Çankırı combines diverse museum collections with Seljuk architecture, historic buildings and regional culinary experiences. You can choose different focuses for your trip: the history of the city and its surroundings, architecture, interactive activities or local cuisine. The selection ranges from exhibits spanning several eras to opportunities to host your own radio show or try Çankırı gözleme.
Museums and regional culture
The Çankırı Museum preserves 19,939 objects from periods ranging from the Early Bronze Age through the Hittite, Phrygian and Hellenistic periods to the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras. The collection also includes fossils from the Çorakyerler excavations, including finds of animals that are about eight million years old. The ethnographic section displays objects from Çankırı and its surroundings, including regional textiles, handicrafts, clothing, bags, carpets, sacks, copperware, weapons, manuscripts and religious writings.
Another chapter of local culture is presented at the Buğday Pazarı (Hazımiye) Madrasa. Elements of Yaran culture and regional clothing are on display there; the rooms also convey the local oral culture. Visitors can try Çankırı gözleme at the madrasa. A visit thus combines cultural insights with a regional specialty.
The historic Çamaşırhane was restored in 2006 and converted into a museum in 2016. It also hosts artistic and cultural events. The Dr. Rıfkı Urga Çankırı Research Center is housed in a historic building that was used to treat lightly wounded soldiers during the Turkish War of Independence. Following its restoration, the center opened on July 26, 2005.
Taş Mescit and the history of its architecture
Taş Mescit is an important surviving building from the Seljuk period. The fully preserved complex includes the mosque known as Taş Mescit and the Darülhadis section, with the tomb of Cemaleddin Ferruh. The şifahane was built in 1235; in 1242–1243, a Darülhadis was added in front of it.
Çankırı Castle also brings together different historical associations. It contains the tomb of Emir Karatekin Bey, the conqueror of Çankırı, and a rock tomb from Roman times. The Cam Seyir Teras at the castle offers views over the city. The castle is used as a place to visit and a recreational area. Another prominent landmark is the Historic Clock Tower of Çankırı: it is 15 meters tall and has clock faces on all four sides. The municipal administration restored it and put it back into operation in 2021.
Hands-on activities, art and regional cuisine
The Ferit Akalın Radio and Communications House presents the history of communications in an interactive way. Visitors can make radio broadcasts, write letters and send postcards there. This makes a visit a different way of engaging with history than viewing collection objects: the focus here is on taking part.
The Çivitçioğlu Madrasa serves as a cultural center and houses studios for ney, tezhip, miniature painting, ebru, calligraphy and oil painting. These art forms range from music and book and image design to painting. If you are particularly interested in cultural forms of expression, the madrasa offers an approach distinct from the museum’s historical collections or the architectural history of Taş Mescit.
At the Yöresel Mutfak ve Kültür Evi, visitors can sample registered and regional dishes from Çankırı. The house is also known for geographically designated products from Çankırı and a sini breakfast. Since current operations should be checked again before making time-specific travel plans, it is advisable to make a brief inquiry before including this offering in your itinerary.
A trip to the surrounding area
The Tuz Mağarası, known as the Yer Altı Tuz Şehri, lies 18 kilometers east of Çankırı, within the boundaries of Balıbağı village in the Central District. It adds another distinct place to visit in the surrounding area to the city’s museums and historic buildings. When planning, note that this site is outside the city and should not be considered one of the urban attractions.
The different character of the offerings can help you choose what to focus on: the museums provide access to collections and regional culture, Taş Mescit makes a datable architectural history tangible, and the radio house centers on hands-on activities. The madrasas bring cultural themes together with handicrafts or regional cuisine. This lets you shape your trip around the interests that matter most to you.
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Go to the main travel overview: Çankiri.
