5 places to visit in the Karakeçili district of Kırıkkale: Karakeçili Yörük Culture House, Kızılırmak Valley Viewpoints and Karakeçili Central Mosque. Plan your trip to Karakeçili with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The Karakeçili people left Söğüt in the 15th century and founded the village of Karakeçili where the present-day district stands. It became a municipality in 1957 and gained district status in 1990. The district’s climate has the typical continental climate of the Central Anatolia Region; winters are harsh and snowy, while summers are hot and dry. Wheat and barley are the main crops, along with chickpeas, lentils, sunflowers, beet, cumin, maize and beans.
The Karakeçili tribe belongs to the Kayı branch of the Bozok, one of the two branches of the Oghuz. Karakeçili became a district in 1990, by law no. 3587, from a subdistrict attached to Balâ, and was attached to Kırıkkale province. Excavation work at Büklükale began in 2009 and is still ongoing. Who built Çeşnigir Bridge, and when, is a matter of debate among researchers. The Karakeçili International Culture Festival, first held in 1995, has been organised regularly every year.
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A culture house showcasing the lifestyle of the Karakeçili tribe, which belongs to the Kayı branch, the founding tribe of the Ottoman State. It is furnished with Yörük tents and traditional objects. The district takes its name from this tribe, and the house reflects the traces of the Karakeçili Yörüks, descendants of Ertuğrul Gazi, in Anatolia.
View on mapThe valley stretching along the Kızılırmak River, which flows through the south of the district, offers a natural viewing area for photography enthusiasts with its steppe vegetation and canyon-like structure. Especially at sunset, the rock formations on the riverbank create impressive views.
View on mapThe mosque in the district centre was built in the Republican period and bears traces of classical Ottoman mosque architecture. With its minaret and interior decoration, it is the most important place of worship in the district.
View on mapA bridge with sloping sides on either side, located on the Kızılırmak at the 100th kilometre of the Ankara-Kırşehir road. Its date of construction is debated because it has no inscription.
View on mapAn archaeological settlement in Karakeçili, located just to the left of the motorway from Ankara to Kaman before it crosses the Kızılırmak. Excavation work began in 2009 and is still ongoing.
View on mapWhile you are in Karakeçili, you can also see the highlights of Kırıkkale province. These places are in other districts; Karakeçili is about 30 km from the provincial centre.
A traditional Central Anatolian soup prepared with chicken broth, flour and butter. In Karakeçili it is an essential on the tables especially in the winter months.
Keşkek, prepared by simmering and pounding cracked wheat and meat for a long time, is the traditional dish of wedding and festival tables.
Thin-dough dumplings from Karakeçili's Yörük tradition, served with yoghurt and a butter sauce. The dough is rolled thinner than in other regions.
A local kilim known for its motifs of spoon handles, camel soles and scorpions. In the past it was woven in almost every house in the district, but it was nearly forgotten; weaving restarted through a project of the district governorship.
The district bears the name of the Karakeçili tribe, to which the Ottoman dynasty also belonged. This Yörük community, which belongs to the Kayı branch, settled in Anatolia after the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071. Sultan Abdülhamid II founded the 200-strong Söğütlü Maiyet Battalion made up of young men from Karakeçili and presented them as "my own tribe".
Harvest festivals held at the end of summer are events that keep Yörük culture alive. Traditional games, food competitions and handicraft exhibitions are organised.
The economy of Karakeçili is largely based on farming and livestock rearing. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are the main agricultural products. Small livestock rearing continues to be important. Thanks to its proximity to the Kırıkkale city centre, the district also provides employment in the industrial sector.
Karakeçili is approximately 30 km from Kırıkkale city centre. Transport is provided via the Ankara-Kırıkkale highway. Regular minibus services run to the district. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
The 5 highlights of Karakeçili are: Karakeçili Yörük Culture House, Kızılırmak Valley Viewpoints, Karakeçili Central Mosque, Çeşnigir Bridge, and Büklükale Archaeological Site and Rescue Excavation Area.
Arabaşı Çorbası, Keşkek, Yörük Mantısı and Karakeçili Kilim are the standout flavours on Karakeçili's tables.
Karakeçili is known for Wheat and Barley and the Karakeçili Yörük Tradition. In the district, where the Central Anatolian steppe climate prevails, dryland crops, especially wheat and barley production, are the main source of livelihood.
Karakeçili is approximately 30 km from Kırıkkale city centre. Transport is provided via the Ankara-Kırıkkale highway. Regular minibus services run to the district. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-May, September-October).