Introduction to Çankırı and Necessary Information

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Located in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye, Çankırı bears the name of a province that is the center of this region. However, Çankırı's history has a very rich and diverse past besides its name.
Origin and Name : There are records that the name Çankırı was written as “Çangırı” or “Çengiri” by Western travelers. The history of the city is based on its establishment on a settlement called Gangra. Çankırı, which originally belonged to Paphlagonia, was later connected to the Pontus state and then to Galatia. Deiotarus, the ruler of Galatia, made Gangra the center. The region, which was annexed to the Roman Empire in 25 BC, was sometimes used as a place of exile during the Byzantine period. In some sources, it is believed that the city of Germanicopolis was Gangra. However, during the Umayyad period, Islamic armies attacked Çankırı several times, but could not capture this castle.
Historical Events : Çankırı and its surroundings were captured by the Danishmendullahs after the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071. In addition, the Crusader Army under the command of Raymond de Toulouse, who set out from Istanbul to rescue Bohemond, the ruler of Antioch, who was held captive by the Seljuk Empire in Malatya, targeted Çankırı before reaching Ankara in 1101. However, they were unable to enter the castle. The Crusader Army, which encountered the Seljuk army near Amasya, was defeated. In 1134, the Byzantine Emperor Ioannes Komnenos captured Çankırı after fierce fighting, but after his return, the Danishmendullahs took back the city. Later, the Seljuks dominated the region and during the reign of Murad I, Çankırı and its surroundings were annexed to Ottoman territory. Although Timur returned Çankırı to its former owners in 1402, Mehmet I recaptured it in 1439.
Population and Development of Çankırı : The population of Çankırı has undergone significant changes over time. The population, estimated at approximately 16,000 in the late 19th century, fell below 10,000 in the early years of the Republic of Turkey (8,847 in 1927). However, it exceeded 10,000 again in 1940 (10,235) and exceeded 25,000 in 1970 (26,124). In 1990, the population reached 45,496.
Name Change : The name of Çankırı was changed from "Kângırı" to "Çankırı" by the memorandum read at the General Assembly Meeting on April 11, 1925. Second Term Çankırı Deputies referred this change to the Prime Ministry.
Geography and Structure : Çankırı is located at the point where the Acıçay and Tatlıçay branches of Kızılırmak meet. This city, which is 700-800 meters above sea level, has been used as a castle city throughout history. Over time, the city expanded southward, leaning on this castle. Today, the modern and old parts of Tatlıçay are together with neighborhoods spreading on both sides.
Geographical Location: Çankırı is located in the north of Central Anatolia. It is located between the Kızılırmak and Western Black Sea main basins. Its geographical coordinates are between 40° 30′ and 41º north latitude and 32° 30′ and 34º east longitude. The province's borders are surrounded by the following neighboring provinces:
- Bolu in the West
- Karabük in the northwest
- Kastamonu in the north
- Corum in the east
- Ankara and Kırıkkale in the south
Çankırı is located at an altitude of 730 meters above sea level and has an area of 7,388 km², which constitutes 0.94% of the country's territory.
Climate: The climate of Çankırı province generally has effects specific to the Central Anatolia Region. As you approach the inner regions of the province, significant differences in climate are observed. While winters are cool and summers are warm in the central, Ilgaz and Yapraklı districts, winters are cold and summers are cool in Çerkeş district.
Yapraklı district is the region that receives the most rainfall in the province and therefore rainfall is seen in almost every season. As you move towards the southern parts of the province, the climate and vegetation change. Research shows that the province's lands were covered with forests in the past. However, it has been determined that a large part of these forests have been destroyed due to agricultural and animal husbandry activities, forest cutting, forest fires and climate changes.
In Çankırı, forests are found in certain areas such as Ilgaz district and its surroundings. These forests are mostly covered with coniferous trees (black pine, Scots pine, juniper, oak, spruce, fir) and fruit trees (wild pear, cornel). In the lower layer of the vegetation, cereals, legumes and some wild plants are observed. In addition, willow and poplar trees and orchards are found along the river valleys.
Wildlife: The main game animals observed in Çankırı are wolves, foxes, rabbits, partridges and squirrels. Although wild boars have increased uncontrollably for a long time, there has been a significant decrease in their numbers in recent years with effective control.
Industry and Salt Production: There are also industrial activities in Çankırı. In addition, Çankırı Salt Factory is of great importance for the provincial economy and meets a large part of Turkey's salt needs.
These geographical features and natural resources of Çankırı are important factors that shape the history, economy and lifestyle of the province. The province is a region that attracts attention with both its natural beauties and rich historical heritage.
- Horseshoe
- Bayramoren
- Cankiri center
- Circassian
- Eldivan
- Ilgaz
- Scared
- Leaded
- Red River
- Middle
- Sabanozu
- Leafy
Çankırı is a city in the inner regions of Türkiye. Today, this beautiful city has witnessed many important events throughout history. In this article, I will tell the history of Çankırı and especially Atatürk's visit to Çankırı and the start of the hat revolution.
