Bingöl (Province)

Bingöl is a province located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye, with a history of domination by various civilizations. Its geographical structure is largely mountainous and highland, shaped by river valleys and lakes. It is said that the name Bingöl derives from the numerous lakes and water sources in the region.

^{Bingöl City Center - Bingöl Municipality}

Bingöl has served as a home to many civilizations throughout history and has been a stage for significant events due to its strategic location. The city’s history encompasses a long process spanning from antiquity through the Turkish-Islamic period, Ottoman rule, and into the Republican era.

Archaeological research conducted in Bingöl and its surroundings reveals a history extending back to 3000 BCE. The Hattians, Hittites, Urartians, Medes, Persians, Macedonians, and Roman-Byzantine civilizations all established dominance over the territory of Bingöl.

• Urartians (9th century BCE – 6th century BCE): During the Urartian Kingdom period, Bingöl became an agriculturally developed region with fortresses and irrigation canals. Structures such as Kığı Castle found around Bingöl today date from the Urartian era.
• Persian and Hellenistic Period (6th century BCE – 1st century BCE): The region was administered under the satrapy system during the Persian Empire and later came under the influence of Hellenistic culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great.
• Roman and Byzantine Period (1st century CE – 7th century CE): Bingöl served as a military garrison and border region during the Roman and Byzantine periods and at times became the center of conflicts with the Sassanian Empire.

From the 7th century onward, Bingöl began to come under Islamic influence through raids by Muslim armies. However, lasting Turkish-Islamic dominance was established after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.

• Danişmendids and Seljuks (11th century – 13th century): Bingöl and its surroundings were conquered by commanders of Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan, and Turkmen tribes were settled in the region.
• Mongol and Ilkhanid Rule (13th century – 14th century): Following the Battle of Köse Dağ in 1243, Bingöl came under Mongol control.
• Akkoyunlu and Safavid Period (14th century – 16th century): After the withdrawal of the Mongols, Bingöl passed under the control of the Akkoyunlus and later the Safavids.

In 1514, during Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Çaldıran Campaign, Bingöl was incorporated into Ottoman territory and attached to the Diyarbakır Eyalet. During the Ottoman period, Bingöl maintained an autonomous structure under tribal governance and became an important stop along trade routes.

• 16th and 17th centuries: Although subordinate to the central Ottoman authority, Bingöl remained a region densely populated by Turkmen and Kurdish tribes.
• 19th century: As part of the Tanzimat reforms, the Ottoman state implemented administrative changes in the region and attached Bingöl to the Bitlis Vilayet.

• Early Republican Years (1923 – 1936): Following the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Bingöl was administered as a district under Elazığ and attained provincial status on 4 January 1936.
• 1950s – 1980s: Agriculture and animal husbandry were encouraged, but large-scale emigration occurred due to economic factors.
• 1990s and Beyond: Although security issues were experienced in the 1990s, development projects gained momentum from the 2000s onward. The 2003 Bingöl Earthquake caused extensive destruction, but reconstruction efforts proceeded rapidly.

Bingöl is a mountainous and rugged city located in the Upper Euphrates Section of the Eastern Anatolia Region. It is bordered by Muş to the east, Tunceli and Elazığ to the west, Erzurum and Erzincan to the north, and Diyarbakır to the south. The provincial center is situated at an elevation of 1,172 meters and possesses a rich geographical structure characterized by extensive plateaus, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

Bingöl covers an area of 8,253 km², with approximately 80 percent of its terrain mountainous, 10 percent plateau, and 10 percent plain. High mountains, broad plateaus, and valleys define the region’s general geographical structure. Bingöl Mountains, at 3,195 meters, are the highest point in the province and remain snow-covered for extended periods during the winter months. Şeytan Mountains, Karlıova Mountains, and Sülbüs Mountain near Kiğı district are other significant elevations.

Bingöl’s plains are important areas for agriculture and animal husbandry. Genç Plain is the largest plain in the province and holds significant importance for agricultural activity. Muş Plain lies to the east of Bingöl, while Karlıova Plain stands out as a vast flat area primarily used for animal husbandry. In addition to plains, extensive plateaus shape the province’s natural landscape. Çiçektepe Plateau, Kuşburnu Plateau, and Kabaçayır Plateau are among the areas used by nomadic herders during the summer months.

Bingöl is a province rich in water resources, hosting numerous rivers and lakes. The Murat River, one of the main tributaries of the Euphrates, flows from the east of Bingöl and constitutes the region’s most important water source. Peri Stream originates in the Munzur Mountains and flows through Tunceli into the Keban Dam, playing a major role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Göynük Creek is one of the smaller rivers within Bingöl’s boundaries.

Lakes and dams are also important natural features in the province. Karlıova Turna Lake is the largest lake in the region and attracts attention for its natural beauty. Kiğı Dam and Lake is a reservoir created for hydroelectric power generation. Sülbüs Lake lies at the foot of Sülbüs Mountain and is one of the areas attracting visitors for nature tourism.

