Ayrancı: Train Station, Cheese Tradition, and Local History

Ayrancı brings together a historic train station, the local story of Ayran Dede, and the centuries-old tradition of aging Tulum cheese in nearby Divle Obruğu. If you are looking for a hotel in Ayrancı, consider whether railway history, cultural stories, or regional food traditions should be the focus of your stay. These themes lead to different sides of the area and help you choose your destination thoughtfully.

The train station and regional transport history

The historic Ayrancı Tarihi Tren Garı was built as part of the Baghdad Railway and opened on October 25, 1904. Historically, the station also likely transported agricultural produce from the region by train to cities such as Konya and Istanbul. It therefore offers a concrete connection to railway history and the former transport of regional produce.

The station is recommended as an out-of-school learning site where students can experience transport history firsthand. To visit, contact the station management at least three days in advance. Confirm this access requirement before your arrival.

Divle Obruğu and Tulum cheese

Divle Obruğu, which is 36 meters deep, lies near the destination. A visit may pose a risk for people with respiratory illnesses. The village head must be contacted before visiting; confirm this requirement before your trip.

For centuries, Tulum cheese has been aged in Divle Obruğu in Ayrancı district. In this nearby place, two distinct points of interest come together: the Obruğu's remarkable depth and a long-standing food tradition.

Local traditions and traces of the past

The Ayran Dede tomb is associated with the tradition that Ayrancı got its name from Ayran Dede. A local story links Ayran Dede to the waterside landscape: Sultan Selim I is said to have come across a stream near Ayrancı in 1514, while traveling to Iran, with twelve bridges crossing it at different intervals. There is now a reservoir at this stream.

In Ayrancı Merkez, caves, rock dwellings, and associated traces of habitation are considered evidence extending into the present day of the Hittite period and, in particular, the Tuwana period. The train station offers a precise reference point through its opening date; the Ayran Dede story and interpretations of older traces offer other perspectives on local history.

Hıdırellez and local traditions

The Hıdırellez celebrations were held in 2014 at the festival site by the Ayrancı reservoir. The program at the time included a folk dance performance and concerts of Turkish folk music. The celebration was described at the time as an annual tradition; 2014 was its 15th edition. If a festival date is important for your trip, check the dates for your travel period before booking a hotel.

Another dated example of local agriculture is a white cherry harvest held in the town center in 2022. This highlights regional food traditions alongside railway and cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Kazımkarabekir, Akçaşehir Belediyesi, Ambar, Karaman, Koçaşlı, Ermenek, Alaçatı.

Return to the main travel overview: Karaman.