Erzincan: Echoes of Anatolia's Enduring Legacy
Journey through the ancient and modern history of Erzincan, a city shaped by empires, earthquakes, and the resilient spirit of Eastern Turkey.
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City Overview
A Provincial Capital
Erzincan, historically known as Yerznka, serves as the capital of Erzincan Province in eastern Turkey. Its strategic location places it near significant regional cities such as Erzurum, Sivas, Tunceli, Bingöl, Elazığ, Malatya, Gümüşhane, Bayburt, and Giresun. The city's name is pronounced [æɾˈzindʒan] in Turkish, and it is known as ''Erzîngan'' in Kurdish and ''Yerznka'' in Armenian.[1][2][3]
Population Dynamics
The city of Erzincan has experienced notable population growth over recent decades. In 2007, its population was recorded at 86,779. By 2022, this figure had significantly increased to 150,714, reflecting its ongoing development and role as a regional center.[5]
Cultural Composition
Erzincan is primarily inhabited by a Turkish Sunni majority, alongside a notable Kurdish Alevi minority. This demographic composition contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of the region, reflecting the diverse historical influences that have shaped Eastern Turkey.[4]
Historical Trajectories
Ancient Roots: Acilisene
The ancient region now known as Erzincan was historically called Acilisene. This area was the pivotal site for the Peace of Acilisene in AD 387, an agreement that led to the division of Armenia into two vassal states: one aligned with the Byzantine Empire and a larger one with Persia.[6][7] The Greek geographer Strabo referred to it as ''Akilisēnē'' in his ''Geography''. While its etymological origin is debated, it is widely accepted that the city was once named Erez. For a period, it was also known as Justinianopolis, honoring Emperor Justinian. In more recent Greek, it was called ''Keltzene'' and ''Kelezene''.[8]
Medieval Eras and Shifting Powers
Erzincan's medieval history is marked by a series of transitions and conflicts. In 1071, the city was incorporated into the Mengüçoğlu principality under the Seljuk Sulëiman Kutalmish, following the decisive Battle of Manzikert which significantly weakened Byzantine control.[8] The renowned traveler Marco Polo, during his visit to Erzincan, described its inhabitants as predominantly Armenian and lauded Erzincan as the "noblest of cities," noting its status as an archbishop's see.[13]>
The city faced significant destruction in 1243 during conflicts between the Seljuks under Kaykhusraw II and the invading Mongols. Despite this devastation, Erzincan demonstrated remarkable resilience, with its population recovering sufficiently by 1254, when another earthquake reportedly claimed over 10,000 lives. During this tumultuous period, the city achieved a degree of semi-independence under the governance of Armenian princes.[14]>
Ottoman Rule and Modern Challenges
Erzincan became a pivotal location in Safavid history in 1500, serving as a gathering point for approximately 7,000 Qizilbash forces who supported Ismail I in establishing his dynasty.[15] Following its capture by Ottoman forces in 1514, Erzincan experienced significant physical and demographic growth. Early Ottoman censuses (1516–1518, 1530, 1591) indicate a city with a mix of Muslim and Christian neighborhoods and a steadily increasing population.[16] The 17th-century traveler Evliya Çelebi described a thriving city with numerous houses, mosques, lodges, and hamams.[17]>
Demographic Shifts
Historical Population Overview
Erzincan's demographic landscape has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. In the 13th century, Marco Polo observed that the city's population was predominantly Armenian.[13] By 1830, the Armenian population had grown to 15,000. An 1880 record indicates 6,000 houses, with 4,000 belonging to Muslims and 1,800 to Armenians.[42]
Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Vital Cuinet's research from the 1890s reported 23,000 inhabitants in the center of Erzincan, comprising 15,000 Muslims, 7,500 Armenians, and a smaller number of Greeks and other groups. For the entire sanjak, he noted 171,472 Muslims, 34,588 Armenians (including Catholic and Protestant), and 2,710 Greeks.[19]>[42] On the eve of World War I, data from the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople indicated that out of 24,000 inhabitants, 13,109 (2021 families) were Armenians.[43]>
Post-WWI Changes
During the Armenian Genocide, Armenians were subjected to deportation and massacre by the Special Organization.[42] Additionally, Greeks were deported from Erzincan to Germir in 1919 as part of the Greek Genocide.[42] These events drastically altered the demographic composition of Erzincan, leading to a significant reduction in its historical minority populations.
Climate Profile
Humid Continental Climate
Erzincan experiences a humid continental climate, classified as ''Dsa'' under the Köppen climate classification or ''Dca'' under the Trewartha climate classification. This climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Spring typically brings the wettest conditions, while summer is the driest season.[44]>[45]>[46]
Climate Data (1991–2020)
The following table provides detailed climate data for Erzincan, reflecting average conditions over a 30-year period, along with historical extremes.