Bingöl generally experiences a continental climate with very cold and snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -30°C, and Karlıova district stands out as one of the regions in Türkiye with the longest snow cover. Summer temperatures can reach up to 35°C, with significant differences between day and night temperatures.

Annual average precipitation ranges between 800 and 1,200 mm, with the highest rainfall occurring in spring and autumn. Under the influence of the continental climate, summers are dry while winters bring heavy snowfall. Due to these climatic conditions, agriculture primarily focuses on hardy cereal crops and animal husbandry.

Bingöl features a combination of steppe and forest ecosystems. Forested areas cover approximately 30 percent of the province, with the densest forests located in Kiğı, Genç, and Karlıova districts. Oak, pine, and hornbeam trees are among the most common species. In lower elevation areas, steppe vegetation dominates, with yellow grasses and wild herbs spreading widely during the summer months.

Bingöl is also rich in biological diversity. Wild animals such as wolf, brown bear, wolf, wild goat, jackal, fox, and wild boar inhabit the region. Additionally, along the Murat River and Peri Stream, waterfowl such as herons, wild ducks, and various aquatic birds can be observed. The high plateaus in mountainous areas are suitable for beekeeping, and Bingöl honey is known as one of Türkiye’s highest quality honeys.

Bingöl Province consists of eight districts, five towns, and 325 villages.

Districts: Central, Adaklı, Genç, Karlıova, Kiğı, Solhan, Yayladere, Yedisu

According to the 2023 Address-Based Population Registration System results, Bingöl’s total population is 285,655. Of this, 189,424 reside in urban areas and 96,231 in rural areas. The urban population ratio is 66.31 percent and the rural population ratio is 33.69 percent.

The population of the provincial center is 172,007, and the overall population density of Bingöl is 34 people per km². The largest district by population is the Central district, while the smallest is Kiğı. By area, the largest district is Central and the smallest is Yayladere.

Demographic data shows that the population aged 0–15 constitutes 24.96 percent of the total, those aged 15–64 make up 66.94 percent, and those aged 65 and over account for 8.08 percent.

The annual population growth rate in the province is measured at 10.9 percent, while Bingöl’s net migration rate is -10.70 percent. This indicates high levels of outward migration and a portion of the population relocating to other regions. Particularly notable is the migration trend from rural areas to urban centers and neighboring provinces.

^{Bingöl Buban Chimneys - Bingöl Municipality}

Bingöl’s economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and trade. Traditionally dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry, the province’s economic structure has diversified in recent years with the growth of industry and trade.

Bingöl possesses significant potential for agriculture and animal husbandry due to its vast arable land and fertile pastures. Crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and forage plants are cultivated, with alfalfa and silage maize playing a major role in the regional economy. Furthermore, Bingöl holds the highest share of cereal and plant production in the TRB1 region.

Animal husbandry is one of the cornerstones of Bingöl’s economy. Large and small livestock farming is widespread, with milk production and fattening being key livelihood sources. With the increasing use of cultured and crossbred cattle, productivity in animal husbandry is being enhanced. Bingöl is also notable for beekeeping and contributes a significant portion of the region’s total honey production.

Industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Bingöl in recent years. The number of enterprises operating in food, textiles, furniture, and animal product sectors is increasing. The Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) is undergoing expansion, and production capacity has been enhanced through new investments.

One of the largest investments in Bingöl is the dairy products factory built by SÜTAŞ. This facility supports the animal husbandry sector by providing economic benefits to producers and making a major contribution to regional development. Additionally, small industrial sites and local artisans in the province create important employment opportunities and inject vitality into the local economy.

Bingöl possesses tourism potential due to its natural beauty and thermal springs.

• Bingöl Floating Islands: This natural wonder in Solhan district consists of small islands that move across the water surface.
• Kös Thermal Baths: The thermal waters, known for their healing properties, are believed to be beneficial for rheumatism and skin diseases.
• Çır Waterfall: A natural attraction that draws visitors during the summer months.
• Buban Caves: Known as one of Bingöl’s oldest settlement areas.

^{Bingöl Floating Islands - Bingöl Municipality}

Bingöl stands out for its rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

• Folk Dances: Traditional folk dances such as “Bingöl Halayı” and “Kurdish Govend” are performed.
• Handicrafts: Carpet and kilim weaving hold an important place.
• Legends and Folklore: “Bingöl Tales” and “Bingöl Legends” are passed down from generation to generation.

Bingöl cuisine is known for its traditional Anatolian flavors centered on meat and dough products.

• Gömme: A dish similar to stuffed meatballs but boiled rather than fried.
• Kete: A dough-based food commonly consumed at breakfast.
• Lor Dolması: A special type of stuffed dish made with lor cheese and various spices.
• Kaburga Dolması: A dish prepared for special occasions such as weddings and holidays.

Bingöl is situated along key transportation routes connecting Eastern Anatolia with other regions.

• Road Network: Highways connect Bingöl to provinces such as Elazığ and Erzurum.
• Air Transport: Direct connections to major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara are provided through Bingöl Airport, which began operations in 2013.
• Railway: Bingöl is located near the main railway lines of Eastern Anatolia.