ORIGIN OF “BİNGÖL”

There are several myths about the origin of city’s name, and all are based on healing waters or lakes. Historically, Bingöl is named Cebel-ü Cur, Çapakçur, Çapakçur, Çevlik/Çolig. The first name of Bingöl is known to be Çapakçur.

Evliya Çelebi, in Seyahatname, states that Çapakçur is named and established by Alexander the Great. According to the myth, even consulting his doctors to relieve unberable pain of him, Alexander the Great can not heal. Thereon he starts to look for adam’s ale which is believed to give immortality. Although he can not find the adam’s ale, he explores a river, which is believed to be raised by adam’s ale. After drinking from that river and thus relieving from his pain, he names the area Çapakçur: “River of Heaven” and builds a castle by the riverside of Murat river.

In Islamic literature Bingöl is named Cebel-ü Cur. As lexical meaning, Cebel means mountain and Cur means stream, river. It is said that Cebel-ü Cur has eventually became Çapakçur. Bingöl was also named Çevlik, which means garden, yard. Çevlik is still being used today as Çolig by locals.

The city, which was named Çapakçur until 1945, has been named Bingöl since then-as inspired by Bingöl Mountains- due to a legal regulation.

Photo 1: General View of Bingöl

Photo 2 : Sunrise on Bingöl

HISTORY

Although Bingöl has a rich history, we know little about the pre-Islamic era of her.

Hurrians, seen on in 3000BC., spread on a wide region, and had political and military struggles with Hittites; and these affected Bingöl until 2000BC. In these dates, Azzi- Hayaşa Kingdom—settled on north Elazığ and Erzincan—and İşşua Kingdom—settled on south Elazığ—were affiliated to Hittites. Due to proximity to these kingdoms and being on transition area, Bingöl was affected by these kingdoms, both politically and culturally.

With Hittites and Hurrians being withdrawn from the stage of history arround 1200BC., local principalities had started to dominate the area. Formed as little city-states, these principalities are stated as “Nairi States” in Assyrian sources.

Nairi States form Urartu State by organizing as a confederation in 900BC., against attacks of strong Assyria Kingdom. At short notice, Urartians became one of the strongest and most organized states of it’s era and Bingöl became a city within the boundaries of Urartians.

Urartians, forming an advanced civilization, built a wide range of road network to expand and control trade. Bingöl was on a strategic location in this road network, which connected east to west.

Today, the most well-preserved part of the Urartian Path can be seen on wide plains in south of Bingöl-Elazığ main road. From this point, the Road— approximately 5.40m width—lies on a route towards west, through Karakoçan-Palu-Harput to Malatya. Urartians built outposts on strategic points to secure the road network and trade. There are still some castle ruins—which has been built as Urartian outposts— and they can be seen on commanding heights along Urartian Path.

Photo 3: Urartu Path

After the collapse of Urartu State in 600BC., the region was dominated in turn by; Meds, Persians and Komagenes. Bingöl, which was ruled by Roman Empire in 100BC., fell under Byzantium Empire boundaries by separation of Roman Empire. The region was ruled by Byzantium Empire who dominated principalities untill 1000AC.

Zağ Caves, close to Kuşburnu Village in central, were secret place for local Christians to live and worship around 500AC.

Photo4 : Kiğı Çanakçı Surp Giragos Church

The city, which was dominated by Seljuk Empire after Battle of Manzikert in 1071, was dominated in turn by; Artuqids, Ayyubids, Ilkhanids, Kara Koyunlus and Ak Koyunlus untill the Ottoman period. From 1080 to 1121, the region was captured by Artuqids. After Artuqids, Ayyubids and Ilkhanids dominated the region for a short period, which was followed by Ak Koyunlu’s domination on the region.

Ak Koyunlus-with the domination and strength they had in 1400- left significant artifacts especially in Kiğı, Adaklı and Genç.

After defeat of Uzun Hassan in Battle of Otlukbeli in 1474 by Mehmed the Conqueror, the region started to be ruled by Ottomans. Although Shah İsmail captured the region after Mehmed the Conqueror’s death, after his defeat in Battle of Çaldıran by Selim I region was ruled by Ottomans again. Bingöl completely fell under Ottoman boundaries in 1515.

