Erzurum (Province)

Erzurum is one of the largest and most historically rooted cities in Türkiye's Eastern Anatolia Region. Renowned for its history cultural heritage and natural beauty, Erzurum is also known as one of Türkiye's highest-elevation cities. Situated at the foot of the Palandöken Mountains, the city holds great significance for winter sports and has become an internationally recognized destination largely due to the Palandöken Ski Center.

Erzurum's history extends back thousands of years. The city bears traces of numerous civilizations from the Urartians to the Byzantines and from the Seljuks to the Ottomans and is noted for its rich architectural heritage. Structures such as the Double Minaret Madrasa Yakutiye Madrasa and Ulu Mosque are among the most important monuments that reveal Erzurum's historical fabric. The city also became one of the most important centers of the National Struggle when the Erzurum Congress convened on 23 July 1919 and played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of the Republic of Türkiye.

^{Yakutiye Madrasa (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)}

Erzurum has a harsh continental climate characterized by long cold winters. Agriculture and animal husbandry play significant roles in the local economy and handicrafts have also developed here. In particular Oltu stone craftsmanship stands out as one of Erzurum's most important cultural values. In addition the city is known for its unique cuisine attracting both local and foreign visitors with dishes such as cağ kebab and kadayıf dolması. Today Erzurum continues to be one of the most important centers of Eastern Anatolia through its historical and natural attractions as well as its advancements in education and culture.

Erzurum is one of Türkiye's oldest settlement centers and has served as a home to many civilizations throughout history. With a history extending back to 4900 BCE the city has been under the rule of numerous states including the Hittites Urartians Medes Persians Romans Byzantines Arabs Seljuks Ilkhanids Kara Koyunlu Ak Koyunlu Safavids and Ottomans. Due to its strategic location Erzurum has always been an important center and has served as a stage for many wars occupations and restructuring processes throughout history.

The earliest known name of Erzurum was Theodosiopolis named after the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Theodosius II (408–450). The city was constructed in 415 CE under the orders of Theodosius as part of the Roman Empire. The Arab historian al-Baladhuri notes that the Arabs referred to Erzurum as Kalikala a name derived from a princess named Kali. According to Islamic sources the city frequently served as a battleground in Byzantine-Arab conflicts and was captured multiple times from the 7th century onward by the Umayyads and Abbasids.

During the Seljuk invasions of Anatolia in the 11th century Erzurum became a target for Seljuk commanders and came under Turkish rule after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. The Saltukids established the first Turkish beylik in Erzurum and from 1071 onward constructed significant architectural works that shaped the city's Turkish-Islamic identity. Among the most important legacies of this period are the Ulu Mosque Erzurum Castle and Saltukid tombs.

In 1202 the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan II Suleyman Shah abolished the Saltukids and incorporated Erzurum directly into Seljuk territory. Occupied by the Mongols in 1242 Erzurum was governed by the Ilkhanids throughout the 13th century and then passed under the control of the Kara Koyunlu Ak Koyunlu and Timur in the 14th century. In 1502 Erzurum was captured by the Safavids but was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1514 following Yavuz Sultan Selim's campaign in Iran.

The Ottomans regarded Erzurum as a vital center on their eastern frontier and established it as a beylerbeylik. During the 16th and 17th centuries Erzurum became the main defensive line of the Ottoman state against the Safavids and was frequently the site of warfare. Significant construction projects took place during the reigns of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman and IV Murad with numerous mosques madrasas and caravanserais being built.

During the 19th-century Russo-Ottoman wars Erzurum was occupied multiple times. The city suffered extensive destruction during Russian occupations in 1829 1878 and 1916. Particularly during the Russian and Armenian occupation from 1916 to 1918 Erzurum endured severe damage and the local population was subjected to massacres. Recovered by the Turkish army on 12 March 1918 Erzurum was liberated from occupation but suffered heavy human losses.

Erzurum played a crucial role in the National Struggle. The Mustafa Kemal Atatürk-led Erzurum Congress convened here on 23 July 1919 and laid the foundations of the National Struggle. The Erzurum Congress marked a critical turning point in defining the Misak-ı Milli and in Türkiye's fight for independence.

