Things to Know About Bingöl
Bingöl is situated in the Upper Euphrates region of Eastern Anatolia and serves as a vital junction between the main roads connecting East to West and North to South. The city boasts of breathtaking natural landscapes, including refreshing plateaus, green mountains that produce oxygen, and lakes perfect for winter sports and mountain activities. Furthermore, Bingöl has several natural ponds and thermal water resources that make it an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers.
The city of Bingöl is rich in historical values that reflect the Anatolian region. Its history dates back to 5000 BCE, with various personalities such as Urartu, Assyrian, Hittite, Persian, Byzantine, Roman periods, Ayyubid’s time, Artuqids, and Ottomans. These different eras are evident in numerous historical sites that still exist within the city limits.
The mountainous terrain of Bingöl boasts of several natural wonders, including numerous large and small crater lakes. It is believed that the city was named after these magnificent bodies of water. In one of the lakes, called “Adam’s Wine” or water from Paradise, there is said to be water that confers immortality to whoever drinks it.
Bingöl is an important province located in the Upper Euphrates region of Eastern Anatolia. The city has a rich history that dates back to 5000 BCE, reflecting the cultural and historical exchanges between Iran, Byzantium, Western Asia, the Caucasus region, and Mesopotamia. This importance can be traced back to its position as a key crossroad for centuries along the Silk Road trade routes from the Far East to Europe. As a result, it has a diverse range of customs and traditions preserved by the Hurrian-Urartian people, Armenian Kingdom, and the Ottoman Empire.
The natural landscape of Bingöl is equally as impressive, with cool plateaus, green mountains, and many natural wonders, including a number of well-preserved mosques and ancient buildings. The city is home to many crater lakes, including one lake in the mountains that is believed to contain “Adam’s wine” or water from Paradise, which grants immortality to whoever drinks it.
Bingöl is a unique travel destination, offering visitors an opportunity to explore untouched nature and learn about the region’s rich history and culture.
Places to Visit in Bilecik
The Floating Islands (Yuzen Adalar)
The Floating Islands, also known as Yuzen Adalar, are a fascinating natural monument located in Bingöl Province, Turkey. This unique formation consists of three floating islands made up of aquatic plants that resemble small islands on the surface of Lake Aksakal.
Surrounded by rolling hills, Lake Aksakal is situated on a flat terrain, encircled by three mountain ranges. The lake receives groundwater inflow, which keeps the water level stable throughout the year. The floating islands can be easily moved by standing on one side and stepping down, due to their buoyancy on the water.
The floating islands are home to a diverse range of vegetation, including grass, couchgrass, and various aquatic trees and bushes. The soil is interwoven with the plants, creating a unique ecosystem that covers an area of 38,400 square meters. The lake itself spans over 300 square meters and has a depth estimated to be over 50 meters, with clear and fresh water that is devoid of mineral salts.
The formation was recognized as a natural monument in 2003, and visitors are encouraged to explore this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Buban Fairy Chimneys
The Buban Fairy Chimneys, situated in Oğuldere Village of Sancak town, are a remarkable natural wonder that grace the landscape of Bingöl, Turkey. These unique formations are the result of water erosion on tuff rock, creating stunning pointed shapes that have become a significant feature of the area.
Oğuldere Village, which was formerly known as Buban, is surrounded by short fairy chimneys that can be found on many hills in the region. The town itself is relatively new, having been rebuilt following an earthquake that destroyed the old town thirty years ago. A hike from the new to old part of town offers breathtaking views of green hills, pastureland, and ancient cave homes with fairy chimney-topped hills between them.
In addition to the ruins of the old town, the area boasts several nearby caves, some of which are natural while others are homes carved into the rocks. Although these caves can be challenging to locate without prior directions, they are well worth the effort to discover and explore.
Zağ Rock Shelter Rooms
The Zağ Caves, located in the Solhan district of Bingöl, Turkey, are a fascinating testament to the history of the region. These caves, which date back to the Byzantine period and continue to be a historical heritage site, served as a secret settlement for Christians who were oppressed by the Roman Empire during the dominance of paganism in the 5th century AD.
The Zağ Caves provided a refuge for these Christians, who were able to hide, worship, and live in secret within the caves for many years. The architecture of the caves, which is specific to the period in which they were built, is a remarkable sight to behold. The cave is composed of five separate floors and sits 300 meters above the ground, facing the Murat River.
The most notable feature of the Zağ Caves is the round chimneys that serve as the transition points between floors, while doors connect the various rooms within each floor. These unique features add to the mystique and intrigue of the caves, making them a must-see attraction for those interested in the history of the region.
The Zağ Caves are an incredible example of rock settlements that date back to the Byzantine period. The caves are comprised of five or eight rooms on each floor, with secret passages in the form of chimneys connecting them. These passages were crucial in providing access to all rooms within the structure. One of the most significant features of the caves is the presence of two rock-cut cisterns located in the secret passage area on the first floor. These cisterns, covered with white plaster, are believed to have served as a water reservoir for Christians who fled from pagan beliefs and believed in one god.
The caves also feature cube-shaped pits that were carved into the bedrock floor and plastered inside some rooms. These pits were utilized as storage for grain, oil, and liquor. Some of the smaller spaces within the caves were observed to have been used for offering deposits. Additionally, some of the caves were used as living quarters, complete with kitchens or pantries, while others served as prayer rooms. Overall, the Zağ Caves provide a unique insight into the history and culture of the region.
