TR RU

5 places to visit in the Korgun district of Çankırı: Around Alpsarı Village, Around Ildızım Village and Roman-period cemeteries (Alpsarı and Ildızım). Plan your trip to Korgun with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Korgun lies on the Çankırı–Kastamonu road. The average elevation of Korgun district above sea level is 909 metres.

History

From the 13th century BC, the region that includes Korgun was part of the settlement area of the Hittites. In 64 BC the Romans came to dominate the region, and this lasted until the 11th century. Cemeteries dating from the Roman period are found on the district’s lands near Alpsarı and Ildızım villages. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the region came under Turkish rule. In 1925, during the Hat Reform, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed through Korgun on his way to Kastamonu. Korgun takes its name from the Kargın tribe of the Oghuz who settled in the area. In 1990 the Korgun subdistrict became a district.

History and Culture

From the 13th century BC, the region that includes Korgun was part of the settlement area of the Hittites. Cemeteries from the Roman period are found near Alpsarı and Ildızım villages. Korgun subdistrict was established in 1958 and became its centre. Korgun subdistrict became a district in 1990. In 1925, during the Hat Reform, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed through Korgun on his way to Kastamonu.

Notable Features

A settlement called Yüce Höyük has been identified in Ildızım village, which is attached to Korgun District. The Doğu Neighbourhood Mosque in Korgun District probably dates from the 19th century and has a square plan and a Baghdadi-style dome.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Korgun

  • 1 Historic
  • 3 Ancient City
  • 1 Attraction
Ancient City

Around Alpsarı Village

An area with cemeteries dating from the Roman period.

View on map
Ancient City

Around Ildızım Village

An area with cemeteries dating from the Roman period.

View on map
Ancient City

Roman-period cemeteries (Alpsarı and Ildızım)

The cemeteries near Alpsarı and Ildızım villages bear witness to the area's settlement history in the Roman period.

View on map
Historic

Atatürk's Route to Kastamonu

In 1925, Atatürk's route to Kastamonu for the Hat Reform passed through the district; the journey holds an important place in the district's memory.

View on map
Attraction

Alpsarı Pond Recreation Area

Alpsarı Pond, within the boundaries of Alpsarı Village in Korgun District.

View on map

Places to Visit Around Çankırı Province

See all →

While you are in Korgun, you can also see the highlights of Çankırı province. These places are in other districts; Korgun is about 18 km from the provincial centre.

  • Çankırı Salt Cave — Galleries 6–8 metres high and 8 km long in total, cut into a rock-salt deposit thought to have been worked since the Hittites, in the village of Balıbağı about 20 km from the city centre; it is one of the largest salt reserves in Türkiye.
  • Taş Mescit (Cemaleddin Ferruh Hospital) — A hospital (darüşşifa) built in 1235 by the atabey Cemaleddin Ferruh in the reign of Alâeddin Keykubad I. The relief of two intertwined dragons on its façade is used today as the symbol of medicine, and the figure of a snake coiled round a cup as the symbol of pharmacy.
  • Sultan Süleyman (Grand) Mosque — A mosque of the age of Mimar Sinan, built by Sadık Kalfa on the order of Suleiman the Magnificent, begun in 1522 and completed in 1558. Covered by one large dome and four half-domes, and with a stone minbar, it is the largest mosque in the city.
  • Çankırı Castle and Karatekin Tomb — The remains of a castle used from the Roman to the Ottoman period, on the hill north of the city; inside are a Roman-period rock tomb and the tomb of Emir Karatekin Bey, the conqueror of Çankırı.
  • Çankırı Museum — A museum that has been housed since 2017 in the Old Government Building of 1905; finds from across the province are displayed in its archaeology, ethnography and palaeontology halls.
  • Ilgaz Mountain National Park — A national park established in 1976 on the border of Çankırı and Kastamonu; its highest point is Büyük Hacet Hill at 2,587 metres.

Practical Information for Visiting Korgun

Suggested time
A few hours
Best time to visit
Spring and summer
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Korgun

Food guide →

  • Etli Bükme (pastry with minced meat)

    The minced-meat pastry of the Çankırı region.

  • Keşkek

    The traditional dish of wedding feasts.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Korgun

  • Kargın tribe

    The district's name comes from the Kargın tribe of the Oghuz.

Local Products

  • Grain — Grain farming and livestock rearing are carried out in the district.

Economy

The economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming.

How to Get to Korgun

Korgun is roughly 18 km from Çankırı city centre as the crow flies. The district lies on the Çankırı–Kastamonu road.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Çankırı

Korgun: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Korgun?

The 5 main sights in Korgun are the area around Alpsarı Village, the area around Ildızım Village, the Roman-period cemeteries (Alpsarı and Ildızım), Atatürk's Route to Kastamonu and the Alpsarı Pond Recreation Area.

What is there to eat in Korgun?

Etli Bükme and Keşkek are the standout dishes at tables in Korgun.

What is Korgun famous for?

Korgun is known for grain and the Kargın tribe. Grain farming and livestock rearing are carried out in the district.

How do I get to Korgun?

Korgun is roughly 18 km from Çankırı city centre as the crow flies. The district lies on the Çankırı–Kastamonu road.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Korgun?

Suggested visit length: a few hours. Best time to visit: spring and summer.

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Çankırı

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.