5 places to visit in the Çayırlı district of Erzincan: Çayırlı Castle, Karasu Valley and Çayırlı Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Çayırlı with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Çayırlı lies in the north-east of Erzincan province. It covers 1,062 km² and sits at an elevation of 1,525 metres above sea level. The district has rugged, uneven terrain and is surrounded by the Keşiş, Sipikor and Coşan mountains.
In the past the region was ruled by Timur, then passed to the Aq Qoyunlu and, after the Battle of Otlukbeli in 1473, to the Ottoman state. In the 20th century the district fell to the Russians in 1915 and to the Armenians in 1918, and on 20 February 1918 it returned to Türkiye.
Çayırlı was a subdistrict attached to Tercan until 1954, known as Mans; it became a district on 1 June 1954. The region, which remained in the hands of the Russians and Armenians in 1915, joined the homeland in 1918.
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Çayırlı Castle, on a hill overlooking the district centre, has walls dating from the Byzantine period that reflect the strategic importance of the region. From the castle ruins, panoramic views of the district centre and the surrounding valleys can be enjoyed.
View on mapThe valley formed by the Karasu, a tributary of the Euphrates, with its deep canyons and green vegetation, is an ideal route for hiking. Various bird species and wildlife can be observed along the valley.
View on mapThe Grand Mosque in the district centre was built in the Ottoman period and is notable for its stonework. One of the oldest places of worship in the region, the mosque has traditional architectural features.
View on mapBaşköy Plateau, in the upper parts of Çayırlı, is an important area for both livestock farming and nature tourism, with its cool summer climate and extensive pastures. The plateau offers opportunities for camping and picnicking.
View on mapThe river that forms the district's border; the Balıklı Dorum and Mans streams flow into it.
View on mapWhile you are in Çayırlı, you can also see the highlights of Erzincan province. These places are in other districts; Çayırlı is about 80 km from the provincial centre.
Prepared by slowly cooking lamb in a clay tandır oven for hours, tandır kebab has a distinctive flavour from the meat of the sheep raised on Çayırlı's plateaus.
A traditional soup made by cooking thinly cut pieces of dough in meat broth. Kesme çorbası is never missing from the tables of Çayırlı on cold winter days.
A traditional sweet made with fresh cheese, flour and sugar, fried in butter. In Çayırlı it is served especially at festivals and wedding feasts.
For centuries the people of Çayırlı have migrated to the high plateaus in summer to practise livestock farming. This seasonal migration tradition shapes the social life, cuisine and handicrafts of the area and is a deep-rooted custom.
Because Çayırlı lies in the Karasu basin, a tributary of the Euphrates, it has been settled since ancient times. Various remains from the Urartian, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods can be found in the region.
The economy of Çayırlı is based on livestock farming and agriculture. Small livestock farming and beekeeping are carried out on the high plateaus. Wheat, barley and fodder crops are grown in farming. Dairy production is also an important source of income.
Çayırlı is about 80 km from Erzincan city centre. Road transport is available via Erzincan. The nearest airport is Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport. The district can be reached by minibus and bus services.
The five highlights of Çayırlı are: Çayırlı Castle, Karasu Valley, Çayırlı Grand Mosque, Başköy Plateau and Karasu River.
Tandır Kebabı, Kesme Çorbası and Höşmerim are the standout dishes on Çayırlı's tables.
Çayırlı is known for Çayırlı Balı and the Yayla Migration Tradition. Wildflower honey gathered on the high plateaus of the district is an aromatic and natural variety of honey. Beekeeping is an important source of livelihood in the region.
Çayırlı is about 80 km from Erzincan city centre. Road transport is available via Erzincan. The nearest airport is Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport. The district can be reached by minibus and bus services.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).