After the proclamation of the Republic Erzurum experienced significant development in industry and education among the eastern provinces. The establishment of Atatürk University in 1957 has been instrumental in the city's growth as the region's largest educational and research institution. The city expanded and modernized especially during the second half of the 20th century becoming a center for both tourism and education through its Palandöken Ski Center and historical heritage.

Today Erzurum continues to be one of Türkiye's important cities through its historical structures winter tourism opportunities and cultural heritage. With its ski resorts on the Palandöken Mountains historic bazaars madrasas and mosques Erzurum attracts both local and international tourists. While continuing its process of modernization the city preserves its historical identity and carries it into the future.

Erzurum is one of the largest provinces in Türkiye's Eastern Anatolia Region. Located between 39°55′ north latitude and 41°16′ east longitude the city is notable for its high elevation. With an average elevation of 1850 meters Erzurum is among Türkiye's highest cities. It is bordered by Kars and Ardahan to the east Erzincan to the west Rize Artvin and Bayburt to the north and Bingöl Muş and Ağrı to the south.

Erzurum is one of the highest and most rugged provinces in Eastern Anatolia consisting largely of high plateaus and mountainous areas. The city lies on a plateau with an average elevation of 1850 meters making it one of Türkiye's highest cities. Erzurum's topography is characterized by mountains valleys plains and plateaus.

• Mountains: High mountain ranges surround Erzurum to the north east and south. The Palandöken Mountains (3185 m) Kargapazarı Mountains (3170 m) Allahuekber Mountains (3120 m) and Şahvelet Mountains (2922 m) are among the region's most prominent elevations. The Palandöken Mountains are especially significant for winter tourism and skiing.

• Plains: Erzurum has extensive and fertile plains. The Erzurum Plain (1950 m) Pasinler Plain (1700 m) Hınıs Plain (1720 m) and Tekman Plain (1950 m) are the province's most important agricultural areas. Despite the harsh continental climate these plains support agricultural activity through irrigation.

• Valleys: The Karasu Valley Çoruh Valley and Tortum Valley are the province's most important valley systems located between mountains and plateaus. These valleys contain Erzurum's water sources and are strategically important for settlement.

• Plateaus: A large portion of Erzurum consists of high plateaus. The Pasinler Erzurum Narman and Şenkaya plateaus form the province's extensive pastures and meadows. Erzurum is one of Türkiye's largest pasture and summer grazing regions and holds significant potential for animal husbandry.

Erzurum is located between the Euphrates Aras and Çoruh basins and is rich in water resources. Its main rivers include:

• Karasu River: One of Erzurum's most important rivers it is a major tributary of the Euphrates. It originates in the Dumlu Mountains in northeastern Erzurum and flows westward to join the Keban Dam.

• Aras River: Originating in the Bingöl Mountains in northeastern Erzurum it extends as far as Armenia and Azerbaijan. Within Erzurum's borders the river has an irregular flow regime and serves as an important irrigation source for agricultural lands.

• Çoruh River: Originating in the northwestern part of Erzurum it flows through Artvin and empties into the Black Sea. Known as one of the world's fastest-flowing rivers it is ideal for water sports such as rafting.

• Tortum Stream: This stream emerges from Tortum Lake and flows through the Tortum Valley before joining the Çoruh River.

• Oltu Stream: This stream flows through the Oltu district of Erzurum and empties into the Çoruh River.

• Hınıs Stream: Flowing through the Hınıs Plain in southern Erzurum it connects to the Murat River.

Although Erzurum is not particularly rich in lakes it contains several important ones. The main lakes are:

• Tortum Lake: Located in the Uzundere district of Erzurum Tortum Lake is one of Türkiye's largest landslide-dammed lakes. The 48-meter-high Tortum Waterfall is fed by this lake and is of great importance both for its natural beauty and for tourism.

• Balıklı Lake: Located in the Aziziye district of Erzurum this lake is famous for its large population of red-spotted trout.

• Aygır Lake: Located in the Tekman district of Erzurum this volcanic lake is visited especially during summer months by local populations practicing transhumance.

• Çifte Lakes: These small lakes located in the Palandöken Mountains are fed by snow and rainfall.

• Kızlar Lake: Located in the Kargapazarı Mountains in northeastern Erzurum it is used by the local population as a summer pasture lake.

Erzurum is one of Türkiye's coldest and most severe climates. Characterized by the most distinct features of a continental climate summers are cool and short while winters are long cold and snowy. The annual average temperature is around 5–6°C making Erzurum one of Türkiye's coldest cities.

