Photo: 71ergun (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the Keskin district of Kırıkkale: Keskin Castle, Keskin Historic Bazaar and Dinek Mountain. Plan your trip to Keskin with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Keskin is a district of Kırıkkale province. Keskin is currently the largest of all the districts, including the centre, by area. The average altitude of the district centre above sea level is 1,154 metres, and its area is 1,129 km².
It was founded in 1690–91 and was a district of the Kırşehir sanjak in the Ottoman period. After 1927 it was attached to Ankara because of its proximity to Ankara, and in 1990, when Kırıkkale became a province, it was attached to Kırıkkale.
Keskin is surrounded by Delice to the east and south-east, Akçakent to the south, Kaman, Akpınar and Çiçekdağı to the south and south-west, Kırıkkale central district to the north, and Balışeyh to the north-east. It has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, generally dry summers. Dinek Mountain lies between Keskin and Balışeyh; at 1749 metres, it is the highest point of Keskin.
The halay dances of the Keskin and Balâ region are based on foot and hip movements.
The district’s economy is based on weaving, agriculture and livestock farming. The main agricultural products grown are cereals, pulses, forage crops, industrial crops, vegetables and fruit. Potatoes in particular play an important role in the district’s economy. In livestock farming, large and small livestock are raised alongside poultry, beekeeping, fishing and ostrich farming.
Keskin was founded in 1690 with the settlement of the Bozulus Turkmens. Keskin was attached to Kırıkkale when it became a province in 1990. The gunpowder factory in Keskin produced weapons and ammunition during the War of Independence and transported them to the front. The film Once Upon a Time in Anatolia by Nuri Bilge Ceylan was shot in Keskin.
Keskin district is set on the slopes of At and Kartal hills, to the south of Dinek Mountain. In the Kibrithane building, 50,000 bullets a day were produced during the War of Independence.
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The castle ruins on the hill above the district centre date from the Seljuk period. The structure is an important example of cultural heritage that reflects the region's historical past. Pottery fragments from various periods were found in excavations at the foot of the castle.
View on mapThe historic bazaar, dating from the Ottoman period, is notable for its traditional shops. Its historic fabric sheds light on the region's past and offers visitors a distinctive experience.
View on mapA historic bridge over the Kızılırmak, considered to date from the 13th-century Seljuk period and rebuilt by Mimar Sinan.
View on mapRock settlements dated to the Iron Age, located in a valley 3 km from Ceritkale Village.
View on mapA complex built on a monastery from the Late Roman or Early Byzantine period; the sulphurous Deliler Kuyusu (Madmen's Well) is located here.
View on mapAn Orthodox church built in the second half of the 19th century; its roof system has collapsed and its walls are partly demolished.
View on mapA single-storey building of red Ankara stone; the former Children's and Public Library building, now used as the Hacı Taşan Culture Centre.
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Photo: 71ergun (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source At 1749 metres, Dinek Mountain is the highest point of Keskin; many villages and towns lie at its foot.
View on mapWhile you are in Keskin, you can also see the highlights of Kırıkkale province. These places are in other districts.
Keskin's traditional tarhana, prepared with yoghurt and wheat. This flavour, which has an important place on the tables of local people, is prepared using traditional recipes.
Minced meat spread on thin dough and baked in an oven. Made with recipes passed from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the local food culture.
A local casserole dish of lamb, tomato and pepper, baked in an oven.
Keskin is a district that keeps up traditional Central Anatolian farming culture. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the cultural identity of the local people.
Keskin'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.
Keskin is 30 km from Kırıkkale. Minibus services run from Kırıkkale.
The highlights of Keskin are 8 sites: Keskin Castle, Keskin Historic Bazaar, Dinek Mountain, Çeşnigir Bridge, Haydar Sultan Mosque and Tomb, Taş Mektep / Hacı Taşan Culture Centre, Karıştıran Church and Ceritkale Rock Tombs.
Keskin Tarhanası and Etli Ekmek are the standout flavours on Keskin's tables.
Keskin is known for Kırıkkale Keskin Tava and Agricultural Culture. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Keskin is 30 km from Kırıkkale. Minibus services run from Kırıkkale.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.