Arguvan Castle
Castle remains on the hill in the district centre, dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
View on map3 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.
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.
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.
The people of Arguvan earn their living from agriculture, livestock farming and beekeeping.
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.
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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Castle remains on the hill in the district centre, dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
View on mapArguvan lies in the Euphrates valley. The natural beauty along the riverbank and the valley's deep canyons make it suitable for nature tourism.
View on mapA park in Kızık village, 10 km from Arguvan, which is visited by tourists.
View on mapWhile 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.
Lamb cooked with vegetables wrapped in greaseproof paper and baked in the oven. Prepared with fresh, natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.
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.
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.
Arguvan's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Apricots, grapes and wheat are the main agricultural products.
Arguvan is 70 km from the Malatya provincial centre. Transport is by road.
The top 3 places in Arguvan: Arguvan Castle, Euphrates Valley and Kızık Village Sacred Fish Park.
Kağıt Kebabı and Analı Kızlı Çorbası are the standout dishes on Arguvan tables.
Arguvan is known for apricots and Arguvan Folk Songs. Malatya apricots are also grown in Arguvan.
Arguvan is 70 km from the Malatya provincial centre. Transport is by road.
Recommended visit: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months (Arguvan Folk Song Festival).