Photo: Volker Höhfeld (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 5 places to visit in the Hafik district of Sivas: Hafik Lake, Lota Lake and Pılır Mound. Plan your trip to Hafik with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district was founded in the Kızılırmak basin, on the Sivas–Erzincan highway.
The first settlement in the district was at Pılır Mound, near the northern shore of Hafik Lake, and it shows Neolithic characteristics. Analysis of the pottery collected at Tekur Castle in Beypınarı village has shown that the area was settled during the Hellenistic-Roman period, the Middle Ages and the Early Bronze Age.
The average elevation of Hafik district centre above sea level is 1,311 metres, and the E-23 highway passes through the district. It borders Sivas to the west, Zara to the east, Tokat to the north-west, Doğanşar to the north and Kangal to the south. The district has many lakes, the largest of which is Hafik Lake.
Hafik Lake, 2.1 km north of the district, lies in a karstic basin formed on a gypsum plateau and is about 2 metres deep.
Lota Lake, 5 km east of the stream that drains Hafik Lake, lies in the ceiling of a broad, flat-shaped uvala opened on a gypsum plateau. Its morphology is quite different from that of Hafik Lake, and it offers the finest examples of the landforms that develop on gypsum.
Hafik became a district in 1873 under the name Koçhisar, and in 1926 it took the name Hafik once again. Finds from the excavations at Pılır Mound have been dated to the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Copper Age. In 1224 the Seljuk sultan I. Alaaddin Keykubat passed through Sivas on his way to an eastern campaign. Hafik Culture and Arts Festival is held in the district every year.
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Photo: Volker Höhfeld (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A lake lying 2.1 km north of the district, in a karstic basin formed on a gypsum plateau. It averages 2 metres in depth and its surface covers about 1 km². It is famous for its carp and crayfish.
View on mapLota Lake, near Hafik, is a freshwater lake preferred for fishing and picnicking.
View on mapA mound close to Hafik Lake, on its northern shore. Sources cite it as the first settlement in the district.
View on mapAn important Hittite-period archaeological settlement within the boundaries of the district.
View on mapA castle listed among the district's historic buildings in the municipality's promotional material.
View on mapWhile you are in Hafik, you can also see the highlights of Sivas province. These places are in other districts; Hafik is about 30 km from the provincial centre.
Sivas köftesi, made with minced meat and spices, is also served in Hafik according to the traditional recipe.
A soup made with local wild madımak herb, bulgur and yoghurt. It is a traditional delicacy of Hafik.
A dish made with lamb and vegetables, seasoned with spices specific to the region.
A product made in the district; sources note that it is famous.
Hafik and Lota lakes form the basis of the district's natural and cultural identity. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local community's cultural identity.
The economy of Hafik is based on agriculture and livestock. Wheat and barley are the main agricultural products.
Hafik is 30 km from Sivas city centre. The district is reached by road via Sivas.
The 5 highlights of Hafik are: Hafik Lake, Lota Lake, Pılır Mound, Kalehöyük and Hafik Castle.
Sivas Köftesi, Madımak Çorbası, Hafik Tava and Organic honey are the standout dishes on tables in Hafik.
Hafik is known for its Wheat and Lake Culture. Wheat is widely grown in Hafik.
Hafik is 30 km from Sivas city centre. The district is reached by road via Sivas.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.