Kemaliye, District seat in Erzincan Province, Turkey
Kemaliye is an administrative district in Erzincan Province in the Eastern Anatolia region and sits at an elevation of about 1,130 meters (3,700 ft). The territory spreads across rocky landscapes cut by several river valleys, where you find around 61 villages and many old houses.
The area originally bore the name Eğin until it was renamed Kemaliye in 1922 to honor Mustafa Kemal Pasha following the War of Independence. This name change marked a turning point in the region's story during the founding of the modern state.
The houses here follow Ottoman building styles and show traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations. You see this architecture especially along the narrow streets, where old stone walls and wooden beams define the character.
The terrain is hilly and rocky, so exploring requires good footwear and physical preparation. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the weather is comfortable.
The territory was designated as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance for preserving architecture and landscape. This recognition honors the value of the old structures and their relationship with the natural surroundings.
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