376... 18... 269,579... 7,388... 33 E 37 - 40 N 36...

Çankiri... The history of Cankiri, which is 131 km from Ankara, goes back to 3000-2500 BC. Here was a Galatian settlement of 3rd century BC, called "Gangrea" at that time. The land has witnessed the hegemony of many tribes thereafter, up to Seljuks and Ottomans, and the traces from its long past stand all over the area. There are the ruins of Cankiri Fortress from the 11th century with rock tombs and underground tunnels inside. In the city, the Ulu Mosque dates back to the 16th century, and is built by great Turkish architect Mimar Sinan. Just outside the city is the Tas Mescit which is a medieval hospital constructed in 1235. In this distinct region, an outstanding figure is the Ilgaz Mountains (2560 m) occupying the north of the city. It is a site of real attraction for nature lovers with its snowy peaks and wide woodland. Ilgaz National Park is one of the most beautiful parks of Türkiye, and the ski center present provides best opportunities for winter sports with its fine, modern facilities. In the third century BC the Galatian settlement in Cankiri was called Gangrea, a name which evolved into Kangri. The ruins of an 11th century fortress overlook the city. In town the Ulu Mosque, built by Türkiye's greatest architect, Sinan, in the 16th century, recalls the years of Ottoman culture. Tas Mescit, a medieval hospital built in 1235, lies just outside the city. North of Cankiri is the beautiful Ilgaz National Park and Ski Center. In the third century BC. the Galatian settlement in Cankiri was called Gangrea, a name which evolved into Kangri. The ruins of an 11th century fortress overlook the city. In town the Ulu Mosque, built by Türkiye's greatest architect, Sinan, in the 16th century, recalls the years of Ottoman culture. Tas Mescit, a medieval hospital built in 1235, lies just outside the city. North of Cankiri is the beautiful llgaz National Park and Ski Center. Kirikkale is a rapidly expanding industrial center on the major highway that leads east out of Ankara and to the Black Sea. The Kizilirmak River, known in ancient times as Halys, passes by Kirikkale. You can spend a pleasant afternoon relaxing in one of the good restaurants surrounded by the pastoral landscape. After the highway divides, the eastern fork leads to Yozgat, 217 km from Ankara. Founded in the 18th century by the Ottomans the city has two important buildings from this period - the Capanoglu Mosque and the adjoining Suleyman Bey Mosque.

The 19^th century Nizamoglu Mansion, an attractive example of Turkish domestic architecture, now houses ethnographical exhibits. Camlik National Park is a few kilometers south of the city.