Çankiri: Culture, Nature and Salt History

The Tatlıçay winds through Çankırı in a curve, dividing the city into two parts. Other features include a castle on a small hill north of the city, madrasas with different cultural associations, and a wooded nature park in the Kenbağ area. The history of salt mining is also part of Çankiri’s character: salt has been extracted at the salt mine for around 5,000 years. These varied themes give families several ways to tailor their stay to their interests.

Cultural Sites with Different Stories

Çankırı Castle contains a rock-cut tomb dating back to Roman times. The castle stands on a small hill north of the city and is used as a place of pilgrimage and recreation. Those interested in ancient remains and the city’s history will find a different focus here than at the madrasas: Taş Mescit is a preserved complex that includes the Darülhadis section and the tomb of Cemaleddin Ferruh. A relief there depicts two intertwined snakes with their heads facing one another. The motif is now used as a medical symbol.

The Buğday Pazarı (Hazımiye) Madrasa focuses on Yaran culture and regional clothing, both of which are displayed there. The Tarihi Çamaşırhane tells a different kind of story: it was faithfully restored in 2006 and converted into a museum in 2016. Visitors who want to learn about historic sites and culture through more than exhibitions can also consider the Çivitçioğlu Madrasa. It serves as a cultural center and offers classes in Ebru marbling, calligraphy and relief design.

City Views, Communication and Nature

The Ferit Akalın Radio and Communication House presents the history of communication through interactive exhibits. It draws on local archives, stories and documents. The house also has a place where visitors can write and send letters and postcards. This offers a distinct way to explore local history, separate from the religious and cultural focus of the madrasas. For views across the city, the Cam Seyir Teras offers the chance to look out over Çankırı from above.

Those looking to include a natural setting alongside cultural activities can consider visiting Kenbağ Nature Park. The wooded park covers 36 hectares and is located in the Kenbağ area of Çankırı Merkez. It offers opportunities for daytime recreation. The Çankırı Salt Mine is another distinct attraction: salt has been extracted there for around 5,000 years, and it is counted among the oldest and largest salt mines in the world. When planning a trip, city history, culture, nature and salt production can therefore be considered as separate interests, without needing to combine them into a single sightseeing itinerary.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Çankiri, you can start by considering which of these themes matter most to your trip: cultural sites, views of the city, recreation in the nature park or the long history of salt mining. If you would like to extend your search to other places, here are the town pages for Kurşunlu, Dereköy, Çankırı, Dedeköy, Ilgaz, Aşağıbozan, Orta, Esentepe Mahallesi, Çerkeş and Kuyupınar Köyü.

For the broader travel overview: Anatolia.