Ekinözü (District)

Have you ever been in a city where natural mineral water flows from its fountains or where its back leans against a massive mountain?

Located 173 kilometres from the city centre of Kahramanmaraş, Ekinözü is a district renowned for its thousands of years of healing waters and its position along historic caravan routes. Situated at an elevation of 1200 metres above sea level, this settlement exhibits climatic characteristics of both Central Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia.

Ekinözü’s historical journey traces back over 400 years. For many centuries, the district was known as "Cela". Its location along a major caravan route connecting Erzurum, Sivas, Gürün, Darende and Elbistan made it a vital resting and lodging point for travellers.

^{Ekinözü Healing Water (generated by artificial intelligence)}

Throughout history, travellers passing along this route introduced the region’s healing drinking waters to surrounding provinces, contributing to Ekinözü’s growth as a settlement. Originally a village municipality, it gained municipal status in 1958 and was officially renamed "Ekinözü" in 1983.

Ekinözü is famous for its healing waters, recognised as one of Türkiye’s ten most important drinking water sources. The district centre features three distinct spring areas known as Aşağı İçmeler, Orta İçmeler and Yukarı İçmeler.

Scientific studies have confirmed that the spring waters here are beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, from skin disorders to stomach and kidney ailments. Thousands of visitors come to the district each summer to benefit from these waters. The areas surrounding the springs are shaded by plane and poplar trees, and their low-humidity air provides a refreshing environment for visitors.

The district’s rugged terrain is shaped by the imposing Berit Mountain against which it leans. Agriculture and animal husbandry are among the main sources of livelihood for its residents. The most renowned agricultural product grown in Ekinözü’s soil is the famed Alişar Grape, known for its distinctive taste.

^{Alişar Grape (generated by artificial intelligence)}

These grapes are produced intensively in villages such as Altınyaprak (Nergele), Çiftlik and Alişar, playing a vital role in the regional economy. Additionally, some springs along the district’s roads naturally discharge carbonated water—a remarkable natural feature that surprises those accustomed to bottled mineral water.

• 17th Century: Establishment of Ekinözü as a caravan stop under the name "Cela".
• 1958: Establishment of municipal administration in the village of Cela, granting it town status.
• 01.01.1983: Official renaming of the town of Cela to "Ekinözü".
• 19.09.1991: Official elevation of Ekinözü to district status.