6 places to visit in the Çemişgezek district of Tunceli: Çemişgezek Castle (Çemişgezek Kalesi), Shores of Keban Dam Lake (Keban Baraj Gölü Kıyıları) and Çemişgezek Grand Mosque (Çemişgezek Ulu Camii). Plan your trip to Çemişgezek with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The region has been under Hittite, Urartian, Roman and Byzantine rule, and came under Turkish control after the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071. The Principality of Çemişgezek was under Ilkhanid control from the second half of the 13th century to the early 14th century, and later became a scene of the struggle between the Qara Qoyunlu and the Aq Qoyunlu.
In the 16th century, the Armenian and Greek populations in the town were larger than the Muslim population; in 1518 there were 1,480 non-Muslims and 355 Muslims. In the 19th century, the district was economically active in silk production thanks to its mulberry gardens, in wool production through small livestock farming, and in dyeing workshops.
Çemişgezek is recorded in 1518 as one of the sanjaks of the Diyarbakır Eyalet. In 1935 it was attached to the province of Tunceli, which was established that year.
Excavations at Pulur Mound, south of Çemişgezek beneath Keban Dam Lake, have proven that the area was settled in the Chalcolithic Age. Byzantine Emperor Leo Chmiskes was born in Çemişgezek and turned it into a city called Chmiskopolis.
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The castle on the hill north of the district centre was built in the 12th century during the Principality of the Çubukoğulları. From the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Keban Dam Lake and the surrounding valleys.
View on mapThe shores of Keban Dam Lake to the south of Çemişgezek are an impressive natural beauty, with turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery. Boat tours and fishing can be done on the lake.
View on mapBuilt in the 14th century during the Aq Qoyunlu period, the mosque is notable for its stonework and mihrab decoration. It is one of the oldest places of worship in the district.
View on mapA structure of rooms carved into rock, to the west of Çemişgezek.
View on mapMosque located on a hill overlooking the district, in Tepebaşı Neighbourhood.
View on mapMadrasa building in the centre of Çemişgezek district.
View on mapWhile you are in Çemişgezek, you can also see the highlights of Tunceli province. These places are in other districts; Çemişgezek is about 70 km from the provincial centre.
A traditional soup made with bulgur, chickpeas and red pepper, and the most characteristic flavour of Çemişgezek cuisine.
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an indispensable flavour on winter tables.
Şavak cheese is produced in Çemişgezek on the basis of livestock farming and promoted at local festivals.
Tulum cheese is produced in Çemişgezek on the basis of livestock farming and promoted at local festivals.
Dried seedless mulberries are produced in Çemişgezek on the basis of fruit growing and promoted at local festivals.
Çemişgezek was one of the important centres of the Principality of the Çubukoğulları, which ruled in the 12th–14th centuries. Structures such as the castle and the mosque carry the cultural heritage of this period to the present day.
Çemişgezek's economy rests on agriculture, livestock farming and fishing. Fishing on Keban Dam Lake is an important source of income. Small livestock farming and beekeeping are also sources of livelihood.
Çemişgezek is 70 km from Tunceli provincial centre. Access is by road. Regular minibus services run from Tunceli.
The highlights of Çemişgezek are 6 places: Çemişgezek Castle, Shores of Keban Dam Lake, Çemişgezek Grand Mosque, İn Caves (Derviş Cells), Yelmaniye Mosque (Medrese Mosque) and Hamidiye Madrasa.
Gulik and Keledoş are the standout flavours on Çemişgezek's tables.
Çemişgezek is known for the Çemişgezek Ulukale Mulberry and the Legacy of the Çubukoğulları. It is also a protected designation of origin product registered with TÜRKPATENT.
Çemişgezek is 70 km from Tunceli provincial centre. Access is by road. Regular minibus services run from Tunceli.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer months (May–September).