9 places to visit in the Tekman district of Erzurum: Tekman Castle, Tekman Plain and Tekman Plateaus. Plan your trip to Tekman with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Tekman is a district of Erzurum Province. The district covers 2,102 km² and its centre lies at an average altitude of 1,933 metres above sea level.
The founding date of the district is not known exactly, but the settlement is mentioned in historical sources by the Armenian-origin name Tatos.
Tekman lies 151 km from Erzurum Province and is situated in the south of the province. Plateaus and pastures cover a large part of the district.
Tekman has the continental climate characteristic of the Eastern Anatolia Region: summers are short and cool, while winters are very cold and long, lasting 7–8 months.
The district’s economy is largely based on livestock farming. According to 2011 data, 57,700 sheep and 4,850 Angora goats were shorn in the district.
The founding date of Tekman is not known exactly; in history the settlement is referred to by its Armenian name “Tatos”. Tekman became part of Ottoman rule in 1517. Until 1946 it was a village of the Hınıs district; in the same year it was made a district.
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Castle ruins on a hill overlooking the district centre, used by various civilisations from the Urartian period onwards. Its walls and towers reflect the strategic importance of the region. The arrow slits and towers still visible on the walls bear witness to defensive architecture.
View on mapThe Grand Mosque in the district centre was built in the Ottoman period and is notable for its traditional stone architecture. Its handwritten calligraphy and tile decoration inside attract visitors.
View on mapThe district has shrines and sacred sites including Gülbaba, Aktaş, Huribaba, Arapdede, Çiçekli, Gökbaba and Kırklar.
View on mapThe Tekman Plain, at 1,800 metres above sea level, offers an impressive natural landscape with its wide flatlands and surrounding mountain views.
View on mapThe plateaus in the higher parts of the district have a cool climate in summer and wide pastures, making them important for livestock farming and nature tourism. The tradition of plateau migration has continued for centuries, and stone houses and dairies bear witness to this culture.
View on mapThermal springs with a bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, carbon dioxide and partly radioactive composition; ideal for drinking and bathing cures.
View on mapA natural formation in Kalaycı village consisting of two large hollows; a narrow staircase leads up to a two-storey view inside.
View on mapThe plateaus in the south of the district have wide pastures and meadows.
View on mapThe Aras River, one of Türkiye's most important rivers, passes through the district.
View on mapWhile you are in Tekman, you can also see the highlights of Erzurum province. These places are in other districts; Tekman is about 90 km from the provincial centre.
Lamb roasted on a horizontal spit over a wood fire. It has a special flavour from the meat of sheep raised on Tekman's wide pastures.
A traditional soup made with yoghurt, bulgur and mint. It is a nourishing dish that never leaves the tables of Tekman on cold winter days.
A soup made by simmering thinly cut pieces of dough in meat broth. It is one of the winter classics of Tekman cuisine.
A soup made with a herb that grows endemically in Tekman.
A büryan served cold at weddings in Tekman; it is said to differ from Siirt büryan.
A cheese mentioned as one of the district's distinctive flavours.
Honey produced in the district, which attracts interest in the city and across the country.
Tekman has long been home to nomadic and semi-nomadic Turkmen tribes. The tradition of migrating to the plateaus, which has continued for centuries, forms the basis of the district's cultural identity.
Tekman lies on the northern foothills of the Bingöl Mountains. This geographical location is a factor that deeply affects the district's climate, agriculture and cultural life.
The economy of Tekman is largely based on livestock farming. Cattle and sheep farming and dairy production are the main sources of income. Wheat, barley and fodder crops are grown in agriculture.
Tekman is about 90 km from Erzurum city centre. It is reached by road via the Erzurum–Bingöl route. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by minibus services.
The highlights of Tekman are 9 places: Tekman Castle, Tekman Plain, Tekman Plateaus, Tekman Grand Mosque, Tekman Thermal Tourism Centre (Maman and Hamzan Springs), Tekman Cave, Gülbaba, Aktaş, Huribaba and other shrines, Southern Erzurum–Bingöl plateaus and Aras River.
Cağ Kebabı, Ayran Aşı, Kesme Çorbası and Gırar çorbası are the standout dishes on Tekman's tables.
Tekman is known for Tekman Honey and its Nomadic and Migratory Culture. Flower honey gathered on the high plateaus of the district is an aromatic and natural variety thanks to its rich flora.
Tekman is about 90 km from Erzurum city centre. It is reached by road via the Erzurum–Bingöl route. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by minibus services.
Suggested visit: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).