Çorum
Çorum offers an awe-inspiring journey through 3,500-year-old UNESCO Hittite empire ruins, royal sphinx gates, and world-famous legume gastronomy. Its crowning international symbol is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hattusha—featuring massive cyclopean stone city walls, the Lion Gate, King's Gate, and the subterranean Yerkapı Sphinx Tunnel—alongside the royal tombs of Alacahöyük. History and cult
Districts
History & cultural identity
Çorum, majestically set on high agricultural plateaus and transitional river basins connecting the Central Black Sea region to Central Anatolia, holds a monumental ancient Bronze Age, Hittite imperial, Phrygian, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilizational legacy spanning over four millennia. Known historically as a vital transit pass, the region's crowning ancient jewel is Hattusha (Boğazköy)—the magnificent imperial capital of the Hittite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—alongside the sacred royal sanctuary of Alacahöyük. Here, the world's oldest surviving peace treaty (the Treaty of Kadesh) was negotiated. Following the collapse of the Bronze Age, Çorum flourished under Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule, leaving exquisite architectural monuments such as the 13th-century Ulu Cami and the historic Çorum Clock Tower. Today, Çorum stands as a thriving industrial manufacturing, agricultural export, and archaeological tourism metropolis, globally celebrated as the undisputed 'Capital of Roasted Chickpeas' (Leblebi Başkenti).
Tourist experience
Çorum offers an awe-inspiring journey through 3,500-year-old UNESCO Hittite empire ruins, royal sphinx gates, and world-famous legume gastronomy. Its crowning international symbol is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hattusha—featuring massive cyclopean stone city walls, the Lion Gate, King's Gate, and the subterranean Yerkapı Sphinx Tunnel—alongside the royal tombs of Alacahöyük. History and culture enthusiasts can explore the rich artifacts inside the Çorum Museum, marvel at the 16th-century İskilip Rock Tombs, or visit the historic clock tower in central Çorum. Gastronomy is globally celebrated for Çorum Leblebisi (world-renowned roasted chickpeas in various flavors), PDO İskilip Dolması (slow-cooked wedding rice and meat dish), Çorum Mantısı, and Kargı Tulum Cheese.
Investment outlook
Çorum commands an outstanding Transparent Investment Score of 92.5/100, recognized as a premier agricultural mega-basin (Osmancık rice and legume export), industrial manufacturing powerhouse, and archaeological tourism capital. Anchored by Hitit University—hosting over 20,000 students—and expanding Organized Industrial Zones (Çorum OSB, famed for machinery and automotive parts manufacturing), the province yields robust commercial growth. Residential buy prices average $1,200/m² (exceeding $2,600/m² in modern master-planned high-rise compounds in Central Çorum) with rapid annual capital appreciation (~47.0% YoY in USD).
Living here
Residing in Çorum represents a safe, culturally rich, highly walkable, and serene Anatolian city lifestyle. Neighborhoods feature brand-new residential apartment compounds alongside historic Ottoman quarters, wide green parks, and lively bazaars. Residents benefit from comprehensive healthcare at Hitit University Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital, clean air, rich archaeological surroundings, and safe community streets.