--- title: Kızılcahamam (District) slug: kizilcahamam-district-4118e url: /detay/kizilcahamam-district-4118e type: article language: English entity: primary: Kızılcahamam (District) type: article disambiguation: Kızılcahamam: Ankara's thermal spa & nature tourism district. Explore history, nature, and culture! categories: - name: General Knowledge slug: genel-kultur url: /kategori/genel-kultur tags: - Soğuksu National Park - Thermal Tourism - Health Tourism - Ankara - Kızılcahamam author: Sinem Bostan created_at: 2025-07-03T11:20:24.999902+03:00 updated_at: 2025-07-04T10:13:38.031271+03:00 --- # Kızılcahamam (District) ## KURE Information Cards ![hLF6tmp3agX9slyrrN7PYFTYaVXIeDwg.webp](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/07/03/fV6DaTXcPGQMWgiSuCWg2DFFPrBlTg2g.webp) *Kızılcahamam (District)* | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Mayor(s) | Süleyman Acar | | Climate(s) | Continental climate | | Elevation(s)(Text) | 975 meters | | Province(s) | Ankara | | District Governor | Dr. Nuri Mehmetbeyoğlu | | Population (2022) | 26,872 | | Number of Neighborhoods | 109 | | Economic Activities | Thermal Tourism Agriculture Animal Husbandry Forestry | | Notable Features | Thermal Springs Soğuksu National Park Nature Hiking Trails | | Surface Area | Apx. 1,623 km² | ## Article Content [Kızılcahamam](/en/detay/kizilcahamam-ilce-faa64/llms.txt) is a district located in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region and is administratively part of [Ankara Province](/en/detay/ankara-province-ff2e2/llms.txt). It lies approximately 80 kilometers north of Ankara city center and shares borders with [Çerkeş](/en/detay/cankiri-89b23/llms.txt) to the north, Atkaracalar to the northeast, [Kahramankazan](/en/detay/kahramankazan-district-44b28/llms.txt) to the east, Ayaş to the south, and Çamlıdere to the west. The district is notable for its rich natural resources, thermal waters, and protected forest areas. With a settlement history dating back to Antiquity, Kızılcahamam is today an important center for both health and nature tourism. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/06/23/hGaCxbIUPjkdm0R53LJrcI38DA8TFVCj.jpg) *Kızılcahamam İlçesi. (Anadolu Ajansı)* ### **Geography and Climate** Kızılcahamam features a mountainous and rugged terrain, with much of the area covered by forests. Among its prominent natural areas is [Soğuksu National Park](/en/detay/soguksu-national-park-10427/llms.txt), known for its endemic plant species, wildlife, and hiking trails. The Kirmir Stream is one of the district’s significant watercourses. The region experiences a continental climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and cool summers. Due to its high elevation, the district enjoys a refreshing climate during the summer months. ### **History** The district’s history dates back to the Phrygian, Galatian, Roman, and Byzantine periods. During the Roman era, the use of thermal springs in the region was especially prominent. The name "Kızılcahamam" derives from the red-colored hot springs and baths found in the area. It became a district in 1924 during the early Republican era, and its thermal resources played a key role in the development of health tourism. ### **Administration and Population** Kızılcahamam is a district of Ankara Province and comprises 109 neighborhoods. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the population of the district was 26,872 in 2022. As of September 11, 2023, Dr. Nuri Mehmetbeyoğlu serves as the district governor, and Süleyman Acar was re-elected as mayor in the 2024 local elections. ### **Economy** The local economy is largely based on thermal tourism, agriculture, animal husbandry, and forest product utilization. The district’s abundant thermal resources make it an attractive destination for health tourism. Additionally, beekeeping, walnut cultivation, and traditional handicrafts are important sources of income. ### **Education and Culture** The district hosts various levels of public educational institutions. It is also home to the Vocational School of Health Services affiliated with Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, offering opportunities for higher education. Cultural life in Kızılcahamam is enriched by local festivals, traditional handicrafts, and outdoor sports activities. ### **Transportation** Situated along the Ankara–Istanbul State Road, Kızılcahamam has well-developed transportation links. It is about an hour’s drive from Ankara city center. The district is served by regular intercity bus and minibus services, and local transportation is provided by shuttle vehicles. ### **Nature and Tourism** Kızılcahamam is a prominent destination for tourism thanks to its thermal spas, nature parks, and scenic landscapes. Soğuksu National Park, in particular, contributes to biodiversity by providing habitat for endangered species such as the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus). Other notable natural sites within the district include the [Abacı Fairy Chimneys](/en/detay/abaci-fairy-chimneys-95bff/llms.txt), İkizce Nature Park, and Kurtboğazı Dam. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Anadolu Agency. “Tableau-like Scenes Formed in Kızılcahamam.” Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/yasam/kizilcahamamda-tablolari-animsatan-goruntuler-olustu/3403685. 2. Ankara Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Kızılcahamam.” Accessed June 23, 2025. https://ankara.ktb.gov.tr/TR-152777/kizilcahamam.html. 3. Ankara Governorship. “Kızılcahamam.” Accessed June 23, 2025. http://ankara.gov.tr/kizilcahamam. 4. Kızılcahamam District Governorship. “History of Our District.” Accessed June 23, 2025. http://www.kizilcahamam.gov.tr/ilcemizin-tarihi. 5. Kızılcahamam Municipality. “Mayor’s Biography – Süleyman Acar.” Accessed June 23, 2025. https://kizilcahamam.bel.tr/Baskanin-Ozgecmisi. 6. Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT). “Address-Based Population Registration System Results, 2023.” Published February 6, 2024. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=49685. ## Related Articles - [Karaca Arboretum – Living Tree Museum](//detay/karaca-arboretum-living-tree-museum-4799e/llms.txt) - [Ravanda Castle](//detay/ravanda-castle-3bd02/llms.txt) - [Nevşehir Testi Kebab](//detay/nevsehir-testi-kebab-ac7b1/llms.txt) - [Nigde Tahini](//detay/nigde-tahini-94b64/llms.txt) - [Isparta Rose](//detay/isparta-rose-709b8/llms.txt)