Çankırı
Çankırı offers an extraordinary combination of subterranean geological wonders, alpine mountain sports, and Seljuk historical monuments. The crown jewel of provincial tourism is the Underground Salt City (Yer Altı Tuz Şehri)—a massive 5,000-year-old active rock salt cave system featuring vast carved galleries, salt sculptures, and therapeutic halo-therapy air. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Ilgaz
Districts
History & cultural identity
Çankırı holds a deep-rooted historical legacy in Central Anatolia spanning over 4,000 years. Known anciently as Gangra and later Germanikopolis under Roman rule, the city served as a royal capital for the Kingdom of Paphlagonia. During the Seljuk golden age in the late 11th century, Çankırı was incorporated into Turkic rule by Emir Karatekin Bey, developing into an important trade and educational post along northern Anatolian routes. Under Ottoman rule and into the modern Turkish Republic, Çankırı preserved its strategic position as a center for rock salt mining, forestry, and traditional leathercrafts.
Tourist experience
Çankırı offers an extraordinary combination of subterranean geological wonders, alpine mountain sports, and Seljuk historical monuments. The crown jewel of provincial tourism is the Underground Salt City (Yer Altı Tuz Şehri)—a massive 5,000-year-old active rock salt cave system featuring vast carved galleries, salt sculptures, and therapeutic halo-therapy air. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Ilgaz Mountain National Park and Ski Resort, famous for winter sports and fir forests, or visit the historic Taş Mescit (Cemaleddin Ferruh Hospital—a 13th-century Seljuk medical complex), Emir Karatekin Tomb, and Bayramören Paragliding Center.
Investment outlook
Çankırı is a fast-growing industrial and mining center strategically located between Ankara and the Black Sea ports. The province possesses Europe's largest rock salt reserves, powering major industrial salt refining and chemical processing plants. Çankırı hosts active Organized Industrial Zones, notably the Yakınkent OIZ in Şabanözü, attracting major international manufacturing investments in automotive tires (Sumitomo Rubber AKO), electronics, food processing, and defense industries. Furthermore, Ilgaz Mountain presents high-return investments in winter tourism and alpine hospitality.
Living here
Life in Çankırı provides a safe, serene, and family-friendly environment with low living costs and clean mountain air. Located just 130 kilometers north of Ankara, the city balances quiet Anatolian routines with modern urban amenities. Çankırı Karatekin University infuses youthful vitality into town life, while Ilgaz Mountain and local pine forests offer residents exceptional outdoor weekend recreation.