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6 places to visit in the Erbaa district of Tokat: Kelkit Valley, Erbaa Castle and Kocapınar Picnic Area. Plan your trip to Erbaa with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Etymology

The word Erbaa is of Arabic origin and means four. In Ottoman records it appears as Nevahi-i Erbaa, meaning the four nahiyes (sub-districts).

History

Remains of the earliest underground mining operation in Anatolia, dating from around 5000 BCE, have been found in the village of Kozlu in Erbaa.

History and Culture

The name Erbaa is of Arabic origin and means “four”. From the early 18th century onwards, Ottoman imperial records used the name “Nevahi-i Erbaa”, meaning “four sub-districts”. Erbaa was made a separate district by the Ottoman Empire in 1872. In 1944, Taşova (formerly Taşâbat) was separated from Erbaa and became an independent district.

Highlights

At Horoz Tepe, located at the Imbat Stream site south-east of the Horoztepe district centre in Erbaa, there are many settlement areas of varying sizes dating from 2000 to 600 BCE. Initially, the kazas of this new sanjak were Zile, Erbaa and Niksar. In 1326/1908 it became a sanjak of four kazas with the addition of İskefsir (Reşadiye), which was attached to the Karahisar-ı Şarkî sanjak. The fertile lands of the Kazova, Turhal Plain, Erbaa Plain, Niksar Plain, Omala Plain, Artova Plain and Zile Plain are irrigated.

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Places to Visit in Erbaa

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Kelkit Valley

The Kelkit Valley, which runs along the North Anatolian Fault Line, passes to the south of Erbaa. The green slopes of the valley and the banks of the Kelkit Stream make an ideal route for hiking and photography.

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Historic

Erbaa Castle

The castle on the hill north of the district centre has a history reaching back to the Kingdom of Pontus. Used during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the castle offers wide views over the Erbaa plain.

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Nature

Kocapınar Picnic Area

Located 5 km from the district centre, this picnic area is surrounded by natural spring waters and pine forests. With its picnic spots and hiking trails, it is a place preferred by weekend visitors.

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Religious

Erbaa Grand Mosque

Built in the Ottoman period, the mosque is notable for its stonework and wooden minbar. It is one of the oldest places of worship in the district and has been restored many times.

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Ancient City

Horoztepe Archaeological Site

An archaeological excavation site of the Hatti civilisation, located east of Erbaa. The statue of the "Mother Nursing Her Baby" found at Horoztepe is one of the most valuable works in the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.

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Nature

Erbaa Plain

The fertile plain surrounding Erbaa. It has attracted migrants throughout history and forms the foundation of Erbaa as an economic centre.

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Places to Visit Around Tokat Province

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While you are in Erbaa, you can also see the highlights of Tokat province. These places are in other districts; Erbaa is about 50 km from the provincial centre.

  • Tokat Castle — The oldest traces of the castle date from the 5th–6th centuries; the rocky outcrops serve as a natural fortress, while the walls and chambers are man-made.
  • Gök Madrasa — An Anatolian Seljuk madrasa built in 1277 on two storeys.
  • Ali Paşa Mosque — A mosque on the city square, built in 1572 in the reign of Selim II; it is known for the centuries-old tree in front of it.
  • Taşhan (Voyvoda Han) — An Ottoman caravanserai built in the 17th century of cut stone and brick, with two storeys and an open courtyard.
  • Ballıca Cave — A cave 33 km from Tokat city centre, about 680 metres long, with 5 levels and 9 halls.
  • Sulusokak and Deveciler Caravanserai — The street that forms the old city centre and bazaar, home to historic buildings such as the Arasta, Deveciler Caravanserai and Çukur Madrasa.

Practical Information for Visiting Erbaa

Suggested time
1-2 days
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn (April-June, September-October)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Erbaa

Food guide →

  • Erbaa Katmeri

    Erbaa Katmeri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 6 June 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1375). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Erbaa Municipality.

  • Erbaa Pidesi

    Made with thin dough and plenty of filling, Erbaa pide is baked in a stone oven. Its minced meat, kaşar cheese and egg varieties make it the district's best-known dish.

  • Cevizli Sucuk

    A traditional sweet made from strings of walnuts dipped in a mixture of grape molasses and starch, reflecting Erbaa's viticulture culture.

  • Keşkek

    Prepared by simmering cracked wheat and lamb for a long time, keşkek is an indispensable dish at weddings and special occasions in Erbaa.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Erbaa

  • Viticulture Culture

    Erbaa is known for its viticulture tradition, which has lasted for centuries. Vineyards are an inseparable part of the district's economy and cultural identity. Traditional grape molasses-boiling events are held during the vintage season.

Local Products

  • Erbaa Narince Vine Leaf — Erbaa Narince Vine Leaf was registered as a protected designation of origin on 5 December 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 258). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Erbaa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Erbaa Vine Leaf — Vine leaves grown on the Erbaa plain are pickled and exported to all parts of Türkiye. A geographically indicated product, it is among the most preferred leaves for making sarma.
  • Erbaa Walnut — Walnuts grown on the district's fertile soils are known for their thin shells and oily texture. They are used in traditional sweets such as cevizli sucuk and köme.

Economy

Erbaa is one of the largest districts of Tokat, and its economy is based on agriculture and trade. Viticulture, walnut and vine leaf production are the main sources of income. Food processing plants and small-scale industrial businesses operate in the district.

How to Get to Erbaa

Erbaa is 50 km from Tokat city centre. It lies on the Amasya-Tokat highway. Intercity bus services connect it to Ankara, Istanbul and Samsun. The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport.

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Erbaa: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Erbaa?

The 6 highlights of Erbaa: Kelkit Valley, Erbaa Castle, Kocapınar Picnic Area, Erbaa Grand Mosque, Horoztepe Archaeological Site and the Erbaa Plain.

What should I eat in Erbaa?

Erbaa Katmeri, Erbaa Pidesi, Cevizli Sucuk and Keşkek are the standout dishes on Erbaa's tables.

What is Erbaa famous for?

Erbaa is known for Erbaa Narince Vine Leaf and its Viticulture Culture. It is a product registered as a protected designation of origin with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Erbaa?

Erbaa is 50 km from Tokat city centre. It lies on the Amasya-Tokat highway. Intercity bus services connect it to Ankara, Istanbul and Samsun. The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport.

How much time should I spend in Erbaa?

Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-June, September-October).

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