Area: 8.454 km² Population: 279.129 (1990) Traffic Code: 18
The history of Cankiri, which is 131 kms from Ankara, goes back to 3000-2500 BC. Here was a Galatian settlement called "Gangrea" at that time. The land has witnessed the hegemony of many tribes thereafter, up to Seljuks and Ottomans, and the traces from its long past stand all over the area.
There are the ruins of Cankiri Fortress from the 11th century with rock tombs and underground tunnels. In the city, the Ulu Mosque dates back to the 16th century, and was built by the great Turkish architect Mimar Sinan. Just outside the city is the Tas Mescit which is a medieval hospital constructed in 1235.
In this distinct region, are the Ilgaz Mountains (2560 m) north of the city. It is a site of real attraction for nature lovers with its snowy peaks and wide woodland. Ilgaz National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Turkey, and the ski center provides the best opportunities for winter sports with its fine, modern facilities.
It is ideal for people who wants to be alone in the nature with its snow covered high mountains for the half of the year; forests covering its one third lands; plateaus appropriate for camping, caravans,horseback riding, photography and hunting and such touristic activities; rich thermal springs and mineral springs, cultural values of centuries mingle with the tenderness and traditional hospitality of the citizens .
Districts: Atkaracalar, Bayramoren, Cerkes, Eldivan, Eskipazar, Ilgaz, Kizilirmak, Korgun, Kursunlu, Orta, Ovacik, Sabanozu and Yaprakli.
Geography
Central Anatolian territorial climate is dominant within the city. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and rainy. Hottest months are July and August, coldest months are January and February.
History
In Çankırı presence of a continuous settlement is known since Neolitic Age (7.000 - 5.000 B. C.). Çankırı witnessed the Hittite, Frig, Cimmerians, Persia, Alexander the Great, Roman, Byzantium, Seljuk, Danişment, Candaroğlu and Ottoman periods respectively. The city, which was named as Germanikopolis and Gangra during Byzantium Period, then Kengri, had gained its last name Çankırı during Republic Period.
Where to Eat
Çankırı's regional meals can be mentioned as pastry with meat (mantı), tarhana soup, gözleme, cızlama, güveç, pıhtı, harmandaşı, fit fit aşı, pastry with walnut, çeç pastry, mıhlama, keşkek, çalma, çekme halvah.
What to Buy
Tourism Facilities Data Base Updating Project is still in progress.Upon the end of the current process some of the shortcomings related to Tourism facilities and regarding information will be removed.
Don't Leave Without
- Skiing at Doruk Region during winter months,
- Seeing Ilgaz Mountain National Park,
- Visiting Çankırı Museum.
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Çankırı
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 26
Urban Sites: 1
Natural Sites: -
Historical Sites: 1
Total: 28
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 205
TOTAL: 233