Kemah (District)

Kemah is a district in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye, known for its historical and cultural richness. Located approximately 52 km from the city center of Erzincan, Kemah covers an area of 2,354 km².

Kemah’s history extends back to the Hittite period. It is mentioned as “Kumaha” in a text dating to the reign of Hittite King Suppiluliuma I during a war with the king of Hayasa, Kranis. Throughout history, the district has served as a home to numerous civilizations including the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. During the Mengücek Beylik period, Kemah was an important center and came under the protection of the Anatolian Seljuk State in 1228. It later fell under the rule of Turkmen communities such as the Eretna Beylik, Kara Koyunlu and Ak Koyunlu. From 1503 onward, it came under Safavid control.

Kemah lies under the influence of a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and wet. The annual average temperature is 12.3°C and the average annual rainfall is 11.6 mm. The vegetation cover is predominantly steppe; herbaceous plants green in spring and dry out in summer. The surrounding mountains are generally bare and treeless, but there are occasional oak groves and poplar and willow trees along riverbanks.

According to 2024 data, Kemah has a total population of 6,850, of whom 3,596 are male and 3,254 are female. Of this population, 2,248 reside in the district center while 4,602 live in towns and villages.

Kemah’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry. In the past, small-scale crafts such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tailoring, weaving, embroidery, coppersmithing, tinning, construction, stove-making, milling, hand weaving, baking, trading and tinworking were widespread, but today these crafts have largely disappeared.

Kemah draws attention through its rich historical heritage. Kemah Castle is one of the district’s most important historical structures. Additionally, the Sultan Melik Türbesi, dating to the Mengücek Beylik period, is among the district’s significant cultural assets. Kemah also features numerous historical structures such as traditional architecture, mosques and tombs.

Located on a natural rocky platform in the northwestern part of Kemah district, the Sultan Melik Türbesi dates to the Mengücek Beylik period (1071–1228). The structure is regarded as one of the most important examples of Anatolian Turk tomb architecture due to its architectural features and unique construction techniques.

The tomb is an octagonal structure built of brick. At the center of the burial chamber on the lower level stands an octagonal pillar that supports the upper level. This pillar contributes to the architectural balance and enhances the vertical organization of the structure. The ceiling vaults, central pillar and ceiling section are designed in a brickwork pattern, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of early Turkish architecture.

The tomb is notable both for the preservation of its original building materials and the intact state of its funerary form. Within the structure, known locally as “Sultan Melek Türbesi,” there are five tombs, including the mummified body of Sultan Melik, believed to date from the Mengücek Beylik period. This situation demonstrates that the structure holds significance not only architecturally but also in socio-cultural and religious contexts.

^{Sultan Melik Türbesi(}Kemah Belediyesi)

The Acemoğlu Boğazı Bridge is located on the Erzincan-Kemah road route, spanning the Karasu River approximately 35 kilometers from the district center. The structure plays a strategic role by connecting the two banks of the river, contributing to both transportation and geographical unity.

Built with cut stone and featuring a single-arch (single-span) design, the exact construction date of the bridge is unknown. However, it clearly reflects the characteristic elements of traditional stone bridge architecture in the region. The bridge’s architectural simplicity and harmony with its natural surroundings are further enhanced by its association with a dramatic historical event.

In close proximity to the bridge, a Martyrs’ Monument has been erected to honor those who lost their lives in the event. This monument adds historical and emotional depth to the site beyond its functional and architectural roles, reminding visitors of the traces of the past.

^{Acemoğlu Köprüsü}(Kemah Belediyesi)

Kemah Houses

Kemah’s cuisine stands out for its regional flavors. Products such as mulberry molasses, pevler (aluça jam), rosehip gorabası, bastık, apple and pear gahı, basmaca, çemiç (dried mulberry), köme and tarhana are key elements of the district’s traditional cuisine. In addition, the tradition of tandır cooking and local dishes reflect Kemah’s gastronomic richness.