Çankırı was a province that witnessed various historical events during the Ottoman Empire. Evliya Çelebi's Seyahatname contains interesting information about the history and geographical features of Çankırı. After first falling into the hands of the ruler of Kastamonu and Yıldırım Bayezid, it was conquered by Çelebi Sultan Mehmed. This was part of Çankırı's annexation to the Ottoman Empire. It also provides important information about the economic and social structure of Çankırı during that period.
Another important period in the history of Çankırı was after the Armistice of Mudros and during the War of Independence. Çankırı became the center of organizations against the occupation during this period. In 1920, many roads from Kastamonu to Çankırı were protected against occupation and the struggle for independence in Çankırı intensified.
However, one of the most striking moments in Çankırı's history was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's visit to Çankırı. In 1925, Atatürk visited Çankırı and started the hat revolution there. This was an important step in modernization and secular reforms in Türkiye. The enthusiasm and desire of the people to wear hats is an example of the strong bond between Atatürk's leadership and the support of the people.
Finally, this text, which tells the history of Çankırı, offers us the opportunity to better understand the past of this city and what role it played. Çankırı has an important place in the historical and cultural richness of Türkiye.
We hope that this article has been informative for those interested in the history of Çankırı and Atatürk's hat revolution. If you want to explore the history of Çankırı further, you may consider visiting this beautiful city.
Çankırı is a province located in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Here is some general information about Çankırı:
- Surface area: The total surface area of Çankırı province is 8,454 km².
- Population: The population of Çankırı province is 190,909 people.
- Traffic Number: Çankırı's provincial traffic number is 18.
- Area Code: Çankırı's area code is 376.
- Altitude: The province's altitude above sea level is approximately 720 meters.
Çankırı is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some of its highlights:
- Mountains and Forests: Çankırı is famous for its lofty mountains and forests. It has an ideal geography for nature sports such as mountaineering, hiking, cycling and hunting.
- Plateaus: There are rich plateaus in the forests covering one third of the province. The plateaus are suitable for many tourism activities such as camping, caravaning, walking and horseback riding, cycling and photography.
- Thermal Springs: Çankırı has rich thermal springs and mineral springs. It is an ideal destination for thermal tourism.
- Cultural Values: The province has cultural values that have been kept alive for centuries. Traditional lifestyle and hospitable people are the elements that shape the identity of the province.
The districts of Çankırı province are: Atkaracalar, Bayramören, Çerkeş, Eldivan, Eskipazar, Ilgaz, Kızılırmak, Korgun, Kurşunlu, Orta, Ovacık, Şabanözü and Yapraklı.
- Yapraklı: Yapraklı district, located 32 km from Çankırı city center, was the location of a famous fair during the Ottoman Empire. Büyükyayla, located within the district borders, is a tourism and nature paradise famous for its natural beauties.
There are different ways to reach Çankırı:
- Highway: The E-80 highway from Istanbul to Eastern Anatolia and the Black Sea passes through Çankırı. The bus terminal is in the city center.
- Railway: It provides transportation to Çankırı, Ankara and Zonguldak provinces by railway. The station is in the city center.
- Air: It is possible to reach Çankırı by air via Ankara Esenboğa Airport (130 km). It is an option for those who prefer air transportation.
Çankırı is known as a province that keeps its own unique culture alive and is closely tied to its traditions. Here are some of the prominent elements about Çankırı's culture:
1. Closed Society Characteristics: The villages and towns of Çankırı generally exhibit the characteristics of a “closed society”. There are still village rooms in the villages and traditional Turkish hospitality is exhibited in these rooms. In events such as weddings, holidays and national days, solidarity and respect among the people are important.
2. Respect and Cooperation for Elders: Respect for elders, compassion and love for younger ones are important in Çankırı. Social cooperation is still active. Traditional values have been preserved for a long time and continue to be effective even today.
3. Ahilik Tradition: Ahilik plays an important role in Çankırı culture. Ahilik is based on the idea that people should trust each other and love each other as humans, without any distinction of language, religion, race or sect. Ahilik consists of six “open” and “closed” conditions and these values are traditionally kept alive in Çankırı culture.
4. Folklore: Folklore has a big place in Çankırı's cultural life. Folk dances, music, handicrafts and traditional clothes are part of this rich folklore. Local folk dances in particular are taught in schools and public education courses and maintain their vitality.
5. Wedding Traditions: Çankırı weddings are celebrated in accordance with traditional customs. Engagement ceremonies are one of the special days when families come together. The tradition of wearing engagement rings and giving gifts is still maintained. Wearing a wedding dress, shaking hands and reciting prayers are also important elements of the engagement ceremony.
