas show characteristics of a continental climate due to the influence of the Lakes Region, the southern areas along the Gireniz Valley display clear Mediterranean climate features. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are generally cold and rainy.

Agriculture

Although Acıpayam Plain has fertile sandy soils, the irrigation infrastructure is inadequate. Groundwater is used via well drilling. Most agricultural products can be cultivated, except for heat-demanding crops like bananas, figs, and cotton. The district is especially known for its melons, but watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, apples, and spinach are also grown.

Natural and Historical Structures

Natural Structures

• Keloğlan Cave: Located near Dodurgalar Town on the eastern slope of Malı Mountain, this fossil cave is about 145 meters long. Developed within Jurassic-Cretaceous limestones, it features remarkable dripstone formations. Its entrance leads to a gradually rising ceiling and humid interior. Measured in 1998, the internal temperature averages between 15–17 °C.
• Aslanini: Situated 2 km from Dodurgalar, on the upper slope of a mountain road, this cave is entered through a hole approximately 65 cm in diameter. Its entrance is steep and rocky, making access challenging.
• Kapuz Deresi Cave: Located within Gölcük borders in the Kapuz Deresi Valley on Göldağı, this cave was used in antiquity and is now only accessible with mountaineering techniques. It contains archaeological traces from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Historical Figures and Shrines

• Karaağaç Baba Shrine: Located in the town of Kumavşarı, this shrine belongs to Karaağaç Baba, an important figure of the Avşar tribe who played a role in the Turkification of the region. The shrine is a simple structure that was rebuilt after being destroyed. He is believed to have died in the year 1327 (H. 728).
• Süleyman Sarızeybek Shrine: This shrine is located within an old cemetery near the village of Karahöyükavşarı and belongs to a frontier commander who led operations against the Germiyanoğulları and served in forward military posts. It is currently in a very plain and neglected state.
• Beyazıd Han Shrine: Located in Yeşilyuva, this shrine was built in honor of Beyazıd Han, who was martyred in battles against the Byzantines near Elmadağı. It was restored in 1693 (H. 1105) by Hacı Osman Zade Halil. The shrine has little architectural value and is currently in a neglected state.