Tunceli

Various civilizations had lived in Tunceli region, which is Upper Fırat division of the Eastern Anatolian Region, since the first ages. Pertek Castle, which remained from Medieval Age and still in good condition, and Munzur Valley National Park should be seen.Located in the middle of the eastern part of Turkey, of Turkey, Tunceli has borders with the cities Erzincan on the north and northwest, Bingol on the east, Elazig on the south and Malatya on the southwest.

Lots of civilizations were dominant at the region, where Tunceli is present today, since the first ages. During the course of history, first Anatolian union establishers, Hittites, were penetrated in this region for a long time. Then Med, Persia, Seljukians, Akkoyunlu and Ottomans were reigned here.

History

The history of Tunceli dates back to antiquity. The region hosted many civilizations; Urartu, Media, the Achaemenid Empire, Armenian, Roman, Parthian, Byzantine and Sassanid Empires. In the 7th century the Arabs took control of the region and then in 11th century Seljuks were in charge. After Otlukbeli War which took

Tunceli has a continental climate with very hot, dry summers and freezing cold snowy winters.

Yelmaniye Mosque, Ulukale Mosque, Baysungur Mosque, Çelebi Ali Mosque, Sağman Mosque, Hamidiye Theology Schoolare religious monuments from Ottoman period. Uzun Hasan and Eltihatun Masuoleumsare from the Akkoyunlu period and worth seeing. There are interesting castles located around Tunceli;Pertek Castle, Malazgirt Castle, Dedebağ, Kaleköyü and Sağman Castles. The caves from Urartuperiod

Visit "Munzur Valley National Park"located 8km north of Tunceli. This great natural area is offering camping, fishing, trekking and mountaineering possibilities. Dorafting in Munzur, Pülümür and Peri streams. Climb to the peak of Akbabain the Mercan Mountains. Visit "Munzur Gözeler" (Ziyaret, 15 kms east of Ovacik)

Tunceli doesn't has railway connection. Elazığ is the site of the nearest station for trains arriving from west. From Elazığ, you can find minibuses to Tunceli. The trip takes about two hours and you will also use ferryboat on the way, while crossing a dam lake.

Tunceli doesn't has an airport. The nearest airport is inElazığ. From Elazığ, you can find minibuses to Tunceli. The trip takes about two hours and you will also use ferryboat on the way, while crossing a dam lake. Malatyafurther southwest is another option for airport.

Tunceli is located on the state highway connecting toElazığat south,ErzincanandErzurumat north. Below there are distance information if you prefer to get in by car: From Tunceli, Erzincan, about 141 kilometers (km) and takes about 37 minutes for about 2 hours by car. From Tunceli Van approximately 270 kilometers (km) and