Winter temperatures can drop as low as -30°C and the city is renowned for its prolonged snow cover. Snow begins falling in November and can remain on the ground until April. This extended snow cover has made Erzurum a major center for winter tourism. In particular the Palandöken Ski Center takes advantage of this harsh climate to provide ideal conditions for winter sports.

Summer temperatures typically range between 20–25°C with significant differences between day and night temperatures. Although daytime temperatures can be warm during summer nights remain cool. Spring and autumn seasons are short and transition periods are rapid. Erzurum receives an average annual precipitation of 450–500 mm most of which falls as snow during winter months.

Due to its high elevation and harsh climate Erzurum has a very limited forest cover. The dominant vegetation type across the city is steppe. Shrubs and herbaceous plants are common in high plateaus and mountainous areas. However in the relatively milder climate of the Tortum and Oltu regions in northeastern Erzurum oak and juniper trees can be found.

Among Erzurum's extensive plains the Erzurum Plain Pasinler Plain and Çat Plain are important agricultural areas where cereal cultivation and animal husbandry are practiced. The city holds a key position among Türkiye's most important regions for pasture and transhumance activities.

Erzurum is one of the largest and most populous provinces in Eastern Anatolia. According to 2024 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) the total population of Erzurum is approximately 745005. A significant portion of the population is concentrated in the central districts. In particular Yakutiye Palandöken and Aziziye districts host the majority of the population as they are the centers of the city's economic and social activities.

• Due to the impact of the continental climate and an economy largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry Erzurum has a high concentration of rural settlements.

• In recent years urban population has increased due to migration to the city center while rural populations have declined.

• Approximately 60 percent of the population lives in urban centers while 40 percent resides in rural areas.

• Erzurum is among the provinces that experience net out-migration. Young people migrate primarily to western provinces such as Istanbul Ankara Izmir and Bursa for education and employment opportunities.

• Especially since the 1980s limited employment opportunities in industry and services have accelerated migration from the region.

• Erzurum is also one of the major educational centers of Eastern Anatolia and experiences seasonal population increases due to student migration from Atatürk University and Erzurum Technical University.

• Birth rates in Erzurum are slightly higher than the national average but have shown a declining trend compared to previous years.

• With improvements in healthcare and rising living standards death rates have decreased and there has been a notable decline in infant and maternal mortality rates.

• The male and female population ratios in Erzurum are very close to each other.

• The youth population ratio is higher than the national average but a large portion of the young population migrates to western provinces.

• The population aged 65 and over in Erzurum is higher than the national average a phenomenon explained by the out-migration of younger people and the elderly remaining in the city.

• Erzurum is one of the most important educational centers in Eastern Anatolia and attracts students from surrounding provinces through established institutions such as Atatürk University.

• The literacy rate is close to the national average but educational levels are relatively lower in rural areas.

• Due to an economy based on agriculture and animal husbandry unemployment rates in the city are above the national average.

Erzurum is one of Türkiye's important tourism centers due to its historical heritage natural beauty and potential for winter tourism. With numerous tourist sites including the Tortum Waterfall historic madrasas mosques tombs and fortresses Erzurum is a rich destination for cultural nature and winter sports tourism.

Palandöken Ski Center is one of Erzurum's most famous tourist destinations and stands out as one of Türkiye's most important winter sports centers.

• Located on the Palandöken Mountains the ski center reaches an elevation of 3125 meters and is suitable for skiing from December to April.

• It features long and steep slopes meeting international standards and is favored by professional athletes due to its suitability for alpine competitions.

• Host of the 2011 Winter Universiade Palandöken attracts both local and international tourists.

• Konaklı and Kandilli ski centers are other areas in Erzurum used for winter sports.

^{Palandöken Ski Center (Photo: Meryem Şentürk Çoban)}

Erzurum is one of Anatolia's oldest settlement sites and bears traces of many different civilizations. Numerous monuments from the Seljuk Ottoman and Republican periods await visitors.

• Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower (5th century): Built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius Erzurum Castle is an important structure preserving the city's historical fabric. The Clock Tower (Tepsi Minare) constructed during the Ottoman period has become one of Erzurum's symbols.

