Gürün (District)

Gürün is a district of Sivas province in Türkiye, located between the Central Anatolia Eastern Anatolia and Mediterranean regions. The district is situated along the Tohma Valley in an east-west orientation at an elevation of 1250 meters. Gürün is 137 km from the city center of Sivas, 140 km from Malatya, 190 km from Kayseri, 280 km from Kahramanmaraş and 90 km from Elbistan.

^Gürün (T.C. Sivas Valiliği)

Archaeological research has shown that human settlement in Gürün dates back to the 2000s BCE. Settlements found in the villages of Davulhöyük and Göbekören have been identified as Assyrian trade centers. During the Hittite period the settlement known as Tilgarimmu was located on an important pass along the Royal Road. Gürün, which was a sub-district during the Ottoman period, gained district status in 1869. Following the proclamation of the Republic, various developments took place in the district.

As of 2020 the total population is 20957. In addition to the district center there is the town of Suçatı and 60 villages. The total area is 2797 km².

The district has a mountainous and rugged terrain and exhibits continental climate characteristics. The natural vegetation consists mostly of drought-resistant species such as keven cowtail grass shepherd’s cushion thyme and kangal. Poplar willow and fruit trees grow along riverbanks. The region once covered by forests now has limited forested areas dominated by juniper oak and hawthorn trees.

The district lies on the watershed divide between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean basins. The main rivers in Gürün are the Tohma Creek and the Hurman Creek also known as Akdere Creek. Gökpınar Uyuzpınar and Aygır lakes are also within the district boundaries.

^{Gürün- Gökpınar Gölü} (T.C. Gürün Kaymakamlığı)

The main tourist attractions in the district are Gökpınar Lake and Şuğul Canyon. Gökpınar Lake is known for its natural life park and trout production facilities. Şuğul Canyon offers rock inscriptions and opportunities for nature hiking. The district also contains churches from the Roman period rock houses mosques and tombs from the Ottoman period.

^{Gürün- Şuğul Vadisi} (T.C. Sivas Kaymakamlığı)

Gürün was historically known for shawl weaving. Today carpet and kilim weaving wood carving and handmade products continue to be produced. Carpet weaving courses and traditional arts are supported.

^{Gürün Şalı} (T.C. Gürün Kaymakamlığı)

The economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Beekeeping fishing and mining are widespread in the district. There are trout production facilities with an annual capacity of approximately 800 tons. Gürün also has mineral deposits including iron chromium basalt marble and kayrak stone also known as Gürün salt. Bulgur production and mulberry molasses production also contribute to the local economy.

Gürün attracts attention through numerous social and educational projects. Campaigns such as the Smart Classroom Project the White Flag Project and Gürün Developing Through Reading have been implemented. The district hosts various educational institutions including an Anatolian High School a Teacher Training High School a Technical High School and a Vocational College. The Gürün Public Library with over 30000 books is the second largest library in Sivas province.

Cultural activities are supported through the annual Gürün Culture and Art Festival. Many folk poets and bards have emerged from the district. The house of poet Hüseyin Korkmazgil has been converted into the Poets House. The district also has a cultural center with a cinema hall seating 250 people.