Çorum

Çorum Province sits in the Central Karadeniz region of north-central Turkey, straddling the transition between the Anatolian steppe and the Black Sea hinterland. The provincial capital Çorum is a modern industrial city of 270,000 at 801 meters elevation, known for its copper-working traditions, ceramics, and as a gateway to one of Turkey's most important archaeological landscapes. The region lies close to the North Anatolian Fault, and repeated earthquakes have left few ancient structures standing in the city itself, but the surrounding countryside holds remarkable Hittite ruins.

The province's true treasures are its archaeological sites. Boğazkale, 90 km southwest, is home to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with monumental stone walls and rock reliefs. Nearby Alaca Hüyük preserves further Hittite temples and the famous hieroglyphic orthostats. The city of Çorum itself, likely standing over the Byzantine site of Euchaneia, is documented from the 16th century and serves as a practical stopover between Ankara and the Black Sea coast, with a compact center of mosques, a clock tower, and a restored Ottoman inn.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring archaeological sites, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer (June–August) can be warm in the lowlands but pleasant at higher elevations. Winter (December–March) brings cold temperatures and possible snow, particularly in the mountainous areas, though the archaeological sites remain accessible. The Çorum Leblebi Festival, celebrating the region's famous roasted chickpeas, typically takes place in summer. Boğazkale hosts cultural events and performances at the Hittite sites, often timed for warmer months.

Çorum is 240 km northeast of Ankara (3-hour drive) and 170 km from Samsun on the coast. Buses from Istanbul take 10 hours via Ankara, and from Kayseri 4 hours. Metro Turizm and Flixbus operate on these routes. The bus station is 3 km southwest of the city center, with dolmuş service into town. Within the city, the sights are walkable and dolmuşes run along main streets. A rental car is essential for reaching Boğazkale (90 km southwest), Alaca Hüyük (90 km southwest), and the scattered villages across the province. Public transport to these sites is extremely limited.

• Çorum — the provincial capital with a clock tower, mosques, and a museum of regional antiquities
• Boğazkale — the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hattusa, ancient capital of the Hittite Empire
• Alaca — home to Alaca Hüyük with Hittite temples and hieroglyphic reliefs
• Osmancık — a historic town with a restored Ottoman castle and stone bridges
• İskilip — a mountain town with Ottoman-era architecture
• Sungurlu — a market town on the highway to Ankara
• Mecitözü — a quiet settlement in the province's interior
• Bayat — a small town with traditional character
• Kargı — a mountain town surrounded by forests
• Ortaköy — a village near Boğazkale
• Uğurludağ — a remote settlement in the hills
• Oğuzlar — a small village with pastoral scenery
• Dodurga — a quiet agricultural settlement
• Laçin — a highland village

Çorum's most famous culinary contribution is leblebi — roasted chickpeas that are the region's signature snack and a beloved treat across Turkey. The Çorum leblebi festival celebrates this humble but iconic food. Beyond chickpeas, the cuisine reflects Central Anatolian traditions: kebabs, mantı (Turkish dumplings), etli ekmek (meat flatbread), and hearty lentil soups are staples. Around the clock tower, restaurants like Çorum Şehir Kulübü and Tandırcı Kadir Usta serve traditional fare. The region's agricultural heritage means fresh produce, dairy, and grains feature prominently. Dietary options outside the city are limited, but vegetarian pide and cheese-based dishes are available in most lokantas.

Çorum's cultural significance is anchored by its proximity to the Hittite civilization — Boğazkale and Alaca Hüyük represent some of the most important archaeological sites in the ancient Near East. The Çorum Museum houses excellent collections of Hittite artifacts, including the famous Alaca Hüyük bronze standards. The city's modern architecture is shaped by earthquake reconstruction, but the Velipaşa Han (late 19th-century inn) has been restored as a cultural center. Local crafts include copperworking, traditional weaving, and pottery. The annual Leblebi Festival celebrates the chickpea roasting tradition with food stalls, music, and competitions.

• Exploring Hattusa at Boğazkale — walking the monumental stone walls and gates of the Hittite capital, including the famous Lion Gate and King's Gate
• Seeing the Alaca Hüyük bronze standards — viewing the ceremonial bronze objects from the museum or visiting the originals at Alaca
• Walking Çorum's old town — discovering the restored Velipaşa Han, the clock tower, and the mosques in the compact city center
• Roasting leblebi at a local workshop — learning the traditional technique of preparing Çorum's famous chickpea snack
• Visiting İskilip's mountain town — experiencing a quieter side of Anatolia with traditional stone houses and mountain scenery