Photo: Umrancoban (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the Osmancık district of Çorum: Osmancık Castle, Koyunbaba Bridge and Koyunbaba Tomb. Plan your trip to Osmancık with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Osmancık is a district of Çorum, located in the north of the province. The district covers an area of 1,273 km², with an average elevation of 419 metres above sea level.
The remains of the castle’s towers and walls are preserved, and numerous tombs are found on the eastern side of the rock outcrop.
The most widely grown agricultural product in the district is rice, and the Osmancık-97 variety was registered in 1997. Osmancık-97 is a high-yielding variety that ripens in 130–135 days.
Osmancık is one of the rare districts where the customs and traditions of Central Anatolia can still be seen from the past to the present.
The town of Pimolisa, founded in the Roman period, stood where the castle is today. Koyunbaba Bridge was begun in 1484 and completed in 1489; it is 250 metres long. Roman-period rock tombs are located to the south of the castle.
In Osmancık, a castle belonging to the kings of Pontus was destroyed in the time of Strabo. In the time of Bayezid II, Koyunbaba Bridge was built over the Kızılırmak in the centre of Osmancık.
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Photo: Yesilordek (CC BY 3.0) · Source A historic stone bridge built over the Kızılırmak in the 15th century, one of the important examples of Ottoman-period bridge architecture. The bridge takes its name from a Turkmen dervish called Koyunbaba who lived in the region.
View on mapA castle built on a natural rocky outcrop beside the Kızılırmak.
View on mapA fountain in Osmancık, commissioned by the grand vizier Baltacı Mehmet Paşa.
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Photo: Umrancoban (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Built on top of the Roman-era town of Pimolisa, the castle's towers and wall remnants are preserved.
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Photo: Emrahakilli (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The tomb of Seyit Ali Koyunbaba, who lived in Osmancık in the 15th century, is one of the district's most important places of pilgrimage. Koyunbaba came to Osmancık from Bursa and settled there as a shepherd dervish.
View on mapBuilt in the Ottoman period, the Grand Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in the district. It is a fine example of Ottoman provincial mosque architecture, notable for its stonework and traditional features.
View on mapA mosque in the centre of Osmancık, built as part of an imaret (charitable soup kitchen complex).
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Photo: Emrahakilli (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The Kızılırmak River, which flows through Osmancık, forms deep valleys and fertile plains. Nature walks and photography are possible along the valley.
View on mapWhile you are in Osmancık, you can also see the highlights of Çorum province. These places are in other districts; Osmancık is about 55 km from the provincial centre.
Osmancık Domates Kavurması was registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 April 2026 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1838). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Osmancık Kaymakamlığı (District Governorship).
Osmancık Kaypak Yemeği was registered as a protected geographical indication on 7 April 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1718). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Osmancık Kaymakamlığı (District Governorship).
Osmancık Malak Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 25 June 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1749). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastry, and desserts. Registered by: Osmancık Kaymakamlığı (District Governorship).
Osmancık Yaprak İçi Yemeği was registered as a protected geographical indication on 25 June 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1750). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Osmancık Kaymakamlığı (District Governorship).
Osmancık Yırtmaç Yemeği was registered as a protected geographical indication on 18 November 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1662). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Osmancık Kaymakamlığı (District Governorship).
Rice is the most widely grown agricultural product in the district.
Koyunbaba, who lived in the 15th century, is the spiritual symbol of Osmancık. It is known that the famous guitar work by the Italian composer Carlo Domeniconi takes its name from this dervish.
Rice farming in Osmancık is a tradition that has lasted for centuries. Rice grown on the fertile soils of the Kızılırmak valley is an inseparable part of the district's economic and cultural identity.
The economy of Osmancık is based on agriculture, livestock farming and trade. Rice production is the district's most important agricultural activity. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are also grown. Vegetables and fruit are cultivated on the fertile land of the Kızılırmak valley. The district is one of the most populous in Çorum.
Osmancık is 55 km from Çorum city centre. It lies on the Ankara–Samsun highway. Intercity bus services and minibus connections from Çorum are available.
The 8 highlights of Osmancık are Osmancık Castle, Koyunbaba Bridge, Koyunbaba Tomb, Kızılırmak Valley, Osmancık Grand Mosque, Osmancık Kandiber Castle, Osmancık İmaret Mosque and Baltacı Mehmet Paşa Fountain.
Osmancık Domates Kavurması, Osmancık Kaypak Yemeği, Osmancık Malak Tatlısı and Osmancık Yaprak İçi Yemeği are the standout dishes on Osmancık's tables.
Osmancık is known for Osmancık Ayvalı Yahnisi and the Koyunbaba Tradition. It is a registered protected geographical indication product on TÜRKPATENT.
Osmancık is 55 km from Çorum city centre. It lies on the Ankara–Samsun highway. Intercity bus services and minibus connections from Çorum are available.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.