5 places to visit in the Balışeyh district of Kırıkkale: Balışeyh Castle, Balışeyh Plain and Koçubaba Mosque and Tomb. Plan your trip to Balışeyh with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Balışeyh is a district of Kırıkkale and was formerly known as Balışıh. The district covers 623 km².
The district takes its name from Bal-ı Şeyh, another name for Sheikh Edebali, the close companion of Ertuğrul Gazi, the Kayı chief of the Oghuz. The settlement dates to between 1230 and 1258. The presence of a 13th-century Seljuk mosque in the district confirms this date.
The district has a continental climate: summers are hot and dry, and winters are generally cold with partial snowfall. The highest altitude in the district is 1740 m and the lowest is 872 m. The altitude of the Balışeyh district centre above sea level averages 867 m.
The district’s economy is generally based on agriculture and livestock farming. Within agriculture, cereal farming predominates, and dry farming is largely the rule. Potatoes and sugar beet are grown on irrigable land. Livestock farming is mainly small livestock, in line with the terrain.
The district takes its name from Bal-ı Şeyh, another name for Sheikh Edebali. The settlement dates to 1230–1258; the existence of a 13th-century Seljuk mosque confirms this. The area of Balışeyh is 623 km². Within the boundaries of Balışeyh district are the Balışeyh and İzzettin stations.
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The castle ruins near the district centre date from the Byzantine period. The structure, which reflects the region's historical past, is an important example of cultural heritage. Made up of an inner castle and an outer castle, its water cisterns can still be seen.
View on mapThe plain, covered with fertile farmland, offers a Central Anatolian steppe landscape. This natural area, which reflects the region's ecological diversity, attracts nature lovers.
View on mapA 15th-century mosque and an octagonal tomb in Koçubaba Village. The tomb holds the sarcophagus of Koçubaba, an Alevi sheikh.
View on mapA mosque believed to have been built in 1121. The woodwork of its ceiling covering is striking.
View on mapDenek Mountain, to the south of the district, is one of the highest parts of the district.
View on mapWhile you are in Balışeyh, you can also see the highlights of Kırıkkale province. These places are in other districts.
Tarhana, prepared with yoghurt, wheat and vegetables, is the indispensable soup of winter tables. Dried tarhana has been part of tables for centuries as a long-lasting natural food.
Prepared by cooking wheat and meat for a long time and then pounding them. Made with recipes passed from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the local food culture. Small differences in each village's keşkek recipe add to the richness of the dish.
Balışeyh is a small district that keeps up traditional Central Anatolian village life. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the cultural identity of the local people.
Balışeyh's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Small and large livestock farming are important sources of livelihood. Beekeeping and forestry are also carried out in the district.
Balışeyh is 40 km from Kırıkkale. Minibus services run from Kırıkkale.
The highlights of Balışeyh are 5 sites: Balışeyh Castle, Balışeyh Plain, Koçubaba Mosque and Tomb, Ballı Mosque and Tomb and Denek Mountain.
Tarhana Çorbası and Keşkek are the standout flavours on Balışeyh's tables.
Balışeyh is known for Balışeyh Wheat and Village Life Culture. The wheat grown on the fertile plains of Balışeyh is the main agricultural product.
Balışeyh is 40 km from Kırıkkale. Minibus services run from Kırıkkale.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.