Bingöl Province

Bingöl Province is located in eastern Anatolia and comprises mountainous terrain with several small lakes and river systems flowing through the landscape. The province is administratively divided into eight districts, with Bingöl city serving as the provincial capital.

Originally named Çapakçur, the province was established as an independent administrative unit in 1936, carved from portions of Elazığ and Muş provinces. In 1945, it was renamed Bingöl and formally recognized as a distinct provincial division.

Turkish is the main language, while Zaza speakers are concentrated in the southern districts and Kurmanji speakers in the northern areas, reflecting the region's linguistic diversity. This language distribution shapes the local communities and their distinct identities.

Visitors can access the provincial capital of Bingöl from various locations, though travel involves mountain roads with winding passages. The best time to explore is during summer and early autumn when roads are passable and conditions are milder.

The region experiences continental climate conditions with dramatic temperature swings, dropping below minus 30 degrees Celsius (negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter and rising above plus 40 degrees Celsius (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. These extreme temperature shifts shape the landscape and influence how residents adapt their lives across seasons.

Location: Turkey

Part of: Malatya Subregion

Website: http://bingol.gov.tr

GPS coordinates: 39.04111,40.67583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:24