TR RU

7 places to visit in the Yahşihan district of Kırıkkale: Kızılırmak River, MKE Arms Industry Museum and Kızılırmak Bridge and Surroundings. Plan your trip to Yahşihan with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Yahşihan is the district closest to Kırıkkale city centre. The name Yahşihan appears in records from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods as one of the settlements in the region. The Kızılırmak River flows through the district’s boundaries. The district has a continental climate: summers are hot and dry, winters cold and snowy. Yahşihan, home to the Kırıkkale University campus, has a dense young and student population. Its economy is based on farming, and the Kırıkkale Industrial Zone lies within its boundaries.

History and Culture

Yahşihan became a district under Law no. 3644 and began functioning as a district in 1991. In the Republican period it was a fully organised subdistrict centre. It is 6 km from the provincial centre and 70 km from Ankara.

Highlights

The bridge, whose construction began in AH 1321, was completed in 1325 and became Anatolia’s first iron bridge. The district is 6 km from the provincial centre and 70 km from Ankara. Evliya Çelebi praised settlements around Kırıkkale on the Silk Road, such as Keskin, Yahşihan and Sulakyurt.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Yahşihan

  • 3 Historic
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
  • 1 Other
Nature

Kızılırmak River

The river flowing through the district's boundaries.

View on map
Historic

MKE Arms Industry Museum

A museum run by the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), displaying the history of Türkiye's defence industry. The collection includes weapon production processes from Ottoman times to the present, historical weapons and examples of ammunition.

View on map
Historic

Kızılırmak Bridge and Surroundings

The historic bridge over the Kızılırmak River at Yahşihan was an important crossing point on caravan routes in Ottoman times. The area around the bridge is now used as a walking and picnic area.

View on map
Nature

Yahşihan Dam

Built for irrigation and flood control, the dam and its green surroundings make a rest spot for nature lovers. Angling is possible on the dam lake.

View on map
Attraction

ACWA Power Kırıkkale Power Plant

A 950 MW natural gas combined-cycle plant that began operating in 2017 and is one of Türkiye's largest power plants. It is open to technical visits as part of industrial tourism.

View on map
Other

Kırıkkale University Campus

The campus of Kırıkkale University lies within the district's boundaries, and the district has a large young population.

View on map
Historic

Anatolia's First Iron Bridge

A structure over the Kızılırmak River, whose construction began in AH 1321 and which is known as Anatolia's first iron bridge.

View on map

Places to Visit Around Kırıkkale Province

See all →

While you are in Yahşihan, you can also see the highlights of Kırıkkale province. These places are in other districts; Yahşihan is about 8 km from the provincial centre.

  • Hasan Dede Tomb (Hasandede) — The tomb of Hasan Dede, who holds an important place in the Alevi-Bektashi tradition, in the town of Hasandede in the central district of Kırıkkale.
  • Kapulukaya Dam — A dam built on the Kızılırmak between 1979 and 1989, supplying Kırıkkale's drinking water and electricity.
  • Keskin — The largest district of the province by area, 32 km from Kırıkkale and 102 km from Ankara.
  • Mount Dinek — A mountain near Keskin, used for hiking, with highland pastures and wide views.
  • Kızılırmak Bank — The bank where the Kızılırmak, the longest river in Türkiye, passes close to the city; with its walking and picnic areas it is a place of relaxation for the townspeople.

Practical Information for Visiting Yahşihan

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn months (April–May, September–October)
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Yahşihan

Food guide →

  • Kırıkkale Mantısı

    Thin dough wrapped around minced meat in small parcels, served with yoghurt and a butter sauce. Homemade manti is a strong tradition in Yahşihan.

  • Bamya Çorbası

    A traditional soup made with dried okra and meat stock, one of the highlights of Central Anatolian cuisine. Served with a squeeze of lemon.

  • Sac Kavurma (griddle-roasted lamb)

    Lamb roasted on a griddle with vegetables. It is a highlight of Yahşihan tables, especially at Bayram and special occasions.

  • Yahşihan Yoghurt

    A yoghurt specific to Yahşihan, promoted as part of Turkish Cuisine Week.

  • Bazlama

    A bazlama specific to Yahşihan, featured in the Kırıkkale Cuisine Promotion Programme.

  • Yufka Bread

    A yufka bread specific to Yahşihan, promoted through a municipal event.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Yahşihan

  • Defence Industry Heritage

    Since the early years of the Republic, Yahşihan has been one of the important centres of Türkiye's defence industry, with MKE (Machinery and Chemical Industry) facilities. This industrial tradition has shaped the district's social and cultural character.

  • Kızılırmak Culture

    The settlement culture that developed along the Kızılırmak River, with its farming and fishing traditions, is an inseparable part of Yahşihan's identity. Picnics and fishing events held on the riverbank are important parts of social life.

Local Products

  • Sugar Beet — Sugar beet, grown on the fertile land in Yahşihan and the surrounding area, is the region's most important industrial crop.
  • Kırıkkale Lokumu (Turkish delight) — Lokum produced by traditional methods, in pistachio and walnut varieties, sold in Yahşihan's local markets.

Economy

Yahşihan is one of Kırıkkale's most populous districts and has a strong industrial base. MKE facilities and ACWA Power's 950 MW natural gas plant are among the district's largest employers. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are grown in farming. Its proximity to Kırıkkale city centre supports trade and services.

How to Get to Yahşihan

Yahşihan is about 8 km from Kırıkkale city centre and is integrated into the city. The Ankara–Kırıkkale road passes through the district. It is 75 km from Ankara. Regular municipal bus and minibus services run here. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Kırıkkale

Yahşihan: Frequently Asked Questions

What to see in Yahşihan?

Top 7 sights in Yahşihan: Kızılırmak River, MKE Arms Industry Museum, Kızılırmak Bridge and Surroundings, Yahşihan Dam, ACWA Power Kırıkkale Power Plant, Kırıkkale University Campus and Anatolia's First Iron Bridge.

What to eat in Yahşihan?

Kırıkkale Mantısı, Bamya Çorbası and Sac Kavurma are the standout flavours on Yahşihan's tables.

What is Yahşihan famous for?

Yahşihan is known for Sugar Beet and the Defence Industry Heritage. Sugar beet grown on the fertile land in Yahşihan and the surrounding area is the region's most important industrial crop.

How do I get to Yahşihan?

Yahşihan is about 8 km from Kırıkkale city centre and is integrated into the city. The Ankara–Kırıkkale road passes through the district. It is 75 km from Ankara. Regular municipal bus and minibus services run here. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport.

How long should I set aside for a visit to Yahşihan?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months (April–May, September–October).

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Kırıkkale

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.