Erzincan
A city waiting to be discovered for its nature, flavours and crafts
Erzincan is a city built on one of the most fertile plains of Eastern Anatolia, surrounded by mountains exceeding 3,000 metres. Skiing on Mount Ergan in winter, coolness in the picnic areas in summer, geographically indicated flavours on its tables and centuries-old copper craftsmanship: Erzincan offers its guests a different discovery in every season.
Girlevik Waterfall
This is a natural wonder. Yet the water you see at the waterfall is only a tenth of its true source. Girlevik Waterfall is located in Girlevik Village, Çağlayan, about 35 kilometres from Erzincan city centre. With its natural beauty, vegetation, trees, cool air and resting spots, the waterfall is Erzincan's most popular picnic area.
Ekşisu Recreation Area and Pond
Ekşisu Recreation Area lies 11 kilometres from the city centre on the old Erzincan–Erzurum road. Ekşisu, where natural mineral water springs up and large park areas are found, is one of the most popular recreation areas of Erzincan among local and foreign visitors. The mineral water flowing from the fountains here, known as Böğert, is good for various ailments and is used in the treatment of anaemia, liver, stomach, intestinal and biliary tract diseases.
Copper
The beginnings of copper handicrafts in Erzincan go back a long way. With the start of copper engraving in small workshops between 1955 and 1960, Erzincan became a centre of attraction for handicrafts, and coppersmithing lived its golden age in the 1970s. Erzincan Copper Manufacturing and Hand Engraving, a geographically indicated product of Erzincan born in Anatolia yet nearly forgotten, was registered and protected under geographical indications by the Erzincan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Turkish Patent Institute in 2001.
Cimin Grapes
Registered as Turkey's first and only patented grape, Erzincan's "Cimin Grape" brings a smile to our farmers. Grown mainly in and around the Üzümlü district of Erzincan, the Cimin grape makes the greatest contribution to the regional economy. Grown in the vineyards of Üzümlü town centre and the villages of Karakaya, Bayırbağ, Pişkidağ and Göller, the Cimin grape grows nowhere else in Turkey.
Tulum Cheese
Tulum cheese is the best answer to the question of how much labour a cheese takes. It is made from the fresh milk of Karaman sheep that feed on ice-cold waters in the clean, cool highlands of Erzincan, home to 90–100 plant species. It takes not days or weeks but months to complete. Erzincan tulum cheese is brighter in appearance, better smelling, full-fat and tastier than other cheeses. Thanks to the salting of the cheese and its resting in the clean air of the highlands, it can be consumed with peace of mind.
Pan-Roasted Chickpeas
Erzincan pan-roasted chickpeas (tava leblebi), the first name that comes to mind for snacks with both sweet and salty varieties, are among the hardest foods to produce and a very important source of protein. Erzincan pan-roasted chickpeas are known to be good for back pain, gums and intestines, and to balance the amount of water in the body. Containing almost no fat, they absorb excess acid in the body and soothe the stomach.
Erzincan Döner
It is the first answer anyone on the streets of Erzincan will give to the question "What should I eat in this city?" Its flavour hides in the thyme of its mountains; be sure to try it.