Bingol City Guide
Bingöl is located in the Upper Euphrates part of the Eastern Anatolia Region. The most determinative characteristic of its geography is that it is a passage between the high plateaus and the rugged terrain in the west. Aside from the Murat River Valley which lies on an east-west direction south of the city and small plains that lie along the valley; Bingöl paints the picture of a nearly completely mountainous area.
The historical city center of Bingöl is located south of the river with the same name as the city, that flows to the north. The region from the north of Bingöl River to Çevrimpınar Runlet is an area where there are newer settlements. The Bingöl-Elazığ highway, alternatively called Bingöl-Muş highway to the other direction, crosses right through the middle of this northern area. The road which also begins from Elazığ and heads to Diyarbakır is located to the south.
Ata Park is a very beautiful piece of land. This natural area, which is also used as a recreational area, is located approximately 10 km away from the city center and on the Bingöl-Elazığ Highway. In the area which is surrounded by quite dense oak trees; Gayt Stream which flows approximately 500 meters below through a narrow pass and mountains that are right across from the stream complete the scenery. You can add Ata Park, which can be considered close to the city center, to the places to visit.
Bingöl In One Day
If you only have one day set aside for Bingöl, you should especially set some time aside to see the beauty of the region's nature. Trips made to the plateaus, lakes, forests, recreational areas, water springs, thermal springs, and certainly the Floating Island should definitely take their place in this one day you have. If you happen to visit at the right time, you should head to the Yolçatı Ski Resort for winter sports. After all these, what you can explore from a cultural perspective can take second place.
City Tours and Transportation
You can tour the neighborhoods in the city center of Bingöl by walking. In order to reach places in the vicinity, you can use the district and village minibuses. Let us remind you that the considerably harsh climatic conditions can have a negative effect on transportation.
Nearby Locations
The first thing you should see and explore in the vicinity of Bingöl is the unparalleled nature of this geography. A trip you can take to the Sentarius Fortress that is approximately 20 km away from the city, can be a good opportunity in this respect. Along the journey; valleys, mountains, plains, and rivers keep you company. The fortress located in the Murat River Valley dates as far back as the Urartians.
Musuems, Public Squares, Historical Locations, Monuments
The center of the city is known by the name of İnönü Neighborhood. Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) of Bingöl, Hacılar Mosque, and the Government Office can also be seen in this vicinity. Kültür Park (Culture Park), located a little ahead, is the largest green area in the city center.
Bingöl and the surrounding area bore witness to the Urartian, Assyrian, Persian, Roman, Arab, Seljuk, Saltuqid, Aq Qoyunlu, Safavid, and Ottoman civilizations. In 1936, it became a province with the name “Çapakçur”. Afterwards, the name was changed to Bingöl.
Kiğı Mosque can be seen in the district with the same name. Pir Ali Bey of Bayındır had it built in the Hijri year of 700 during Aq Qoyunlu rule; and although its minaret broke down at one time, it was fixed by Hacı Hasan. Another characteristic of the mosque is that it has a single minaret and minaret balcony. On the minaret, there are construction-repair and restoration inscriptions written using the Arabic alphabet. In the courtyard of the mosque, there is the tomb of Hacı Mehmet Efendi, one of the princes of Zermek.
Kiğı Fortress can be seen northeast of the district center. This fortress, which dates back to the Byzantine era, has managed to remain standing throughout centuries.
Kral Kızı (King's Daughter) Fortress is located in the district of Genç. It is said that the Persian King Darius had this fortress, which is located where Diyarbakır and Konsper Rivers intersect, built for his daughter. The hill on which the fortress is located is called Keynekler.
Parks, Games, Events and Natural Areas
Floating Island (Yüzen Ada) is located in the vicinity of the village of Hazarşah among villages in the district of Solhan. The islands floating over the water in Aksakal Lake draw a lot of attention not only because they move over the lake; but also as a beautiful recreational area. Three sides of the crater lake are surrounded by mountains and hills. In order to get to the Floating Island you need to travel for another 4.5 km after the Bingöl-Solhan highway. In addition to this area; Yolçatı and Kiğı provide suitable opportunities for ski houses, camp and caravan tourism.
Just like other places in the Eastern Anatolia region, Bingöl takes heavy snowfall during winter months. The mountainous region holds great potential for skiing. Bingöl is one of the important places in that respect. Yolçatı Ski Resort opened for service in 2008. Ski season is quite long here. The distance of the facilities to the city center is approximately 22 kilometers. Let us point out that you can make use of the accomodation and dining options in the facilities. Yolçatı Ski Resort has a chair lift with a 44 person capacity and an approximately 1000 meter long ski trail. There are separate trails for different difficulty levels. The lower station of the ski resort is located at 1650 meters, while the higher station is at 1890 meters. The untouched nature of the area is also worth seeing.
Kös Thermal Springs, Bingöl – It is located on the 20th km of the Karlıova highway. It is rumored that when it is drunk, water from the springs also helps cure stomach ailments, rheumatism, and gynaecological diseases. Transportation to the springs is easily done in summer and winter months.
