Erzincan history

Ancient Roots and First Mentions

The history of Erzincan is rooted in deep antiquity. Although the exact date of the city's founding is unknown, archaeological evidence confirms that settlements existed in this territory as early as the second millennium BC. In ancient sources, the region is often referred to as Acilisene, and the city itself is associated with the ancient settlement of Eriza.

The region acquired special significance during the era of the Urartu kingdom (9th–6th centuries BC). An important testament to that era is the ancient site of Altıntepe, located near the modern city, where remains of temples, palaces, and unique art objects have been discovered.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Erzincan as a significant urban centre was predetermined by a unique combination of natural and geopolitical factors:

• Geography: The city is located in the fertile valley of the upper Euphrates River (Karasu), surrounded by high mountains. This provided residents with water and rich harvests even during dry periods.
• Trade: The most important routes of the Great Silk Road passed through Erzincan. The city served as a key transit point for caravans travelling from Iran and Central Asia to the ports of the Black Sea and Central Anatolia.
• Strategic Position: Situated at the crossroads of East and West, the city has been an important administrative and military centre for centuries, passing under the control of various empires — from Rome and Byzantium to the Seljuks.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Erzincan was based not only on transit trade but also on developed craftsmanship. Since ancient times, the region has been famous for its metalworking masters, especially in copper. Copper products from Erzincan were valued far beyond the province's borders.

The cultural character of the city was shaped by the constant flow of travellers and merchants. This created a unique atmosphere of hospitality and multiculturalism, where the traditions of various civilizations of Anatolia and the East blended together.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Erzincan is filled with dramatic events, the rise and fall of empires, and natural cataclysms that have shaped the city's appearance over the centuries.

• 1071–1080 — Following the Battle of Manzikert, the region comes under the control of Turkic tribes, and the city becomes the capital of the Mengujekid Beylik.
• 1230 — Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I achieves victory in the Battle of Yassıçemen near Erzincan, strengthening Seljuk power in Anatolia.
• 1243 — After the defeat of the Seljuks in the Battle of Kösedağ, the city falls under the dominion of the Mongol Ilkhanates.
• 1402 — During his Anatolian campaign, the army of Tamerlane captures and destroys the city.
• 1473 — The Battle of Otlukbeli between the Ottomans and the Aq Qoyunlu cements the dominance of the Ottoman Empire in the region.
• 1514 — After the victory of Sultan Selim I in the Battle of Chaldiran, Erzincan definitively and firmly enters the administrative system of the Ottoman Empire.
• 1916 — During World War I, the city was occupied by Russian troops during the Battle of Erzincan.
• 1918 — The city returns to the control of Turkish forces following the retreat of the Russian army.
• 1923 — With the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Erzincan becomes the administrative centre of the province of the same name.
• 1939 — The Great Erzincan Earthquake practically wipes the old city off the face of the earth, claiming the lives of more than 30,000 people.
• 1940s — A decision is made not to restore the city on the old site, but to rebuild it anew slightly north of the ruins.
• 1992 — A strong earthquake once again causes significant damage to the city, leading to a massive modernization of urban development.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of Erzincan is a story of constant rebirth and adaptation. The city has repeatedly changed its appearance and economic structure under the influence of external factors, transforming from a trade hub of antiquity into a modern educational and tourism centre.

• Silk Road Trade Hub. In the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a key point of transit trade. This contributed to the development of unique craft traditions, particularly the artistic processing of copper. Copper production became the city's economic brand, retaining its significance to this day.
• Cultural Flourishing under the Mengujekids. During the period when Erzincan was the capital of the Beylik, science and architecture developed actively here. Rulers patronized scholars and poets, laying the foundation for the region's cultural identity as a centre of enlightenment in Eastern Anatolia.
• Industrialization of the Republican Period. An important milestone in economic history was the opening of the Erzincan Sugar Factory in 1956. This enterprise not only provided jobs but also stimulated the development of agriculture in the region, reorienting local farmers towards growing sugar beet.
• Urban Relocation (Post-1939). After the devastating earthquake, a radical urban planning decision was made: not to restore the ruins, but to build a "New Erzincan" north of the old site. This allowed the city to be designed from scratch, laying out wide avenues and a clear grid system, which distinguishes it from many old Turkish cities with chaotic layouts.
• Transition to "Horizontal Architecture" (Post-1992). Another natural disaster led to a strict revision of urban planning standards. Modern Erzincan is an example of earthquake-resistant urbanism: a ban on high-rise construction, a prevalence of low-rise buildings (3–4 floors), and an abundance of green zones between houses.
• Emergence as a University Centre (2006). The founding of Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University became a powerful driver for the economy. The influx of thousands of students revitalized the urban environment, stimulated the service, housing rental, and catering sectors, and rejuvenated the demographic composition of the population.
• Development of a Transport and Tourism Hub. The modernization of the airport and the opening of the ski centre on Mount Ergan in the 2010s opened a new chapter in the city's development. Erzincan began positioning itself as a centre for winter sports and eco-tourism, diversifying the economy beyond the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architectural history of Erzincan is unique and tragic. Unlike many Turkish cities where historical layers overlap, Erzincan was forced to start its urban planning history almost from a clean slate. The devastating earthquake of 1939 drew a clear line between "Old Erzincan" and the modern city, which was rebuilt on a new site.

