Battalgazi, Turkey

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Battalgazi, Turkey

Region: Malatya


Geographic Coordinates: 38.422800, 38.365600
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 295821
Language: Turkish

Battalgazi is a district located in the eastern province of Malatya, Turkey with a rich history and cultural significance. It was once the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene and is named after Battal Gazi, A legendary Turkish warrior. The Malatya Castle, Built by the Byzantines and used by various other empires including Seljuk Turks and Ottomans, Is one of Battalgazi’s significant landmarks. Aslantepe Archaeological Site, An important settlement during Hittite times (around 1600 BC), Is another attraction worth exploring. Mount Nemrut National Park offers stunning views from its summit at over 2, 000 meters above sea level.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails through forests filled with wildlife including bears and wolves. Battalgazi’s cuisine reflects influences from Ottoman and Middle Eastern cuisine with dishes such as kebab, Baklava (a sweet pastry), Pilaf (rice dish), Stuffed grape leaves known as dolma, Lentil soup called mercimek çorbası among others being popular among locals as well as tourists. The district’s traditional handicrafts include copperwork such as trays or pots decorated with intricate designs, Handwoven carpets and kilims, And pottery which visitors can purchase at local markets or directly from artisans who create them.

Overall Battalgazi offers something for everyone to enjoy – history buffs will appreciate its rich heritage while nature lovers will be awed by its stunning landscapes.



Important Landmarks

  1. Malatya Castle: A historical castle located on a hill in the city center.
  2. Battalgazi Grand Mosque: A beautiful mosque built during the Seljuk period.
  3. Aslantepe Mound: An archaeological site that dates back to the 4th millennium BC.
  4. Melid Archaeological Site: An ancient Hittite city with ruins of palaces, temples, and fortifications.
  5. Zinciriye Medrese: A 14th-century Islamic theological school with intricate stone carvings and tile work.
  6. Ulu Camii (Great Mosque): One of the oldest mosques in Turkey, built during the Abbasid period in 778 AD.
  7. Darende Canyon: A scenic canyon with hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas.
  8. Kursunlu Han Caravanserai: A well-preserved example of a medieval inn for travelers and their animals along trade routes.
  9. Yeni Cami (New Mosque): A modern mosque built in 1987 with a unique design featuring blue domes and minarets.
  10. Malatya Museum: An archaeological museum showcasing artifacts from various periods including Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras.

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture: Battalgazi is well-known for its agricultural production, particularly apricots, grapes, and pistachios.
  2. Textile manufacturing: There are several textile factories in the district that produce clothing and fabrics.
  3. Construction: The construction industry is also prominent in Battalgazi with many new buildings being constructed.
  4. Tourism: Battalgazi has several historical sites such as the Malatya Castle and the Battalgazi Grand Mosque which attract tourists from all over Turkey.
  5. Food processing: There are several food processing plants that produce products like tomato paste, canned foods, and dried fruits.
  6. Mining: Small-scale mining operations for minerals such as copper and iron ore take place in the area around Battalgazi.
  7. Education: Malatya İnönü University has a campus located in Battalgazi which provides education opportunities to students from all over Turkey.
  8. Healthcare services: Several hospitals and medical centers provide healthcare services to residents of the district as well as neighboring areas of Malatya province.