In the city of Bingöl, the primary place to enjoy the best food is definitely Ata Park. Soğuk Çeşme can be another alternative. The primary item on the list of local dishes is the soup with yoghurt, meat, and flour called tutmaç. You should try this soup, which acquires a distinct taste with garlic.
The honey, walnut, and mulberry molasses of Bingöl are the main items among what you can buy. Also, the longstanding Bingöl carpets and rugs which are handcrafted on looms using primitive methods, are worth seeing. Palas which is woven with yarn made of goat hair is another type of handicraft in Bingöl. More symmetrical and geometrical patterns are used in palases, the looms of which resemble rug looms. Saddlebags, felt shepherd clothing, knitted socks and gloves can be included among other items of Bingöl that you may be interested in.
Tourist Attractions
Ata Park is a very beautiful piece of land. This natural area, which is also used as a recreational area, is located approximately 10 km away from the city center and on the Bingöl-Elazığ Highway. In the area which is surrounded by quite dense oak trees; Gayt Stream which flows approximately 500 meters below through a narrow pass and mountains that are right across from the stream complete the scenery. You can add Ata Park, which can be considered close to the city center, to the places to visit.
Bingöl In One Day
If you only have one day set aside for Bingöl, you should especially set some time aside to see the beauty of the region's nature. Trips made to the plateaus, lakes, forests, recreational areas, water springs, thermal springs, and certainly the Floating Island should definitely take their place in this one day you have. If you happen to visit at the right time, you should head to the Yolçatı Ski Resort for winter sports. After all these, what you can explore from a cultural perspective can take second place.
City Tours and Transportation
You can tour the neighborhoods in the city center of Bingöl by walking. In order to reach places in the vicinity, you can use the district and village minibuses. Let us remind you that the considerably harsh climatic conditions can have a negative effect on transportation.
Nearby Locations
The first thing you should see and explore in the vicinity of Bingöl is the unparalleled nature of this geography. A trip you can take to the Sentarius Fortress that is approximately 20 km away from the city, can be a good opportunity in this respect. Along the journey; valleys, mountains, plains, and rivers keep you company. The fortress located in the Murat River Valley dates as far back as the Urartians.
Culture & Entertainment
The center of the city is known by the name of İnönü Neighborhood. Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) of Bingöl, Hacılar Mosque, and the Government Office can also be seen in this vicinity. Kültür Park (Culture Park), located a little ahead, is the largest green area in the city center.
Bingöl and the surrounding area bore witness to the Urartian, Assyrian, Persian, Roman, Arab, Seljuk, Saltuqid, Aq Qoyunlu, Safavid, and Ottoman civilizations. In 1936, it became a province with the name “Çapakçur”. Afterwards, the name was changed to Bingöl.
Kiğı Mosque can be seen in the district with the same name. Pir Ali Bey of Bayındır had it built in the Hijri year of 700 during Aq Qoyunlu rule; and although its minaret broke down at one time, it was fixed by Hacı Hasan. Another characteristic of the mosque is that it has a single minaret and minaret balcony. On the minaret, there are construction-repair and restoration inscriptions written using the Arabic alphabet. In the courtyard of the mosque, there is the tomb of Hacı Mehmet Efendi, one of the princes of Zermek.
Kiğı Fortress can be seen northeast of the district center. This fortress, which dates back to the Byzantine era, has managed to remain standing throughout centuries.
Kral Kızı (King's Daughter) Fortress is located in the district of Genç. It is said that the Persian King Darius had this fortress, which is located where Diyarbakır and Konsper Rivers intersect, built for his daughter. The hill on which the fortress is located is called Keynekler.
Parks, Games, Events and Natural Areas
Floating Island (Yüzen Ada) is located in the vicinity of the village of Hazarşah among villages in the district of Solhan. The islands floating over the water in Aksakal Lake draw a lot of attention not only because they move over the lake; but also as a beautiful recreational area. Three sides of the crater lake are surrounded by mountains and hills. In order to get to the Floating Island you need to travel for another 4.5 km after the Bingöl-Solhan highway. In addition to this area; Yolçatı and Kiğı provide suitable opportunities for ski houses, camp and caravan tourism.
Just like other places in the Eastern Anatolia region, Bingöl takes heavy snowfall during winter months. The mountainous region holds great potential for skiing. Bingöl is one of the important places in that respect. Yolçatı Ski Resort opened for service in 2008. Ski season is quite long here. The distance of the facilities to the city center is approximately 22 kilometers. Let us point out that you can make use of the accomodation and dining options in the facilities. Yolçatı Ski Resort has a chair lift with a 44 person capacity and an approximately 1000 meter long ski trail. There are separate trails for different difficulty levels. The lower station of the ski resort is located at 1650 meters, while the higher station is at 1890 meters. The untouched nature of the area is also worth seeing.
Kös Thermal Springs, Bingöl – It is located on the 20th km of the Karlıova highway. It is rumored that when it is drunk, water from the springs also helps cure stomach ailments, rheumatism, and gynaecological diseases. Transportation to the springs is easily done in summer and winter months.
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