Major Architectural Eras

Despite the loss of the historical centre, several key stylistic eras can be traced in the region:

• Urartian Era (9th–6th centuries BC): Represented by the ruins of the Altıntepe fortress. This period is characterized by monumental stone masonry, the use of mudbrick, and complex engineering solutions in the construction of temples and palace complexes.
• Seljuk Period and Mengujekids (11th–13th centuries): Although almost no monuments remain in the city centre itself, the region is famous for a unique style of stone carving. An example is the architecture in neighbouring districts (such as Tercan), distinguished by geometric ornaments and conical domes of türbe (mausoleums).
• Ottoman Period (16th–20th centuries): Traditional Ottoman architecture in the old city was represented by timber-framed houses and stone mosques with lead domes. Unfortunately, this layer was almost completely destroyed by the elements.
• Republican Modernism and Functionalism (from the 1940s): The style that defined the face of the new city. This involves planned development with wide avenues, clear street geometry, and an emphasis on the functionality and safety of public buildings.

Urban Development and Modern Style

Modern Erzincan is a clear example of earthquake-resistant urbanism. After the catastrophes of 1939 and 1992, the city layout is subject to strict safety rules.

• Horizontal Architecture: There is a strict limit on the number of floors in the city. Most residential and administrative buildings are 3–4 floors high, creating a sense of spaciousness and open sky.
• Regular Layout: The city is built on a grid plan (Hippodamian system). Wide streets and boulevards are not only convenient for transport but also serve as safety zones in case of emergencies.
• Abundance of Green Zones: The space between low-rise houses is filled with parks and gardens, making Erzincan one of the greenest cities in the region.

Iconic Structures

The city's appearance is shaped by several key objects reflecting its new identity:

• Terzibaba Mosque (Terzibaba Camii): A striking example of postmodernism and contemporary Islamic architecture. Built in the early 2000s, it stands out with a huge single dome and two high minarets, symbolizing the spiritual revival of the city.
• Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi): A modern replica that has become a symbol of the city. It serves as a reminder of the old tower destroyed by the earthquake, connecting the past with the present.
• Underground Copper Bazaar: A shopping complex that preserves the traditions of old craft rows but is integrated into the modern urban environment.

Distinguished Personalities of Erzincan

Erzincan has given the world many talented people, from ancient rulers to modern entrepreneurs and artists, whose names are known far beyond Turkey.

• Mengujek Ghazi (11th century)
  Founder of the dynasty and ruler.
  A historical figure who laid the foundations of statehood in the region after the Battle of Manzikert. He founded the Mengujekid Beylik, making Erzincan and its surroundings an important cultural and political centre of Anatolia.
• Terzibaba (Mehmet Vehbi) (d. 1848)
  Spiritual leader and Sufi mystic.
  A revered Islamic scholar and poet, considered the spiritual patron of the city. Initially working as a tailor (hence the nickname "Terzi" — tailor), he became a mentor to many people. The city's main mosque and the municipal cemetery bear his name.
• Cemal Süreya (1931–1990)
  Poet and writer.
  One of the most influential Turkish poets of the 20th century, a prominent representative of the "Second New" (İkinci Yeni) literary movement. A native of Erzincan, he left an indelible mark on modern Turkish literature with his innovative poems and translations.
• Ali Ekber Çiçek (1935–2006)
  Virtuoso musician.
  An outstanding master of the bağlama (Turkish string instrument) and a collector of folklore. He became famous for his unique playing style and the preservation of Alevi musical traditions. His composition "Haydar Haydar" is considered a masterpiece of folk music.
• Binali Yıldırım (born 1955)
  Statesman.
  A native of Erzincan province who served as Prime Minister of Turkey and Speaker of the Grand National Assembly. He played a key role in the development of the country's infrastructure and his home region; the city's university bears his name.
• Hamdi Ulukaya (born 1972)
  Entrepreneur and philanthropist.
  A businessman born in the İliç district of Erzincan province. Founder of Chobani, which became a leader in the Greek yoghurt market in the USA. Known for his charitable initiatives and support for refugees around the world.