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8 places to visit in the central district of Bingöl: İsfahan Bey Mosque, Bingöl Hot Springs and Bingöl Mountains and Glacial Lakes. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Geography

Known as the “Thousand Lakes”, Bingöl has at least 72 lakes, a number large enough to be shown on a map, in the glacier-covered mountain plateaus that rise to 3,193 metres in the north-east.

Historic Monuments

The city centre is home to İsfahan Bey Mosque, dating from the Akkoyunlu period.

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Places to Visit in Bingöl Central District

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Nature
  • 2 Attraction

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Çapakçur Castle Ruins

These castle ruins, named after Bingöl's former name Çapakçur, reveal the depth of the city's history. Dating back to the Urartian period, they are among the oldest structures in the region.

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Historic

Zağ Caves

A cave area on a steep rock face along the banks of the Murat River.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

İsfahan Bey Mosque

A religious building from the Akkoyunlu period, and the city's main historic mosque.

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Natural Wonders 3

Nature

Bingöl Hot Springs

Thermal baths located close to the centre of Bingöl city, known for their healing mineral waters at 40–60°C. They are said to help with rheumatism, skin conditions and respiratory problems, and can be visited in every season of the year.

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Nature

Bingöl Mountains and Glacial Lakes

Dozens of glacial lakes lie among the peaks of the Bingöl Mountains, which rise above 3,000 metres. The province takes its name, meaning 'a thousand lakes', from these lakes, and offers unique routes for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts.

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Nature

Buban Fairy Chimneys

A natural wonder of pointed rock formations, about 50 km from the city centre.

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Attractions 2

Attraction

Bingöl Museum

Bingöl Museum displays artefacts from local archaeological excavations, dating from the Urartian, Roman and Byzantine periods. The ethnography section features regional costumes, kilims and everyday objects.

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Attraction

Hesarek Ski Centre

A ski centre near the village of Dikme, about 34 km from Bingöl city centre.

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What to Eat in Bingöl Central District

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  • Bingöl Köftesi (bulgur and minced meat balls)

    Bingöl köftesi is made by kneading finely ground mince with bulgur, and is served either raw or cooked. It is the region's best-known dish.

  • Perde Pilavı (rice wrapped in pastry)

    Rice enriched with chicken, almonds and currants, wrapped in thin yufka pastry and baked. It is an essential dish at weddings and special occasions in Bingöl.

  • Kelecoş (dried bean, chickpea and bulgur stew)

    Made with dried beans, chickpeas and bulgur, kelecoş is one of the distinctive winter dishes of Bingöl cuisine. It is seasoned with butter and red pepper.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bingöl Central District

  • Legend of the Thousand Lakes

    The name Bingöl means 'a thousand lakes' in Turkish and comes from the glacial lakes in the mountains. Various legends about these lakes have been passed down through generations among the local people.

  • Plateau Culture

    The tradition of plateau life continues in Bingöl. In summer, families move up to the plateaus, where they keep their traditional tent life, livestock farming and dairy production alive.

Local Products

  • Bingöl Balı (Bingöl honey) — Flower honey obtained from the high-altitude plateaus of Bingöl, and considered one of the finest honeys in Türkiye. Keven honey in particular is the most valued local product.
  • Bingöl Cevizi — Walnuts grown in the valleys of Bingöl, known for their large, oily kernels. Walnut cultivation is an important source of income in the region.

Economy

The economy of Bingöl Merkez district is based on agriculture, livestock farming and the public sector. Bingöl University contributes to the city's education and economic life. Beekeeping and walnut production are important sources of income. The district has high potential for thermal tourism, and spa facilities are being developed.

How to Get to Bingöl Central District

Bingöl can be reached by air via Bingöl Airport. It is 680 km from Ankara and 120 km from Elazığ. Intercity bus services connect the city with major cities.

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Bingöl Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bingöl Merkez?

The eight highlights of Bingöl Merkez are: İsfahan Bey Mosque, Bingöl Hot Springs, Bingöl Mountains and Glacial Lakes, Bingöl Museum, Çapakçur Castle Ruins, Zağ Caves, Buban Fairy Chimneys and Hesarek Ski Centre.

What should I eat in Bingöl Merkez?

Bingöl Köftesi, Perde Pilavı and Kelecoş are the standout dishes on tables in Bingöl Merkez.

What is Bingöl Merkez famous for?

Bingöl Merkez is known for Bingöl honey and the Legend of the Thousand Lakes. The flower honey obtained from Bingöl's high-altitude plateaus is considered one of the finest honeys in Türkiye. Keven honey in particular is the most valued local product.

How do I get to Bingöl Merkez?

Bingöl can be reached by air via Bingöl Airport. It is 680 km from Ankara and 120 km from Elazığ. Intercity bus services connect the city with major cities.

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