Photo 5 : Selenk Bridge

With The Republic, Bingöl became a province in 1936, and in 1945, its name has been changed from Çapakçur to Bingöl.

ABOUT BİNGÖL

Surrounded by provinces Erzincan and Erzurum in north, Muş in east, Diyarbakır in south, Elazığ and Tunceli in west, Bingöl is on Iran Transit Route-which is one of the main highways from east to west. The city, which is in Upper Euphrates Side of Eastern Anatolian Region, has 1151m of altitude and 8125,3km2 of survey.

Bingöl has 8 counties, 11 municipalities, and 319 villages. It’s total population in 2014 is 266.019 and the distribution of its population is shown in chart below:

COUNTIES POPULATION Central 147.087 Genç 34.894 Solhan 33.256 Adaklı 8.905 Karlıova 31.467 Kiğı 5.496 1.957 2.957

As well as the climate changes depending on counties and topograhy, Bingöl has a continental climate. With hot, arid summers and cold, harsh winters , average annual temperature is 12 °C. Glacial lakes on Bingöl Mountains indicates that the region was once covered with glaciers in Ice Age. Bingöl mostly has rough and high terrains, which is occupied by hills and mountains higher than 2000m. Its highest mountain is Bingöl Mountains with it’s 3250m height.

Bingöl is one of the cities in Eastern Anatolian Region that has the richest forestland .

FLOATING ISLAND

Floating Island, located on Aksakal Lake Field of Hazerşah Village in Solhan County, can be reached by Hazerşah Village’s road, which is turning to north on approximately 65.km of Bingöl- Solhan-Muş main road. Floating Island is discovered by local people and has a unique natural beauty.

Floating Island is completely natural and located on a plain that surrounded by mountains and hills on its three sides. There are three completely separate islands on the lake and each of them are motile. With its great nature, extraordinary view and fresh air indigenous to Bingöl uplands Floating Island is not just a picnic site, it is a must-see place in entire region.

Photo 6: Floating Island

SUNRISE ON KALA HİLL

As a part of Bingöl Mountains and with its 3250m height, you can reach to its falls by road. Especially from 15th of July to 15th of August in every year, significant number of domestic and foreign tourists visit the hill, where they can watch sunrise.

On this hill, sun makes people feel unusual emotions when it starts to rise. Appearing as a glow at first, the sun makes a colourful harmony from darkness to ember untill it is fully formed and arouses feelings like fear, thrill, enthusiasm, astonishment and admiration.

Not just for the sunrise as an unique and fascinating natural event, also for its natural beauty Kala Hill is a must-see place of the region.

Photo 7: Sunrise

ÇIR FALL

8km to Ilıcalar town in central, Çır Fall has an impressive natural beauty by its appearance.

The area—with Big Çır Rock in it—has rocky terrains and natural caves, where birds of prey live. The area also gains importance as a wildlife area.

Photo 8: Çır Fall

ZAĞ CAVES

Zağ Caves can be reached by Gökçeli-Kuşburnu Village’s road, which is on approximately 18.km of Bingöl-Solhan-Muş main road. Zağ Caves consist of rooms that spread on front site of natural rocky mass. These rooms are artifactual, connected with stepped passages and multiplex.

The caves are dated to 400BC.—Early Christian Era. In this era, Zağ Caves were a living space and a prayer place for Christian communities that were under pressure of Roman Empire.

From the first room in lower floor by following stepped passages and staircases you can reach to top floor. Including lower floor, the caves have a total of five floors. Some of rooms have been coated with cube shaped pits carved into base of bedrock, which are used as grain and liquid storage. Some of the pits are also used as offering pits, and terraces can be seen in some rooms. From these, it is understood that some of the rooms were used as daily living place, some as kitchen/storage and some as prayer place.

Photo 9: Zağ Caves

Photo 10: Zağ Caves

BUBAN FLUES

Photo 11: Buban Flues (Oğuldere Village)

YOLÇATI(ŞARGE) SKI FACILITIES

Yolçatı Ski Facilities are in Yolçatı(Şarge) Village, which is on 22.km of Bingöl-Elazığ main road. The facility’s ski track has approximately 950m length and 100m width. As well as having a great natural view, with its modern facilities—including accomodation, catering and recreation places— Yolçatı offers breathtaking beauties to its visiters.

