4 places to visit in the Karlıova district of Bingöl: Bingöl Mountains Glacial Lakes, Karlıova Plateaus and North Anatolian Fault Observation Point. Plan your trip to Karlıova with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The region, which was brought into Islamic lands during the time of Caliph Umar, became part of Ottoman territory after the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514. The district was separated from Muş in 1936 and attached to Bingöl, and the proposal to rename it Karlıova was unanimously accepted.
On 17 August 1949, an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 Ms struck. It killed 450 people and damaged 3,500 buildings.
After the proclamation of the Republic, the settlement remained attached to Muş until 1936. When Bingöl became a province, it was attached to Bingöl province as a district. According to Wikipedia, the district became part of Ottoman territory after the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514. On 17 August 1949 an earthquake struck Karlıova, killing 450 people and damaging 3,500 buildings. The North Anatolian Fault Line and the East Anatolian Fault Line meet in the district.
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Dozens of glacial lakes lie on the peaks of the Bingöl Mountains above 3,000 metres within the borders of Karlıova. These lakes are the tangible evidence of the phrase "bin göl" (a thousand lakes), which gave Bingöl its name.
View on mapThe high-altitude plateaus of Karlıova, with their cool summer air and endemic plant species, attract nature lovers. Traditional nomadic life continues on the plateaus.
View on mapKarlıova is a geologically important point where the North Anatolian and East Anatolian fault lines meet. This tectonic junction is of great interest to geologists.
View on mapThe district lies in the middle section of the Karagöl, Bingöl, Şeytan and Şerafettin mountains.
View on mapWhile you are in Karlıova, you can also see the highlights of Bingöl province. These places are in other districts; Karlıova is about 70 km from the provincial centre.
Rice pilaf wrapped in yufka dough and baked, enriched with chicken and almonds. In Karlıova it is the traditional dish of wedding feasts.
Çiğ köfte, prepared by kneading fine bulgur with spices, is an indispensable treat when entertaining guests in Karlıova.
A semi-nomadic way of life still continues in Karlıova. In the summer months, families who migrate to the plateaus live in black tents and make a living from livestock and dairy production.
Karlıova is one of the few tectonic junctions in the world where the North Anatolian and East Anatolian fault lines join. This geological feature gives the district scientific significance.
Karlıova's economy rests on livestock farming and agriculture. Small livestock farming on the high plateaus is the main livelihood of the district. Beekeeping is an important source of income. Cereal and fodder crops are also grown.
Karlıova is 70 km from Bingöl city centre. It lies on the Bingöl–Erzurum highway. Regular minibus services run from Bingöl.
The highlights of Karlıova are 4 places: Bingöl Mountains Glacial Lakes, Karlıova Plateaus, North Anatolian Fault Observation Point and the Karagöl, Bingöl, Şeytan and Şerafettin Mountains.
Perde Pilavı and Çiğ Köfte are the standout flavours on Karlıova's tables.
Karlıova is known for its Karlıova Honey and its Nomadic Culture. Flower honey obtained from high mountain plateaus is Karlıova's most valuable natural product.
Karlıova is 70 km from Bingöl city centre. It lies on the Bingöl–Erzurum highway. Regular minibus services run from Bingöl.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer (July to August).