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5 places to visit in the Otlukbeli district of Erzincan: Otlukbeli Battlefield, Otlukbeli Lake and Otlukbeli Martyrs' Monument. Plan your trip to Otlukbeli with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Otlukbeli, formerly known as Karakulak, is one of nine districts of Erzincan, although it lies in the Black Sea Region. The district covers 320 km² and its average elevation above sea level is 1,760 metres. Its population is 2,123, placing it fifth from the bottom among 922 districts.

History

The known history of Otlukbeli begins around 2000 BC, when the Hurrians dominated these regions. The area lay within the borders of the Urartian Kingdom around the 900s BC and, after the fall of Urartu, was under Scythian rule for about 30 years. The district was established as a municipality under the name Karakulak on 27 February 1971, was named “Otlukbeli” on 10 April 1973, and gained district status in 1990.

The Battle of Otlukbeli, 1473

On 11 August 1473, the Ottoman army under Fatih Sultan Mehmed won a victory over the Aq Qoyunlu forces of Uzun Hasan. After the battle, a succession struggle broke out in the Aq Qoyunlu realm, and the Karamanid territory passed under Ottoman control.

History and Culture

In the area whose known history goes back to around 2000 BC, the Hurrians first held sway. After the Battle of Otlukbeli, the west of the Euphrates passed under Ottoman rule. Crusader raids on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts failed both before and after the Otlukbeli Victory.

Key Facts

The area remained in Aq Qoyunlu hands until the Battle of Otlukbeli between Fatih and Uzun Hasan (11 August 1473). Şahismail, who took the Safavid throne in 1502, had made Erzincan his headquarters.

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Places to Visit in Otlukbeli

  • 3 Historic
  • 2 Nature
Historic

Otlukbeli Battlefield

Historic site of the 1473 victory of Fatih Sultan Mehmed over the Aq Qoyunlu forces of Uzun Hasan.

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Nature

Otlukbeli Lake

Otlukbeli Lake, a volcanic crater lake about 1,600 metres above sea level, lies beside the Erzincan–Erzurum road. With the surrounding plateaus and pine forests, it is an ideal spot for walking and photography.

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Historic

Otlukbeli Martyrs' Monument

Monument raised in memory of the Battle of Otlukbeli of 1473 between Fatih Sultan Mehmed and the Aq Qoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan, a turning point in Ottoman history. Located near the battlefield, it is an important stop for history enthusiasts.

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Nature

Mercan Mountains

The Mercan Mountains rise south of Otlukbeli, with peaks over 3,000 metres. One of the important mountain ranges of Eastern Anatolia, they attract plateau tourism and trekking in summer and snowy landscapes in winter.

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Historic

Otlukbeli Battle Field

Site of the Battle of Otlukbeli in 1473 between the Ottomans and the Aq Qoyunlu, an important area in Anatolian history.

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Places to Visit Around Erzincan Province

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While you are in Otlukbeli, you can also see the highlights of Erzincan province. These places are in other districts; Otlukbeli is about 94 km from the provincial centre.

  • Karanlık Canyon — A 25-km-long, 1,000-metre-deep canyon at Kemaliye, cut by the Karasu (Euphrates) through the Munzur Mountains between the village of Bağıştaş in İliç and the village of Dutluca in Kemaliye; its slopes reach a gradient of 90%. It joined the UNESCO Tentative List in 2021 together with Kemaliye.
  • Kemaliye (Eğin) — A historic amphitheatre-shaped town that climbs the slope from the Euphrates bank, from 845 to 1,100 metres.
  • Taş Yol — The historic road to Kemaliye, passing through tunnels cut into the walls of Karanlık Canyon; the most impressive views of the canyon are seen from this road.
  • Girlevik Waterfall — A waterfall in the town of Çağlayan, 30 km south-east of Erzincan, which drops 30–40 metres in three stages.
  • Altıntepe — An Urartian fortress at Üzümlü, on a volcanic cone rising 60 metres above the plain.
  • Kemah Castle — A castle on a rock 80 metres high at Kemah, dated to around 205 BC. It passed from the Safavids to the Ottomans with the Siege of Kemah in 1515. Excavation and restoration work is continuing.

Practical Information for Visiting Otlukbeli

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–September)
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Otlukbeli

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  • Kesme Çorbası (hand-cut pasta soup)

    Traditional soup made by cooking thin-cut pieces of dough in meat broth, an essential of winter tables in the Erzincan region. Served with butter and mint.

  • Tandır Kebabı (clay oven lamb)

    Lamb slow-cooked for a long time in a clay tandır oven. It gains a special flavour from the sheep raised on the high plateaus of Otlukbeli.

  • Höşmerim (fresh cheese dessert)

    Traditional dessert made from fresh cheese, flour and sugar, fried in butter and served. Specific to the Erzincan region, it is prepared especially for festival meals.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Otlukbeli

  • Legacy of the Battle of Otlukbeli

    The Battle of Otlukbeli of 1473, in which Fatih Sultan Mehmed defeated the Aq Qoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan, is a historic turning point that confirmed Ottoman dominance in Eastern Anatolia. This battle is the most important historical event that shaped the identity and name of the district.

  • Plateau Culture

    For centuries the people of Otlukbeli have migrated to the plateaus in summer, raising livestock and producing dairy products. This plateau tradition is a longstanding custom that deeply shapes the social life and cuisine of the area.

Local Products

  • Yayla Balı (plateau honey) — Flower honey gathered on the plateaus at the foot of the Mercan Mountains. The rich flora of the high altitude gives it an aromatic, high-quality character.
  • Tulum Peyniri (tulum cheese) — Tulum cheese, made locally by traditional methods from goat and sheep milk and matured in animal-skin tulum sacks.

Economy

The economy of Otlukbeli rests largely on livestock farming and agriculture. Small livestock is raised on the high plateaus, and dairy production is an important source of income. Beekeeping is also a widespread livelihood in the region. Wheat and barley are the main crops.

How to Get to Otlukbeli

Otlukbeli is about 94 km from Erzincan city centre. Access is by the Erzincan–Erzurum road. The nearest airport is Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport. The district can be reached by intercity bus and minibus services.

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Otlukbeli: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Otlukbeli?

The five highlights of Otlukbeli are Otlukbeli Battlefield, Otlukbeli Lake, Otlukbeli Martyrs' Monument, the Mercan Mountains and Otlukbeli Battle Field.

What is there to eat in Otlukbeli?

Kesme Çorbası, Tandır Kebabı and Höşmerim are the standout flavours on Otlukbeli's tables.

What is Otlukbeli famous for?

Otlukbeli is known for Yayla Balı (plateau honey) and the Legacy of the Battle of Otlukbeli. The flower honey gathered on the plateaus at the foot of the Mercan Mountains has an aromatic, high-quality character thanks to the rich flora of the high altitude.

How do I get to Otlukbeli?

Otlukbeli is about 94 km from Erzincan city centre. Access is by the Erzincan–Erzurum road. The nearest airport is Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport. The district can be reached by intercity bus and minibus services.

How much time should I set aside for a trip to Otlukbeli?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).

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