Photo 12: Yolçatı Ski Facilities

ILICA(KÖS) THERMAL SPRINGS

Ilıca Thermal Springs which are on Bingöl-Karlıova faultline are in Ilıcalar Town, on 20.km of Bingöl-Erzurum main road. The temperature of the thermal spring’s water is approximately 45°C. The Kös Thermal Springs, which is also an important spot for health tourism, host domestic and foreign guests all year round.

Studies about chemical properties of thermal water were done by University, İstanbul Technical University and Refik Saydam Sanitation Center. It was stated that the thermal water can be helpful in treatment of bone diseases, tooth decay, gastroenteritis, urinary tract diseases, neurological diseases, gout, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, gynaecological diseases and lack of fluorine due to nutrition.

Facilities on thermal springs have 60 beds, a 600 people capacity restaurant, a meeting hall and a cafeteria.

Photo 13:BİNKAP Thermal Facilities

BİNGÖL UNIVERSITY PRACTICE HOTEL AND THERMAL FACILITIES

Being put into service by Bingöl University in 15.01.2014, Bingöl University Practice Hotel and Thermal Facilities have 18 rooms, 2 VIP pool for men and women, 4 thermal pool, 2 steam baths, and 2 sweat room.

Photo 14: Bingöl University Practice Hotel and Thermal Facilities

KİĞI SCHOOL/STONE SCHOOL

In Kiğı County, built in 911, Kiğı School has a front wall built of cut stones, side walls were built up from rubble stones and a square-like shape. Being one of the unique examples of late Ottoman andearly Republican period architecture, Kiğı school is now being used as a residence.

Photo 15: Kiğı Stone School

Photo 16: Kiği School

URARTU PATH

The Path is on 34.km of Bingöl-Elazığ main road, 100m east of provincial sign and on wide plains in south of Bingöl-Elazığ main road.

The part of Urartu Path in Bingöl is the most well-preserved and the most observable part of the whole path. The Path—with approximate 5.40m width—lies on a route through Karakoçan-Palu- Harput and reaches to Malatya.

If you happen to pass by Bingöl, Urartian Path- will take you to ancient ages where you can be a witness of footprints of history.

Photo 17: Urartu Path

KİĞI(PİLTEN BEY) MOSQUE

The mosque is county’s one of the most beautiful examples reflecting Islamic era. It was built in 1402, by Ak Koyunlus. According to recordings, the mosque was fixed by Hadji Hasan due to crumbling of its minaret and rebuilt by Pilten Bey—son of Pir Ali Bey. Therefore, the mosque, with its single minaret and minaret balcony, is named after Pilten Bey.

Photo 18: Kiğı(Pilten Bey) Mosque

BAĞLARPINARI(TEMRAN) MOSQUE

The mosque is in Bağlarpınarı(Temran) Village of Adaklı county. It was built in 1804 by governor of Kiğı-Temran sanjak Brigadier Mehmet Bey. Mosque’s original wooden minaret with its stone stairs stands in front of mosque cortyard’s enterance and a new minaret made of cut stone was built later on.

Having a flat roof covered with bended plate rather than having a dome and having an enterance on the middle of a deep arch that fitted on a profiled springer reflects Islamic-era architecture.

Patterns like tree of life, flowers in a jug/vase and sun disks on cists in mosque cortyard and gravestones in graveyard next to the mosque reflects Ak Koyunlus and Kara Koyunlus domination in region.

Photo 19: Bağlarpınarı Mosque

AZİZAN WAR CEMETERY

In Sudurağı village on Bingöl-Karlıova road, Azizan War Cemetery was built in memory of martyrs in WWI. The cemetery is surrounded by wall with an enterance in north and has a plate on its front wall saying: “Respect to the martyrs of 1916.”

Photo 20: Azizan War Cemetery SQUARE OF HONOUR WAR CEMETERY

It is located approximately at 40.km of Bingöl-Solhan road. The monument, rising on a 50x50m site, was built in memory of martyrs in WWI. From this area, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk commanded the battle as 16. Corps Commander.

Photo 21: Square of Honour War Cemetery

MÜRSEL PASHA MONUMENT

It is located approximately at 30.km of Bingöl-Kiğı road, in Çanakçı village. Built in memory of martyrs in WWI. The monument, rising on cut stone rectangles and bedplates, is 4m high.

