Discover Çankırı: Museums, Medreses and History

Discover Çankırı through its collections, historic buildings and vibrant cultural venues. The Çankırı Museum preserves 19,939 objects from various periods: its collection spans the Early Bronze Age, Hittite, Phrygian and Hellenistic periods, and the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras. Fossils from the Çorakyerler excavations are also on display, including animal remains dating back around eight million years.

Museums and Cultural Venues

The ethnographic section of the Çankırı Museum showcases the diversity of regional everyday and material culture. On display are textiles, handicrafts, clothing, bags, carpets, sacks, copperware, weapons, manuscripts and religious texts, as well as other everyday and artistic objects from Çankırı and the surrounding area. The section complements the archaeological and natural history collections with objects from daily and cultural life.

At Tarihi Çamaşırhane, the historic laundry, the building’s history is intertwined with its cultural use: it was restored in 2006 and converted into a museum in 2016. It also hosts artistic and cultural events. The Ferit Akalın Radio and Communications House offers another glimpse into Çankırı’s recent history. It presents the history of communications interactively; visitors can make radio broadcasts, write letters and send postcards.

Çivitçioğlu Medrese serves as a cultural centre and houses workshops for ney, tezhip, miniature painting, Ebru, calligraphy and oil painting. By contrast, the Buğday Pazarı (Hazımiye) Medrese focuses on preserving local oral culture, elements of Yaran culture and regional clothing. Guests can also try Çankırı gözleme there. The two medreses offer different perspectives: one showcases a variety of arts workshops, while the other highlights regional culture and oral tradition.

Architectural History and Views

Taş Mescit is a significant surviving structure from the Seljuk period. The complex preserves the mosque known as Taş Mescit and the Darülhadis section with the tomb of Cemaleddin Ferruh; both parts are fully intact. Taş Mescit’s şifahane was built in 1235, and a Darülhadis was added in front of it in 1242–1243. This sequence gives the site a particular historical depth.

Çankırı Castle is home to the tomb of Emir Karatekin Bey, the conqueror of Çankırı, and a rock-cut tomb from the Roman period. The castle is used as a visitor attraction and recreation area. From the Cam Seyir Teras at the castle, visitors can enjoy views over the city. The site thus combines historical traces with a view of Çankırı.

The Historic Clock Tower is also a prominent landmark: the municipality restored it and put it back into operation in 2021. The tower is 15 metres high and has clock faces on all four sides. Its form can therefore be viewed from several angles; its restoration and reopening mark a distinct chapter in its history.

Regional Cuisine and a Nearby Excursion

There is more than one place to discover local cuisine. Guests can try Çankırı gözleme at the Buğday Pazarı (Hazımiye) Medrese. At the Yöresel Mutfak ve Kültür Evi, visitors can sample registered and regional dishes from Çankırı. The house is also known for geographically indicated products from the region and a sini breakfast. If you would like to plan a meal there as part of your visit, check what is on offer before your trip.

Near Çankırı lies the salt city, also known as Yer Altı Tuz Şehri or Tuz Mağarası. It is 18 kilometres east of Çankırı, within the boundaries of Balıbağı village in the Central District. Its precise location sets this destination apart from the museums and buildings in Çankırı itself and may be a separate consideration when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Aşağıbozan, Çerkeş, Esentepe Mahallesi, Ilgaz, Dereköy, Kuyupınar Köyü, Orta, Kurşunlu.

Return to the main travel overview: Çankiri.