Kemaliye

Kemaliye (formerly Eğin) is a historic town in western Erzincan Province, clinging to a steep hillside above the Euphrates River. It is one of Eastern Anatolia's most picturesque settlements, with a beautifully preserved old town of Ottoman-era stone houses with ornate facades, carved wooden details and bay windows. The town is also a centre for adventure tourism, with the nearby Karanlık Kanyon (Dark Canyon) offering world-class canyoning, rafting and hiking. Kemaliye has a rich multicultural heritage, having once been home to a significant Armenian population.

By Plane

Erzincan Airport (ERC IATA) about 130 km east.

By Train

By Car / Road

Kemaliye is reached by a scenic mountain road from Erzincan or from Malatya. Dolmuşes connect from Erzincan (about 2.5 hours).

The old town is compact and walkable, though very steep in places.

• Old Kemaliye — Hundreds of beautifully preserved Ottoman houses with carved stone and woodwork.

• Karanlık Kanyon (Dark Canyon) — A dramatic 9-km-long limestone canyon on the Euphrates, popular for adventure sports.

• Kemaliye Museum — Local history and ethnography exhibits.

• Canyoning and rafting — Dark Canyon is a premier destination for these activities.

• Hiking — Numerous trails along the Euphrates and into the canyon.

• House tour — Walk the old town streets admiring the historic architecture.

Several restaurants in the old town serve local specialties.

Cafes with views overlooking the Euphrates.

• Mid-range: Boutique hotels in restored historic houses.
• Budget: Pensions and guesthouses.

Local handicrafts and textiles.

• Erzincan — 130 km east, the provincial capital.
• Malatya — 120 km south, with Battalgazi old town.
• Arapgir — 60 km southwest, another historic town.