Photo: Bodrumlu60 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 6 places to visit in the Kemaliye district of Erzincan: Karanlık Canyon, Kemaliye Historic Houses and Euphrates (Karasu) River Views. Plan your trip to Kemaliye with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Kemaliye, formerly known as Eğin, is a district of Erzincan province. Its name was changed in 1922. The district covers 1,207 km² and has an average elevation of 944 metres above sea level. Kemaliye is a settlement in the Karasu valley, west of the Munzur Mountains.
Until 1922 the district was known as Eğin, a name of Göktürk origin meaning ‘a garden as beautiful as paradise’. During the War of Independence, in recognition of its loyalty to Atatürk, Eğin was renamed Kemaliye on 21 October 1922. Until 1926 it was attached to Elazığ, from 1926 to 1938 to Malatya, and afterwards to Erzincan.
After receiving the Kadıgölü and Miran waters within Kemaliye district, the Euphrates reaches Lake Keban near Başpınar in the south-east. Kemaliye has a small lake called Kadıgölü, and its natural beauty and water sources offer wonderful views.
Kemaliye Historic Town was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2021. The district takes its name from Mustafa Kemal, having been called Eğin before. Karanlık Canyon was registered in 2020 as a natural protected area with natural site status. Kemaliye, famous for its carpet weaving, holds a carpet festival every year. The Stone Road consists of 38 tunnels.
Last updated:
The Karanlık Canyon, which stretches along the Karasu branch of the Euphrates, is a natural wonder with steep rocky slopes 400–500 metres high. Along the 7 km canyon, a historic road of 38 tunnels and sharp bends offers a unique experience for adventure enthusiasts.
View on mapThe district centre is famous for its historic Ottoman-period stone houses. The mansions overlooking the Euphrates valley show the finest examples of traditional Anatolian civil architecture. Narrow streets and stone-paved roads give the district an authentic atmosphere.
View on mapKemaliye offers impressive river views thanks to its position near the point where the Karasu branch of the Euphrates flows into Lake Keban. The canyon and river valley create an ideal setting for nature photography and trekking.
View on map
Photo: Bodrumlu60 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The historic stone bridge over the Euphrates was built during the Ottoman period as part of the region's transport infrastructure. It is a popular photo spot, with views of the river.
View on mapA valley north-west of the district centre, known for petroglyphs and marks left by ancient Turks.
View on mapWhile you are in Kemaliye, you can also see the highlights of Erzincan province. These places are in other districts; Kemaliye is about 110 km from the provincial centre.
Kemaliye Lök Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 21 August 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1452). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, sweets. Registered by: Kemaliye Municipality.
A traditional sweet made by dipping walnut kernels in grape molasses and drying them. It is one of Kemaliye's best-known delicacies and is eaten as an energy source during the winter months.
Prepared by slowly cooking lamb in a clay tandır oven for hours. Tandır kebab is prepared for special occasions in the villages of Kemaliye and is the most beloved dish of the region.
Grape molasses boiled by traditional methods from grapes grown in the region, eaten as an energy source during the winter months. It is an indispensable part of breakfast tables.
Kemaliye's historic stone houses from the Ottoman period form the basis of the district's cultural identity. Preserved through restoration work, these houses are an important attraction for cultural tourism.
The Karanlık Canyon and the natural formations around it have made Kemaliye a centre of adventure tourism. Trekking, rock climbing and outdoor sports activities are organised.
The economy of Kemaliye is based on livestock farming, agriculture and growing tourism. Thanks to the Karanlık Canyon and the historic houses, culture and adventure tourism are important sources of income. Walnut and grape production are at the head of farming activities.
Kemaliye is 110 km from Erzincan city centre. It is reached by road via Erzincan. The Karanlık Canyon road offers an alternative route for adventure lovers. Minibus services run from Erzincan.
The six highlights of Kemaliye are: Karanlık Canyon, Kemaliye Historic Houses, Euphrates (Karasu) River Views, Kemaliye Stone Bridge, Dilli Valley and Hıdır Abdal Tomb.
Kemaliye Lök Tatlısı, Kemaliye Cevizli Sucuk, Tandır Kebabı and Kemaliye Pekmezi are the standout dishes on Kemaliye's tables.
Kemaliye is known for Kemaliye Dutu and its Historic Stone Houses Heritage. Registered with TÜRKPATENT as Eğin Dutu.
Kemaliye is 110 km from Erzincan city centre. It is reached by road via Erzincan. The Karanlık Canyon road offers an alternative route for adventure lovers. Minibus services run from Erzincan.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and summer.