Climate data for Erzincan (1991–2020, extremes 1929–2022) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 14.6 (58.3) |
17.2 (63.0) |
25.2 (77.4) |
30.0 (86.0) |
33.8 (92.8) |
37.0 (98.6) |
40.6 (105.1) |
40.5 (104.9) |
37.2 (99.0) |
31.4 (88.5) |
24.9 (76.8) |
19.0 (66.2) |
40.6 (105.1) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 2.8 (37.0) |
4.8 (40.6) |
10.9 (51.6) |
17.3 (63.1) |
22.7 (72.9) |
27.9 (82.2) |
32.4 (90.3) |
33.0 (91.4) |
28.1 (82.6) |
20.7 (69.3) |
12.0 (53.6) |
5.1 (41.2) |
18.1 (64.6) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | −1.9 (28.6) |
−0.3 (31.5) |
5.3 (41.5) |
11.0 (51.8) |
15.7 (60.3) |
20.5 (68.9) |
24.3 (75.7) |
24.5 (76.1) |
19.6 (67.3) |
13.2 (55.8) |
5.7 (42.3) |
0.5 (32.9) |
11.5 (52.7) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −5.7 (21.7) |
−4.3 (24.3) |
0.5 (32.9) |
5.5 (41.9) |
9.5 (49.1) |
13.4 (56.1) |
16.7 (62.1) |
16.8 (62.2) |
12.0 (53.6) |
7.0 (44.6) |
0.9 (33.6) |
−3.1 (26.4) |
5.8 (42.4) |
Record low °C (°F) | −31.2 (−24.2) |
−30.2 (−22.4) |
−22.4 (−8.3) |
−11.1 (12.0) |
−4.2 (24.4) |
2.0 (35.6) |
5.0 (41.0) |
5.9 (42.6) |
0.3 (32.5) |
−6.8 (19.8) |
−15.6 (3.9) |
−25.9 (−14.6) |
−31.2 (−24.2) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 26.3 (1.04) |
29.7 (1.17) |
45.5 (1.79) |
54.2 (2.13) |
57.2 (2.25) |
25.2 (0.99) |
14.1 (0.56) |
6.6 (0.26) |
17.5 (0.69) |
41.9 (1.65) |
36.2 (1.43) |
25.7 (1.01) |
380.1 (14.96) |
Average precipitation days | 8.77 | 9.17 | 11.63 | 13.67 | 14.77 | 8.83 | 3.67 | 2.93 | 4.53 | 8.87 | 8 | 9.37 | 104.2 |
Average snowy days | 8.68 | 6.36 | 4.24 | 0.64 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 1.24 | 4.88 | 26.24 |
Average relative humidity (%) | 72 | 68.9 | 61.5 | 57.1 | 57 | 50.8 | 46.3 | 46 | 49.2 | 62 | 67.8 | 72.5 | 59.2 |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 91.6 | 120.3 | 145.2 | 167.9 | 211.2 | 263.9 | 295.2 | 276.6 | 231.2 | 186.6 | 128.8 | 82.8 | 2,196.8 |
Mean daily sunshine hours | 3.0 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.8 | 8.8 | 9.5 | 8.9 | 7.7 | 6.1 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 6.1 |
Source 1: Turkish State Meteorological Service[44] | |||||||||||||
Source 2: NOAA(humidity, sun 1991-2020), Meteomanz(snowy days 2000-2024)[45][46] |
Urban Districts
Neighborhoods of Erzincan
Erzincan is administratively divided into numerous neighborhoods, each contributing to the city's urban fabric and community life. These districts form the residential and commercial areas that make up modern Erzincan.[3]
Economic Landscape
Historical Agriculture and Industry
In the early 20th century, Erzincan was notable for its extensive mulberry tree plantations. These plantations were crucial for sericulture, the practice of raising silkworms for silk production, indicating a historical agricultural and textile industry in the region.[47]
Modern Development and Education
While historical economic activities like sericulture have evolved, modern Erzincan continues to develop its economic base. The presence of institutions like Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University plays a significant role in the city's contemporary economy, contributing to education, research, and local employment, fostering intellectual and economic growth in the province.
Civic Leadership
Mayors of Erzincan (1977-Present)
The leadership of Erzincan has been guided by several mayors, representing various political parties, who have overseen the city's development and governance through different periods.
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References
References
- Michel Lequien, christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus, Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 435â436
- Faruk Sümer, Safevi Devletinin KuruluÅu ve GeliÅmesinde Anadolu Türklerinin Rolü, Türk Tarih Kurumu Yayınları, Ankara, 1992, p. 15. (in Turkish)
- World War I: A Student Encyclopedia by John S.D. Eisenhower (Foreword), Spencer Tucker, Priscilla Mary Roberts (Ed.s)
- âEkim Devrimi TartıÅmaları 2009: Ekim Devrimi ve İki Cumhuriyetâ panel, Köz Gazetesi, 15 November 2009, Yüz Ãiçek Açsın Kültür Merkezi â Okmeydanı, İstanbul.
- (Minassian 2006, p. 60) "La rage au cÅur, les fédaïs arméniens..."
- (Minassian 2006, p. 60) "Bousculant les civils, les soldats arméniens cèdent à la peur, s'enfuient par la route d'Erzeroum"
- (Minassian 2006, p. 60) "Les troupes turques de Kazim Karabékir sont devant Erzincan..."
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