3 places to visit in the Arguvan district of Malatya: Arguvan Castle, Euphrates Valley and Kızık Village Sacred Fish Park. Plan your trip to Arguvan with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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History

The settlement in the district centre has roots in ancient times, based on finds from the mounds in Morhamam and Karahüyük villages. From the 4th century it appears in Byzantine sources under the name Argaous. In the Ottoman state, Arguvan was a subdistrict (bucak) named Tahir, attached to Arapgir, and was later attached to Diyarbakır as a district. With the proclamation of the Republic it was attached to Malatya as a central district. In 1954 it became a district of Malatya province under the name Arguvan, with the Tahir nahiye as its centre.

Geography

The terrain is generally rugged. The north of the district is mountainous, while the south is flatter. Apart from the Euphrates, which passes along part of the eastern boundary, there are no major rivers. Winters are cold with low rainfall, and summers are dry and hot.

Economy

The people of Arguvan earn their living from agriculture, livestock farming and beekeeping.

History and Culture

The settlement in Arguvan centre has roots in ancient times. From the 4th century it appears in Byzantine sources under the name Argaous. A Folk Song Festival has been held since 2003.

Highlights

In 1954 Arguvan became a district of Malatya province. Examples of Halaf-type pottery have been found at Karahöyük in Arguvan.

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Places to Visit in Arguvan

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Historic

Arguvan Castle

Castle remains on the hill in the district centre, dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

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Nature

Euphrates Valley

Arguvan lies in the Euphrates valley. The natural beauty along the riverbank and the valley's deep canyons make it suitable for nature tourism.

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Attraction

Kızık Village Sacred Fish Park

A park in Kızık village, 10 km from Arguvan, which is visited by tourists.

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Places to Visit Around Malatya Province

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While you are in Arguvan, you can also see the highlights of Malatya province. These places are in other districts; Arguvan is about 70 km from the provincial centre.

  • Arslantepe Mound — A mound 7 km north-east of Malatya, spanning the Chalcolithic period to the Late Hittite era.
  • Battalgazi Grand Mosque — A mosque in Old Malatya built around 1224 by the architect Yakub bin Ebubekir during the reign of Alâeddin Keykubad I. It is famous for its tile-decorated iwan, which represents the Iranian Great Seljuk mosque tradition in Anatolia.
  • Silahtar Mustafa Paşa Caravanserai — One of the great caravanserais of Anatolia, built in Battalgazi in the 17th century by Silahtar Mustafa Paşa; it is being preserved through restoration.
  • Somuncu Baba Complex — The complex around the tomb of the Sufi Somuncu Baba, known for baking and distributing loaves (somun) in Bursa and who died in 1412, in Darende; it stands on the bank of Tohma Canyon.
  • Tohma Canyon — A canyon in Darende carved into the limestone by the Tohma Stream.
  • Günpınar Waterfall — A waterfall tumbling from a rock face on a fault line, 8 km west of Darende and 118 km from Malatya; the surroundings are a picnic area.

Practical Information for Visiting Arguvan

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Summer months (Arguvan Folk Song Festival)
Places to visit
3 places

What to Eat in Arguvan

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  • Kağıt Kebabı (lamb baked in paper)

    Lamb cooked with vegetables wrapped in greaseproof paper and baked in the oven. Prepared with fresh, natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.

  • Analı Kızlı Çorbası (meatball and chickpea soup)

    Traditional Malatya soup made with small meatballs and chickpeas. This dish, prepared from recipes passed down through generations, is an important part of the region's culinary culture.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Arguvan

  • Arguvan Folk Songs

    Arguvan is one of the most important centres of Anatolian folk music. Arguvan folk songs, in the uzun hava and bozlak traditions, have a special place in Turkish musical culture. The annual Arguvan Folk Song Festival keeps this tradition alive.

Local Products

  • Kayısı (apricot) — Malatya apricots are also grown in Arguvan.

Economy

Arguvan's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Apricots, grapes and wheat are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Arguvan

Arguvan is 70 km from the Malatya provincial centre. Transport is by road.

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Arguvan: Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to see in Arguvan?

The top 3 places in Arguvan: Arguvan Castle, Euphrates Valley and Kızık Village Sacred Fish Park.

What is there to eat in Arguvan?

Kağıt Kebabı and Analı Kızlı Çorbası are the standout dishes on Arguvan tables.

What is Arguvan famous for?

Arguvan is known for apricots and Arguvan Folk Songs. Malatya apricots are also grown in Arguvan.

How do I get to Arguvan?

Arguvan is 70 km from the Malatya provincial centre. Transport is by road.

How much time should I set aside for Arguvan?

Recommended visit: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months (Arguvan Folk Song Festival).

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