• Double Minaret Madrasa (1253–1290): One of Erzurum's iconic landmarks the Double Minaret Madrasa is among the monumental structures of the Seljuk period. Built during the reign of Ilkhanid Sultan Olcaytu it is notable for its stonework and ornamentation.

• Three Tombs (13th century): Among the finest examples of tombs in Anatolia. The largest is dedicated to Saltukid Emir Emir Saltuk while the builders of the other two remain unknown.

• Yakutiye Madrasa (1310): Built during the Ilkhanid period the Yakutiye Madrasa is notable for its stonework ornamentation and architectural design. Today it serves as the Turkish-Islamic Art and Ethnography Museum.

• Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai (Taşhan) (1561): Built by Rüstem Pasha the grand vizier of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman it is now used as a tourist center selling Oltu stone products.

• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (1562–1571): One of Erzurum's largest mosques this is an important Ottoman-era structure.

Erzurum also holds significant potential for nature tourism due to its natural beauty lakes waterfalls and pastures.

• Tortum Waterfall: One of Türkiye's largest and highest waterfalls at 48 meters it is a popular destination for cooling off and nature walks during summer months.

• Narman Fairy Chimneys: Located in the Narman district of Erzurum the fairy chimneys are among the region's most striking natural formations. Resembling those in Cappadocia this area with its red-colored rocks is known as the "Land of Red Fairies."

• İspir Seven Lakes: A highly suitable area for hiking camping and photography. The Seven Lakes in the İspir district of Erzurum attract nature lovers with their magnificent scenery.

• Çoruh River and Rafting: The Çoruh River one of Erzurum's major rivers is among the most suitable rivers in Türkiye for rafting. Local and international rafting events are regularly organized.

Erzurum is also an important center for health tourism due to its rich underground water sources and thermal springs.

• Pasinler Thermal Baths: The thermal waters in the Pasinler district are regarded as a healing source for rheumatism skin diseases and muscular ailments. One of Türkiye's oldest thermal baths they have been in use since the Ottoman period.

• Ilıca Thermal Baths: Located 15 km from Erzurum the Ilıca Thermal Baths are important for health tourism due to their hot water sources.

Erzurum's cuisine holds an important place in gastronomy tourism due to its distinctive regional flavors.

• Cağ Kebab
• • Erzurum's most famous dish Cağ Kebab is made from specially marinated lamb and cooked on a rotating skewer over a wood fire.
  • It is typically served with yogurt onion and tandır bread.

• Kadayıf Dolması
• • A local dessert unique to Erzurum. Kadayıf filled with walnuts is fried and sweetened with syrup.

• Tatar Böreği Su Böreği and Ayran Aşı Soup
• • These dishes are among the important culinary delights of Erzurum cuisine and are especially popular among local tourists.

Erzurum is also a rich city in terms of traditional handicrafts.

• Oltu Stone Craftsmanship: Oltu stone extracted in the Oltu district of Erzurum and known worldwide is used to make rosaries rings and necklaces.

• Copper Craftsmanship: Traditional copper kitchenware and decorative items are among Erzurum's important handicrafts.

• Amber Craftsmanship: In addition to Oltu stone amber is also processed in Erzurum.

Erzurum is one of the largest provinces in Türkiye's Eastern Anatolia Region and is administratively divided into 20 districts. As Türkiye's fourth-largest province by area Erzurum is also one of the most important administrative centers in Eastern Anatolia. The current governor is Mustafa Çiftçi and the mayor is Mehmet Sekmen.

Erzurum consists of 20 districts each with its own district governor and municipality administration.

The districts are:

1. Aşkale
2. Aziziye
3. Çat
4. Hınıs
5. Horasan
6. İspir
7. Karaçoban
8. Karayazı
9. Köprüköy
10. Narman
11. Oltu
12. Olur
13. Palandöken
14. Pasinler
15. Pazaryolu
16. Şenkaya
17. Tekman
18. Tortum
19. Uzundere
20. Yakutiye

Under the Law No. 6360 on Metropolitan Municipalities enacted in 2012 Erzurum gained metropolitan status and its central districts were divided into three:

• Yakutiye (Former city center)
• Palandöken (New residential areas)
• Aziziye (Organized Industrial Zone and Ilıca area)

These districts form Erzurum's metropolitan zones and are directly connected to the metropolitan municipality.