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7 places to visit in the Darende district of Malatya: Tohma Kanyonu (Tohma Canyon), Günpınar Şelalesi (Günpınar Waterfall) and Somuncu Baba Külliyesi (Somuncu Baba Complex). Plan your trip to Darende with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Darende is a district of Malatya Province. The district centre lies 74 km north-west of Malatya city. The district covers 1,482 km² and has an average elevation of 1,032 metres above sea level.

History

In the past, Darende was known by many names, including Taranda, Tiranda, Daranda, Tiryandafil and Derindere. Based on neighbouring archaeological sites such as Arslantepe and Cafer Höyük, the area is thought to have been settled since 7000–5000 BC. The first known administrative unit in Darende was established by the Hittites. Chronologically, administrative control passed under the Hittites, Mitanni, Assyrians, Achaemenids, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Seljuks, Danishmendids, Anatolian Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Eretnids, Dulkadirids, Mamluks and Ottomans. Darende district, which belonged to Sivas Province, was attached to Malatya Province on 1 June 1934.

Geography

The district’s land is irrigated by the Tohma Suyu (Tohma River) and its tributary, the Balıklıtohma Stream. The Mığdı Plain spreads over about 5,000 hectares and is highly fertile for farming because of the alluvium carried by rivers.

Economy

The district’s economy is largely based on agriculture and livestock. Its largest source of income is apricots, with around 1.5 million apricot trees. Accounting for 1/4 of Malatya’s total apricot production, Darende also exports apricots to countries outside Türkiye.

Culture

One of the traditional summer festivals in Darende is the Zengibar Karakucak Wrestling and Culture Festival. Among Darende’s tradespeople and craftsmen, a secret mini-language called Hazeyince/Hazeynce emerged and has continued in use to the present day.

History and Culture

Darende was attached to Malatya Province on 1 June 1934. A secret mini-language known as Hazeyince emerged among Darende’s tradespeople and craftsmen. The Zengibar Karakucak Wrestling and Culture Festival is one of Darende’s traditional summer festivals.

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Places to Visit in Darende

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Other
Tohma Canyon - Darende Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Nature

Tohma Kanyonu (Tohma Canyon)

One of the natural canyons surrounding the district area. It has long been part of the region's trade and transport route.

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Nature

Günpınar Şelalesi (Günpınar Waterfall)

Located on the Tohma River within the district boundaries.

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Somuncu Baba Complex - Darende Photo: Zavira2013 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Religious

Somuncu Baba Külliyesi (Somuncu Baba Complex)

Built in honour of the 14th-century mystic Sheikh Hamid-i Veli (Somuncu Baba), the complex consists of a mosque, tomb, madrasa and library. It is an important centre of faith tourism that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

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Historic

Zengibar Kalesi (Zengibar Castle)

A castle built on steep rocks above the Tohma Canyon, dating from the Roman period. From the castle, views of the canyon and the Darende plain can be enjoyed.

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Other

Kudret Havuzu (Kudret Pool)

Located within the Tohma Canyon. It consists of three pools filled by water bubbling from the rocks.

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Ancient City

Arslantaş aslan heykelleri (Arslantaş lion statues)

A pair of lion statues from the Hittite period, located in the Arslantaş area west of Darende centre.

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Historic

Ozan Mescidi (Ozan Masjid)

A structure dating from the 8th century. It was once used as a church and later as a masjid.

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Places to Visit Around Malatya Province

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While you are in Darende, you can also see the highlights of Malatya province. These places are in other districts; Darende is about 110 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.
  • Levent Valley — A valley on the border of Akçadağ and Yeşilyurt, promoted as "Türkiye's Grand Canyon", with its canyons, rock tombs and glass viewing terrace.
  • Malatya Museum — A museum displaying the Chalcolithic, Hittite and Late Hittite finds from excavations in the province, above all Arslantepe, and the Seljuk stonework of the Battalgazi Grand Mosque.
  • Apricot Market — A bazaar in the city centre selling sun-dried and sulphured apricots, apricot pestil (fruit leather) and apricot lokum; it is the place that best reflects Malatya's apricot culture.

Practical Information for Visiting Darende

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn months
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Darende

Food guide →

  • Darende Pekmezi (Darende molasses)

    Grape and mulberry molasses is indispensable to Darende's traditional winter preparations. It is produced by natural methods.

  • Kağıt Kebabı (lamb baked in paper)

    Lamb cooked with vegetables wrapped in greaseproof paper and baked in the oven. The recipe, passed down through generations, varies slightly in each family.

  • Darende kayısısı (Darende apricots)

    Apricots are the district's biggest source of income. There are around 1.5 million apricot trees in the district.

  • Çirli aş (apricot dish)

    An apricot dish named on Darende's table in a column in the newspaper Sabah. The recipe is not given in the source.

  • Helle

    A dish made with flour that appears on the Darende table.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Darende

  • Somuncu Baba Geleneği (Somuncu Baba Tradition)

    Thanks to the tomb of Somuncu Baba, Darende is an important centre of faith tourism. Commemorative events held every year attract thousands of visitors.

Local Products

  • Kayısı (apricots) — Darende's climate is suited to apricot growing. Dried apricots and apricot products are important sources of income for the district.
  • Pekmez (molasses) — Grape and mulberry molasses is produced by traditional methods and sold in regional markets.

Economy

Darende's economy is based on agriculture, faith tourism and livestock. Apricots, grapes and mulberries are the main farm products. The Somuncu Baba Complex generates tourism income.

How to Get to Darende

Darende is 110 km from Malatya city centre. It lies on the Sivas–Malatya road.

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Darende: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Darende?

The 7 highlights of Darende: Tohma Canyon, Günpınar Waterfall, Somuncu Baba Complex, Zengibar Castle, Kudret Pool, Arslantaş lion statues and Ozan Masjid.

What should I eat in Darende?

Darende Pekmezi (molasses), Kağıt Kebabı (lamb baked in paper), Darende kayısısı (Darende apricots) and Çirli aş (apricot dish) are the standout dishes on Darende's tables.

What is Darende famous for?

Darende is known for apricots and the Somuncu Baba tradition. Darende's climate is suited to apricot growing. Dried apricots and apricot products are important sources of income for the district.

How do I get to Darende?

Darende is 110 km from Malatya city centre. It lies on the Sivas–Malatya road.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Darende?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months.

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