Çankırı is a provincial capital in north-central Anatolia, perched on hills above the Tatlıçay stream valley at roughly 750 metres elevation. The city traces its roots to ancient Gangra — later Romanised as Germanicopolis — and retains layers of Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman history within a compact and walkable centre. A hilltop castle watches over Ottoman mosques, a well-curated archaeology museum, Roman baths, and a lively bazaar. Çankırı Province is one of Turkey's principal salt-producing regions, and the dramatic Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) landscape to the south is within day-trip range. To the north, Ilgaz Mountain National Park offers skiing from December to March and alpine hiking in summer.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Eldivan nohut (dried chickpeas) — 100–200 TRY/kg (~$3.10–6.20 USD/kg)
Handmade tarhana (fermented grain mix for soup) — 80–150 TRY/pack (~$2.48–4.65 USD)
Local honey (bal) from mountain apiaries — 200–500 TRY/jar (~$6.20–15.50 USD)
Copper items (bakır) — hand-beaten trays, coffee pots, bowls from bazaar workshops
Handwoven kilim textiles — 500–3,000 TRY (~$15.50–93 USD)
Dried herbs from Ilgaz Mountain — thyme, mint, chamomile — 50–100 TRY/bag (~$1.55–3.10 USD)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Çankırı Haftalık Pazar (Saturday Market)
Local produce, tarhana, chickpeas, honey, textiles
Where: Pazar Yeri, city centre
Hours: Saturday 07:00–14:00
Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
Copperware, spices, textiles, handicrafts
Where: Çarşı Mahallesi, city centre
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:30–19:00