6. Traditional Wedding Dress Tradition: In Çankırı, the bride-to-be is known for the wedding dress tradition. This tradition aims to prevent the bride from speaking loudly to her mother-in-law and father-in-law, and to start negative gossip if she speaks even in a low voice. The behavior of brides-to-be in accordance with these traditions still continues in towns and villages.
Çankırı's rich cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle and strong commitment strongly reflect the identity and solidarity of this society. These traditions form the basis of Çankırı's cultural diversity and deeply influence the province's history and lifestyle.
Public Institutions | Address | Telephone | Fax | |
TC Cankiri Governorship | Abdulhalik Renda Neighborhood Ankara Street No:38 Center/CANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 35 00 | – | [email protected] |
Cankiri Provincial Police Department | Abdulhalik Renda Neighborhood Ankara Street No:67 Center/CANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 2222 | 0 (376) 213 3232 | [email protected] |
Çankırı Provincial Directorate of Family Social Policies | Cumhuriyet District Namık Kemal Parıltı Street No:22 Floor:2 Center/ÇANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 2689 | – | [email protected] |
Cankiri Social Security Provincial Directorate | Karataş District Kastamonu Street Dızlar Değirmeni Island Cluster Houses Area No: 44 Center/ÇANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 2376 – 0 (376) 213 2377 | 0 (376) 213 1110 | [email protected] |
Cankiri Provincial Directorate of National Education | Abdulhalik Renda Neighborhood Ankara Street No:38 Center/CANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 15 36 – 0 (376) 213 1134 | 0 (376) 213 1016 | – |
Cankiri Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate | Abdulhalik Renda Neighborhood Çayyolu No:152 Center/CANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 1190 – 0 (376) 213 1840 | 0 (376) 213 3342 – 0 (376) 213 4845 | – |
Cankiri Provincial Health Directorate | Cumhuriyet District Namık Kemal Parıltı Street No:19 Center/ÇANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 1061 – 0 (376) 213 3428 | 0 (376) 213 7510 – 0 (376) 213 1115 | [email protected] |
Cankiri Municipality | Cumhuriyet District Atatürk Boulevard No:15 Center/ÇANKIRI | 0 (376) 212 1400 | 0 (376) 213 2505 | [email protected] |
Çankırı Provincial Population and Citizenship Directorate | Abdulhalik Renda Neighborhood Ankara Street No:38 Center/CANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 1103 | 0 (376) 213 6070 | – |
Cankiri Provincial Gendarmerie Command | Kırkevler District Kastamonu Street No:252 Center/ÇANKIRI | 0 (376) 213 2925 – 0 (376) 213 3900 | 0 (376) 212 3614 | – |
For all the details you are curious about Çankırı, you can reach our articles by clicking on the pop-up windows below.
You can visit our Çankırı Travel and Outdoor Guide page to see all the places to visit in Çankırı, as well as the introductions of picnic and camping areas.
To see all the places where camping, picnic and camping areas can be done in Çankırı, you can read our article Çankırı Camping and Caravan Areas Full List .
You can use our Çankırı Places to Visit map to see all the places to visit, picnic and camping areas in Çankırı on the map. Çankırı Places to Visit Map Coordinates.
To get detailed information about camping and caravaning and to see all our articles, you can visit our TurkeyOutdoor Camping Guide page.
Safety Precautions in Nature Sports and Outdoor Activities
- In all outdoor activities and nature sports, safety is your primary responsibility. No article or video can replace proper practical training and personal experience.
- Especially in outdoor extreme sports, you are primarily responsible for your own personal safety. Always prioritize your personal safety and the harmony and safety of the team you are with.
- In all cases, be on the side of nature , keep the environment clean, and never harm wild animals or the nature where wildlife lives.
- While exploring natural and historical beauties, you should pay attention to some important points for your holiday to be enjoyable and safe. Before your trip, do detailed research about the region you will go to , check the weather conditions and take appropriate clothes with you. Never damage natural, historical and touristic places. Do not leave your garbage in the places you go, take your garbage back to where you came from in bags as you brought it or throw it in a garbage container.
- If you are planning a nature trip, camping or outdoor activity, be sure to pack all the necessary equipment .
- In Turkey, there are frequent bans on entering forests and some protected areas, and administrative fines are imposed on those who do not comply. You should verify current forest entry bans from the provincial Regional Forestry Directorates.
- Technically, all outdoor activities in nature require prior permission. Our advice to our readers, campers, nature walkers and those who participate in all outdoor sports is to at least call the law enforcement authorities before starting the activity and inform them about the nature activity and routes they will be doing.
- Your opinions, thoughts, suggestions and requests regarding outdoor and nature are valuable to us. Feel free to write to us.
We wish you a pleasant and safe nature/outdoor adventure! 🚴♀️⛺🌳🌲🚵♂️🏞️🌿🌄
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