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6 places to visit in the Gölova district of Sivas: Gölova Lake, Gölova Plateaus and Gölova Doğa Alanı. Plan your trip to Gölova with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Gölova is the easternmost district of Sivas. It covers an area of 286 km² and lies at an altitude of 1,333 m. Akıncılar borders it to the west; to the north are the Giresun districts of Şebinkarahisar and Çamoluk, and to the east and south is the Erzincan district of Refahiye. According to 2022 population statistics, the district has a total population of 3,246, making it the least populous district in Sivas after Doğanşar.

History

Gölova’s history goes back to the 20th century BC, and remains from the Hittites have been found at Söğütlü Göz, north of the district. The district remained under Byzantine and Trebizond Empire rule until Mehmed the Conqueror captured the Empire of Trebizond in 1461, after which it became part of the Ottoman Empire. Gölova, formerly known as Ağvanis, is mentioned in Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname.

Climate and Nature

The mountainous areas of the district are covered with pine forests, with oak woodland and high mountain pastures in places.

Culture

Gölova’s culture differs from that of other Sivas districts, and it shares the culture of southern Giresun.

History and Culture

Gölova gained the status of a town (belde) in 1972; in 1990, a law made it a district. When Mehmed the Conqueror conquered the Empire of Trebizond in 1461, the region passed to the Ottoman Empire. The local area has a Horon culture, and kemençe culture is also part of local tradition.

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Places to Visit in Gölova

  • 1 Religious
  • 5 Nature
Nature

Gölova Lake

The lake that gives the district its name stands out for its natural beauty. Picnicking and fishing are possible around the lake.

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Nature

Gölova Plateaus

The highland pastures in the upper parts of the district are preferred in summer for their cool air and natural beauty. Honey gathered from local herbs is the most valued natural product of the highlands.

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Nature

Gölova Doğa Alanı

One of the most important wildlife sites in the province and the region. The area is home to an endemic species, Verbascum trichostylum, and to ruddy shelducks that breed in its reedbeds.

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Nature

Baraj Lake

One of the lakes in Gölova. Bird species such as ducks, pochards and cranes, and fish species such as carp and grey mullet, live in these lakes.

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Religious

Çoban Baba Tomb

A tomb in Çobanlı village. The Sivas Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism page refers to it as one of Gölova's religious structures.

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Nature

Karnus Plateau

The highland pasture of the villages of Gölova. Wikipedia describes it as one of the most important highland pastures in the region.

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Places to Visit Around Sivas Province

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While you are in Gölova, you can also see the highlights of Sivas province. These places are in other districts; Gölova is about 140 km from the provincial centre.

  • Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital — In Divriği, a mosque built in 1228–29 for the Mengücek ruler Ahmed Şah and a hospital (darüşşifa) built for his wife Turan Melek; they are attributed to the architect Ahlatlı Hürrem Şah.
  • Divriği Castle — A castle looking down on Divriği (1,013 m) from above the valley of the Çaltı Stream; it offers views over the town and the valley.
  • Gök Madrasa — Also known as the Sahibiye Madrasa; it was built in 1271 in the reign of Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev III as a foundation of the vizier Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali, by the architect Kaluyan el-Konevî, and takes its name from its turquoise tiles.
  • Buruciye Madrasa — A madrasa built in 1271 by Muzafferüddin Burucirdî of Burucird, regarded as one of the finest examples of Seljuk stone carving.
  • Kangal Balıklı Hot Spring — 13 km from the centre of Kangal district, one of the rare thermal springs where fish live in the water; its designation of origin is registered.
  • Sivas Atatürk and Congress Museum — The Sivas Congress met from 4 to 12 September 1919 in this building, which opened as a high school in 1887; the congress hall can be visited today as a museum.

Practical Information for Visiting Gölova

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Gölova

Food guide →

  • Sivas Köftesi

    Sivas köfte, made with minced meat and spices, is also served in Gölova using the traditional recipe.

  • Keşkek

    Keşkek, made by slow-cooking wheat and meat and then pounding them together, is an essential dish at wedding feasts. Prepared in a communal spirit, it is a must at wedding tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gölova

  • Göl Kültürü

    Gölova Lake forms the foundation of the district's natural and cultural identity. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local people's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Buğday — Wheat is farmed in Gölova.

Economy

Gölova's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Small and large livestock are important sources of livelihood. Beekeeping and forestry are also carried out in the district.

How to Get to Gölova

Gölova is 140 km from Sivas city centre. The district is reached by road via Suşehri.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Sivas

Gölova: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Gölova?

The 6 highlights of Gölova: Gölova Lake, Gölova Highlands, Gölova Nature Area, Baraj Lake, Çoban Baba Tomb and Karnus Plateau.

What is there to eat in Gölova?

Sivas Köftesi and Keşkek are the highlights of Gölova's tables.

What is Gölova famous for?

Gölova is known for wheat and its lake culture. Wheat is farmed in Gölova.

How do I get to Gölova?

Gölova is 140 km from Sivas city centre. The district is reached by road via Suşehri.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Gölova?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer.

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Other Districts of Sivas

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