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Malazgirt: In 1071, the Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine army in the Battle of Malazgirt near Battalgazi. This battle marked the beginning of Turkish rule over Anatolia.
  2. The Great Mosque of Battalgazi: Constructed by Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid in 780 AD, this mosque is one of Turkey’s oldest and most important.
  3. Rumi (Mevlana): A famous poet and philosopher who lived close to Battalgazi in Konya; he founded the Sufi order known as Mevlevi or Whirling Dervishes.
  4. Sultan Alparslan: A Seljuk Turk who led his army to victory against Byzantine forces at the Battle of Manzikert (Malazgirt) near Battalgazi.
  5. Tigran II: An Armenian king who ruled over an empire that included parts of modern-day Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Iraq during his reign from 95-55 BC.
  6. Hittites: An ancient civilization that ruled over much of Anatolia between 1600-1200 BC; their capital was located near modern-day Battalgazi.
  7. Roman Empire: During Roman times (1st century BC – 4th century AD), Malatya served as an important military outpost on Rome’s eastern frontier.
  8. Turkish War Of Independence: During Turkish War Of Independence battal gazı played key role. There are many museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to this war in Battalgazi.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Malatya Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region, including artifacts from ancient civilizations.
  2. Battalgazi Grand Mosque: This mosque was built in the 13th century and is a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.
  3. Aslantepe Archaeological Site: This site dates back to the Bronze Age and features ruins of a palace, temple, and other structures.
  4. Sultansuyu Thermal Springs: These hot springs are believed to have healing properties and are popular among tourists.
  5. Ataturk House Museum: This museum is dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, and displays personal items from his life.
  6. Kursunlu Mosque: Built in the 16th century, this mosque features intricate tile work and calligraphy.
  7. Ethnographic Museum of Malatya: This museum showcases traditional clothing, household items, musical instruments, and more from various regions in Turkey.
  8. Battalgazi Bridge: This historic bridge spans over a river that runs through Battalgazi and offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
  9. Arslantepe Mound National Park: Located outside of Battalgazi, this park contains an ancient mound that has been excavated by archaeologists for decades.
  10. Hittite Sculpture Workshop & Open Air Museum: Visitors can see how Hittite sculptures were made at this workshop-turned-museum that also features outdoor exhibits showcasing these ancient works of art.



Cultural Events

  1. Mevlana Festival: This festival is held every year in December to commemorate the life and teachings of the famous Sufi philosopher, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
  2. Malatya International Film Festival: This film festival takes place annually in November and showcases films from around the world.
  3. Malatya International Folk Dance Festival: Every summer, this festival brings together folk dance groups from different countries to perform traditional dances.
  4. Cherry Blossom Festival: Held in April, this festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms with music, food, and cultural activities.
  5. Malatya International Music Festival: This annual event features performances by local and international musicians across various genres such as classical, jazz, and traditional Turkish music.
  6. Sultans’ Cup Wrestling Tournament: This wrestling tournament takes place every year in August and attracts wrestlers from all over Turkey to compete for the prestigious title.
  7. Malatya Harvest Festival: Celebrated during September-October harvest season with traditional food fairs showcasing local produce like grapes, apples & pomegranates along with cultural programs like folk dances & music performances etc.

Cuisine

  • Testi kebabı: This is a traditional Turkish dish where meat, vegetables, and spices are cooked in a clay pot.
  • Kebapçı Halil Usta: This restaurant is famous for its delicious kebabs and grilled meats.
  • Sivaslılar Çorba Evi: This restaurant serves traditional soups and stews of the region.
  • Hacı Dayı Baklava: This bakery is known for its mouth-watering baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and syrup.
  • Köfteci İbrahim Usta: This restaurant specializes in köfte, Turkish meatballs made with ground beef or lamb mixed with spices.
  • Güllüoğlu Baklavaları: Another popular bakery that serves delicious baklava as well as other Turkish desserts like künefe and şöbiyet.
  • Taşhan Han Restaurant: Located within an old caravanserai, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience along with traditional Turkish dishes like pide (Turkish pizza) and meze (appetizers).

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Battalgazi Park is a spacious public park situated in the heart of Battalgazi, providing visitors with walking paths, green areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
    2. Atatürk Culture Park is positioned on the outskirts of Battalgazi and presents stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It offers walking paths, picnic areas, and a small lake for fishing enthusiasts.
    3. Malatya Zoo is located just outside Battalgazi and houses various animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and monkeys.
    4. Kapi Dag National Park is approximately an hour’s drive from Battalgazi and provides hiking trails through beautiful forests and mountainous terrain.
    5. Visitors can enjoy guided cycling tours through the countryside with several companies in Battalgazi offering this service.
    6. Traditional Turkish baths (Hamam) are available for visitors to relax in while enjoying massages or other spa treatments.
    7. Hot air balloon rides are offered to visitors who want to experience breathtaking views from above while flying over the stunning landscape around Battalgazi.
    8. Mount Nemrut offers skiing opportunities during winter months for those who enjoy outdoor winter sports activities; it takes about two hours from Battalgazi by car or bus to get there.

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