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7 places to visit in the Mecitözü district of Çorum: Mecitözü Castle, Elvan Çelebi Tomb and Lodge and Mecitözü Plain. Plan your trip to Mecitözü with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Mecitözü is a district of Çorum Province and has retained its district status since the Republic was founded. The district covers an area of 825 km², with an average elevation of 813 metres above sea level.

History

Until the 11th century, the main settlement in this area was a town near today’s village of Beyözü, known for the fairs held every year in the Roman and Byzantine periods. In the second half of the 11th century, the settlement moved to the site of today’s Mecitözü and Turkmen settlement took place in the region. The name Mecitözü comes from Abdülmecîd el-Herevî, the judge (kadı) of the region in the 12th century, during the Danishmendid period.

Architecture

The clock tower built in 1899 was later demolished. In 2018, the municipality built a new clock tower in the town.

History and Culture

Until the 11th century, the main settlement of Mecitözü was at the site that is today the village of Beyözü. The name Mecitözü comes from Abdülmecîd el-Herevî, who was the judge of the region during the Danishmendid period. The clock tower built in 1899 was demolished at an uncertain date.

Key Facts

In the Byzantine period the settlement was known as Euchaita; in the Turkish period it was called Avkat Köy, and from 1962 it has been known as Beyözü Village. Mecitözü district lies east of Çorum, at the foot of Avkat Mountain.

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Places to Visit in Mecitözü

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Religious
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Other
Historic

Mecitözü Castle

The castle on the hill in the district centre was built in the Seljuk period and repaired in the Ottoman period. From the castle remains, visitors can enjoy views of the Mecitözü plain and the surrounding mountains.

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Religious

Elvan Çelebi Tomb and Lodge

The tomb and lodge (zaviye) of Elvan Çelebi, a Sufi poet who lived in the 14th century, are among Mecitözü's most important historical buildings. It was an important centre of Sufi tradition in the Anatolian Seljuk period.

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Nature

Mecitözü Plain

The plain at the centre of the district, which covers 942 km², is surrounded by fertile farmland. Lying at an altitude of 750 metres, the plain offers beautiful views with its green cover in spring.

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Religious

Mecitözü Grand Mosque

Built in the Ottoman period, the Grand Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in the district. It is notable for its stonework and traditional architectural features.

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Religious

Elvan Çelebi Mosque and Tomb

A mosque and tomb set in a large garden in Elvançelebi Town.

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Other

Mecitözü Clock Tower

A new clock tower built by the municipality in the town.

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Historic

Former Provincial Special Administration Building

A former building at the intersection of two streets in the centre of Mecitözü.

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Places to Visit Around Çorum Province

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While you are in Mecitözü, you can also see the highlights of Çorum province. These places are in other districts; Mecitözü is about 37 km from the provincial centre.

  • Hattuşa (Boğazköy) — The Hittite capital, 82 km south-west of Çorum and 4 km east of Boğazkale.
  • Hattuşa Great Temple and Green Stone — The Great Temple in the Lower City, measuring 65 × 42 metres and thought to have been dedicated to the Storm God and the Sun Goddess.
  • Yazılıkaya — The Hittite open-air sanctuary 2 km north-east of Hattuşa.
  • Alacahöyük — A mound 15 km north-west of Alaca, where 15 building levels from four cultural phases have been identified.
  • Şapinuva — A military and religious centre at Ortaköy, known as the second largest city of the Hittite Kingdom.
  • Boğazköy Museum — A museum at the entrance to Hattuşa displaying the tablets, seals and ceramics unearthed at the site.

Practical Information for Visiting Mecitözü

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Mecitözü

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  • Borani (yoghurt and mushroom dish)

    Borani, made from a mixture of yoghurt, egg and mushrooms, is a distinctive soup of the Çorum region. It is often eaten in Mecitözü during the winter months.

  • Teltel Makarna (hand-cut pasta)

    Teltel is made by cutting handmade dough into thin strips. It is served with yoghurt or meat broth and is the traditional pasta of Çorum cuisine.

  • Helise (wheat and chicken dish)

    Prepared by boiling and pounding wheat and chicken meat for a long time. With a consistency similar to keşkek, helise is the traditional winter dish of Mecitözü.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Mecitözü

  • Elvan Çelebi Tradition

    Elvan Çelebi, a Sufi poet of the 14th century, lived in Mecitözü and wrote works there. His work Menâkıbü'l-Kudsiyye is an important source for the history of Sufism in the Anatolian Seljuk period.

  • Traditional Farming Culture

    Traditional farming methods and village life continue to be practised in Mecitözü. The imece tradition of communal work during the harvest is an important expression of social solidarity.

Local Products

  • Wheat and Barley — Wheat and barley are grown on the fertile soils of the Mecitözü plain. Cereal production forms the basis of the district's economy.
  • Walnut — Walnuts are grown in the mountainous areas of the district. Mecitözü walnuts are known for their large kernels.

Economy

Mecitözü's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley, sugar beet and sunflower are the main agricultural products. Cattle and small livestock farming are important sources of income. Small-scale trade and craftsmanship also take place in the district.

How to Get to Mecitözü

Mecitözü is 37 km from Çorum city centre. Regular minibus services run from Çorum to the district. It lies on the Amasya–Çorum road.

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Mecitözü: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Mecitözü?

The 7 highlights of Mecitözü are Mecitözü Castle, Elvan Çelebi Tomb and Lodge, Mecitözü Plain, Mecitözü Grand Mosque, Elvan Çelebi Mosque and Tomb, Mecitözü Clock Tower and the Former Provincial Special Administration Building.

What is there to eat in Mecitözü?

Borani, Teltel Makarna and Helise are the standout dishes on Mecitözü's tables.

What is Mecitözü famous for?

Mecitözü is known for Wheat and Barley and the Elvan Çelebi Tradition. Wheat and barley are grown on the fertile soils of the Mecitözü plain. Cereal production forms the basis of the district's economy.

How do I get to Mecitözü?

Mecitözü is 37 km from Çorum city centre. Regular minibus services run from Çorum to the district. It lies on the Amasya–Çorum road.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Mecitözü?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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