Photo 22: Mürsel Pasha Monument

REGIONAL CUISINE

Formed by local products, most of food in regional cuisine is made of: bulghur, buttermilk, milk, meat, cottage cheese and edible plant species. Local foods that made of dough, like: Gömme, Şorin, Tutmaç, Keşkek, Turakin, Kılç, Lopik are the most common food. Also, Kadayıf is Bingöl’s most famous dessert due to its unique taste.

Photo 23: Germ (Buttermilk soup)

Photo 24: Keldoş

Photo 25: Mastuva

Photo 26: SorinaPel

Photo 27: Zervet (Löl)

WHAT TO BUY

Do not leave without buying Bingöl’s honey made up of rich flowers of Bingöl Mountain , Bingöl’s tasty walnut and indigenous, handmade hand looms, laces and knittings of Bingöl.

WHAT TO DO

Do not leave without watching sunrise on Kala Hill, having a honey-cream breakfast in Yolçatı, seeing Floating Island, walking on Urartian Path to ancient ages, exploring Zağ Caves—once home of ancient people—entering to healing thermal springs and eating Bingöl’s famous braised lamb meat cubes browned in its own fat in Soğuk Çeşme.

WHERE TO EAT

Contact informations of restaurants in Bingöl are listed below:

Always 2001 0426 213 03 33 Dörtyol Ocakbaşı* 0426 213 55 14 Euro 96 0426 214 18 65 Koç Lokantası 0426 213 26 16 Kültür Parkı Ocakbaşı* 0426 413 50 10 Mangal Keyfi*** 0426 214 69 10 Marpuç Restaurant 0426 213 71 79 Saklıkent Kale Restaurant 0426 213 77 00 Soğukçeşme Kavurma** 0426 245 10 22 Star Ocakbaşı* 0426 214 10 06 Şelale Restaurant 0426 213 72 77 Yado Çeşmesi Et Lokantası* 0426 237 10 28 Yaylalı Konağı 0426 213 30 15 *: grill house **: braised lamb meat ***: barbecue

WHERE TO STAY

Contact informations of hotels in Bingöl are listed below:

Grand Berti Otel (****) 0426 215 04 44 BİNKAP Resort Hotel (****) 0426 214 10 96 Hotel Sarıoğlu (***) 0426 213 17 57 Büyük Bingöl Oteli (***) 0426 213 68 68 Otel Çınar 0426 213 34 01 Bingöl Öğretmenevi 0426 213 23 80 Bingöl Polisevi 0426 213 19 20 BİNKAP Termal Otel (in Ilıcalar town) 0426 252 50 03

TRANSPORTATION

Bingöl can be reached by road, rail road and airway. It is on Iran Transit Route, that is one of the main highways from east to west. Through Malatya-Elazığ, this transit route reaches to Bingöl, then it continues to Iran through Muş-Van. Additionally, with routes to north through Erzurum and to south through Diyarbakır, nearby cities or other reigons can also be reached. From Bingöl, you can also reach to west or east by rail road. The rail road, which connects Eastern Anatolia Region to west passes over Genç county. Bingöl airport serves since 2013. You can proceed ticketing or booking in Turkish Airlines booking agency in city center or on the webpages: http://www.anadolujet.com and http://www.turkishairlines.com/. Some of bus companies and travel agencies are listed below:

Has Bingöl 0426 214 16 36-444 22 12 Özlem Bingöl 0426 213 15 32-444 23 12 Cesur Bingöl 444 23 12 Lider Bingöl 444 44 12 Bingöl Turizm 0426 214 40 49-213 16 22 DDY* Genç Station 0426 411 30 27 THY Booking Aceny 0426 213 57 67 *state railways

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Government Office 0090426 213 10 01 Bingöl Municipality 0090426 213 12 82 Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism 0090426 213 18 26 Fırat Development Agency Bingöl Investment Support Office 0090426 213 57 55 Bingöl Public Hospital 0090426 213 10 43 Private Bingöl Hospital 0090426 215 00 54 Emergency Service 112 Police Emergency Line 155 Gendarmerie Emergency Line 156 Bingöl Taxi 0090426 213 12 44 Gül Taxi 0090426 213 79 26 Saray Taxi 0090426 214 12 25 Seç Taxi 0090426 213 29 88