Ayrancı: The Baghdad Railway, Local Traditions, and Cheese-Making

Ayrancı brings together the history of the Baghdad Railway, the tradition surrounding Ayran Dede—a local interpretation of history—and a centuries-old cheese-making tradition in the district. It also has a history of Hıdırellez celebrations with specific program items. This lets you shape your stay around the topics that interest you most: transport history, cultural stories, and food and festival traditions.

Railway station history with a practical visiting requirement

The historic Ayrancı Railway Station (Ayrancı Tarihi Tren Garı) was built as part of the Baghdad Railway and began operating on October 25, 1904. Its past also tells a story of freight transport: the station is believed to have carried agricultural produce from the region by train to cities such as Konya and Istanbul. This link between regional production and long-distance transport adds an economic perspective to the opening date. The station is recommended to students as an off-campus learning site where they can experience transport history firsthand. You must contact the station management at least three days before visiting; check this requirement again before your trip.

Ayran Dede: Name traditions and landscape

The Ayran Dede tomb is associated with the tradition that Ayrancı got its name from Ayran Dede. The Ayran Dede Bridge, on the present-day Kuru Dere, is also part of the tradition about the origin of Ayrancı’s name. Another story about Ayran Dede takes place in 1514: Sultan Selim I is said to have come across a stream near Ayrancı on his way to Iran, crossed by twelve bridges at varying intervals. A reservoir is now located on this stream. The number twelve and the stream give the tradition a vivid landscape setting.

In Ayrancı Merkez, caves, rock dwellings, and related traces of habitation are also considered evidence of the Hittite period, particularly the Tuwana period, extending into the present day. This historical interpretation adds another cultural-history perspective to the stories surrounding Ayran Dede.

Cheese-making, harvest, and Hıdırellez

For centuries, the district of Ayrancı has had a tradition of aging Tulum cheese in Divle Obruğu. Nearby Divle Obruğu is 36 meters deep; a visit may pose a risk to people with respiratory illnesses. You must contact the village headman before visiting Divle Obruğu. Confirm this requirement before your trip.

During an official visit in 2022, white cherries were harvested in Ayrancı town center. The Hıdırellez celebrations took place in 2014 at the festival grounds by the Ayrancı Reservoir; the program included a folk dance performance and concerts of Turkish folk music. The 2014 report described the celebrations as an annual tradition.

When choosing your holiday rental, these highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests: the station and the traditions surrounding Ayran Dede represent transport history and cultural stories; the cheese-making tradition leads to nearby Divle Obruğu, while Hıdırellez adds festival culture to the mix. If you want a festival to determine your travel dates, check the specific dates before booking.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Akçaşehir Municipality, Alaçatı, Koçaşlı, Ambar, Karaman, Ermenek, Kazımkarabekir

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