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8 places to visit in the Akdağmadeni district of Yozgat: Akdağ (Mount Akdağ), Kadıpınarı (Kadıpınarı spring) and Akdağmadeni Kalesi (Akdağmadeni Castle). Plan your trip to Akdağmadeni with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Akdağmadeni is a district of Yozgat Province, surrounded by neighbouring districts. The district covers 1,810 km² and has an average elevation of 1,312 metres above sea level.

Geography and Forests

The south of the district is covered with Scots pine and oak forests. 32.5% of the district’s land is covered by forest, a far higher share than the Central Anatolia Region average of 8%. Tree species include Scots pine, juniper, wild hazel, hawthorn and valonia oak.

Plant Diversity

Karamaz tree is found only in this district in Türkiye. Kadıpınarı is a picnic site with spring water, which is important on weekends and public holidays.

History

In 1815 a zinc-lead mine was established on the slopes of Akdağ, and over time the word ‘Maden’ (mine) became the name of this settlement. The name Akdağmadeni, because it was founded on the slopes of Akdağ, comes from a word meaning ‘the mine from the Akdağ mountains’.

Climate

The district’s climate is of a type between a continental climate and a Black Sea climate.

History and Culture

Akdağmadeni was established as a settlement in 1815. The municipal organisation was set up in 1862. Underground mines played a major role in naming the area. The name Akdağmadeni means ‘the mine from Akdağ’. In 2021 Akdağmadeni salep received a geographical indication certificate as a protected designation of origin.

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Places to Visit in Akdağmadeni

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 4 Nature

Historic Sites 3

Historic

Akdağmadeni Kalesi (Akdağmadeni Castle)

Castle ruins on the hill north of the district centre, dating to the Seljuk period. The surrounding views are impressive.

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Historic

Muşalikalesi (Behramşah Kalesi) (Muşalikalesi (Behramşah Castle))

A small castle on a high hill north of Muşalikalesi village.

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Historic

Eski Cezaevi (Tiftik Han) (Former Prison (Tiftik Han))

A historic two-storey building with a rectangular plan, in Akdağmadeni district.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Akdağmadeni Kilisesi (Akdağmadeni Church)

A church in Yeşildere (Tahmaz) neighbourhood; its date of construction is known from its inscription.

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Natural Wonders 4

Nature

Akdağ (Mount Akdağ)

The mountain that gave Akdağmadeni its name. A zinc-lead mine was opened in 1815.

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Nature

Kadıpınarı (Kadıpınarı spring)

A picnic site with a spring. It is visited on weekends and during public holidays.

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Nature

Kadıpınarı Yaylası (Kadıpınarı Plateau)

A plateau 2 km from the district centre, within the Akdağ Forests.

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Nature

Akdağmadeni Ormanları (Akdağmadeni forests)

According to the municipality's promotional material, the district contains the largest forest of the Central Anatolia Region.

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Places to Visit Around Yozgat Province

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While you are in Akdağmadeni, you can also see the highlights of Yozgat province. These places are in other districts; Akdağmadeni is about 70 km from the provincial centre.

  • Yozgat Çamlığı National Park — Türkiye's first national park, declared in 1958; it is one of the few relict forests in the steppe, and was enlarged to 517 hectares in 2022.
  • Basilica Therma (Sarıkaya Roman Bath) — A Roman public bath built in the 2nd century in the Sarıkaya district; its geothermal activity continues.
  • Yozgat Clock Tower — The only clock tower with a balcony, on the square, built in 1908 by the mayor Tevfikizade Ahmet Bey.
  • Yozgat Museum — A museum opened in 1985 in the two-storey Nizamoğlu Mansion; archaeological works are displayed on the ground floor and ethnographic works on the upper floor.
  • Çapanoğlu Mosque — A cut-stone mosque built in 1779 by Çapanoğlu Mustafa Bey, to which his brother Süleyman Bey added an outer mosque in 1794; it has a dome 15.15 metres in diameter.
  • Alişar Mound — A mound (höyük) made known by the work of Dr.

Practical Information for Visiting Akdağmadeni

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May–September)
Places to visit
8 places

What to Eat in Akdağmadeni

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  • Arabaşı (chicken and butter soup)

    A traditional soup made with chicken broth, flour and butter. In Akdağmadeni it is also an essential dish at weddings and festival meals.

  • Madımak Yemeği (madımak dish)

    A dish made by frying madımak, a herb that grows naturally in the region, with onions and oil. It is the traditional flavour of spring. Prepared by local people on special occasions, this dish is a symbol of hospitality.

  • Akdağmadeni salebi (Akdağmadeni salep)

    Salep grown in the Akdağmadeni forests, considered one of the finest salep in the district.

  • Göbelek (kuzu göbeği mantarı) (göbelek (lamb's belly mushroom))

    A wild mushroom that grows naturally in spring in the Akdağmadeni forests.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Akdağmadeni

  • Madencilik Mirası (mining heritage)

    Akdağmadeni takes its name from the silver and copper mines operated in the Ottoman period. The mining tradition forms the foundation of the district's historical identity.

Local Products

  • Akdağmadeni Salebi (Akdağmadeni salep) — Akdağmadeni Salep was registered as a protected geographical indication on 16 September 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 889). Product group: other products. Registered by: Akdağmadeni Municipality.
  • Bal (honey) — Flower honey gathered from the rich flora of Akdağ, known in the region for its natural, unadulterated character.

Economy

Akdağmadeni's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley and fodder crops are the main crops. Small livestock farming and beekeeping are important sources of livelihood.

How to Get to Akdağmadeni

Akdağmadeni is 70 km from Yozgat city centre. It lies on the Yozgat–Tokat road. There are regular minibus services from Yozgat.

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Akdağmadeni: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Akdağmadeni?

The highlights of Akdağmadeni are 8 places: Akdağ, Kadıpınarı, Akdağmadeni Castle, Kadıpınarı Plateau, Akdağmadeni Forests, Muşalikalesi (Behramşah Kalesi), Akdağmadeni Church and Eski Cezaevi (Tiftik Han).

What is there to eat in Akdağmadeni?

Arabaşı, Madımak Yemeği, Akdağmadeni salebi and Göbelek (kuzu göbeği mantarı) are the standout dishes on Akdağmadeni's tables.

What is Akdağmadeni famous for?

Akdağmadeni is known for Akdağmadeni Salep and its Mining Heritage. It is a registered product with TÜRKPATENT as a Protected Geographical Indication.

How do I get to Akdağmadeni?

Akdağmadeni is 70 km from Yozgat city centre. It lies on the Yozgat–Tokat road. There are regular minibus services from Yozgat.

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

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).

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