Erzincan reveals itself as a cultural destination through different kinds of landmarks: the Erzincan Museum, Çadırcı Hamam and Saat Kulesi represent collections, Ottoman architecture and an urban landmark. The three places offer different perspectives on the city’s history—from the museum’s exhibition areas to the hamam’s architectural layout and the history of the clock tower.

You can reach the Terzibaba Mausoleum from the city centre on foot, by private car or by minibuses that pass in front of the mausoleum. Check the current minibus connection before setting out. This gives you several stated options for getting there without having to plan around a fixed travel time.

Museum, Hamam and Clock Tower

The Erzincan Museum opened to visitors on 3 May 2023. Of its 2,934 collection objects, 409 are displayed in two exhibition halls: the archaeological exhibition hall is on the ground floor, and the ethnographic exhibition hall is on the first floor. This layout distinguishes the two subject areas within the building; the figures also show that the objects on display are a selection from a larger collection.

Çadırcı Hamam offers a different way of viewing history. It was built in 1548 and is considered one of the best-preserved classical Ottoman buildings remaining in Erzincan. Its architectural features include four iwans and corner cells. Two separate doors on the eastern side provide access to the complex. The construction date, floor-plan features and entrances each offer a different point of reference for understanding the historic architecture.

Saat Kulesi combines an architectural description with the history of an earlier tower: the clock tower that stands today was built on its site after its predecessor was destroyed in the 1939 earthquake. Saat Kulesi is considered a symbol of the city. Its square, prismatic body is made of dressed stone and divided into four storeys by horizontal cornices. This provides a concrete description of its exterior, while the replacement of the earlier tower records the building’s historical change.

If you organise your trip around cultural interests, you will find different themes side by side here: the museum’s archaeological and ethnographic collections, the hamam’s classical Ottoman architecture and the urban history of Saat Kulesi. This comparison helps you decide what kind of city visit you want, without reducing the three sights to a single theme.

More places in the wider Erzincan destination

The wider Erzincan destination also includes cultural and historical sites in other named areas. In Tercan, the Mama Hatun Külliyesi consists of a kümbet, a caravanserai, a hamam and a mosque. The kümbet is distinguished by its articulated body, conical roof and surrounding circular wall. Its floor-plan and architectural design are considered unique in Anatolia. The complex thus offers a regional comparison with Ottoman architectural history, which is also visible at Çadırcı Hamam in the city.

In Kemah, the origins of Kemah Kalesi date back to the Hittite-Urartian period. The castle stands on steep rocks, consists of two nested enclosures and is surrounded by walls. For those looking at regional history, it offers a different historical and architectural focus from the city monuments in Erzincan.

Copper craftsmanship is also part of the wider Erzincan destination. It has a long tradition there, has declined compared with the past, and for years has been regarded as a traditional craft symbolising Erzincan. It is passed down through master-apprentice relationships. This craft tradition complements the study of buildings with a cultural practice handed down through generations.

For landscapes and infrastructure, the wider Erzincan destination includes Karanlık Kanyon in Kemaliye (Eğin district). It was registered as a qualified natural and protected area in 2020. The seven-kilometre-long Taş Yolu, with 38 tunnels, runs through the canyon. The location and measurements describe a regional destination with its own landscape and architectural character, distinct from the sights within the city.

Discover more destinations: Kavaklık Köyü, Cevizlik Köyü, Erzurum, Çilesiz Köyü, Akarsu, Refahiye, Üzümlü.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Erzincan.