Erzincan

Erzincan is a city in eastern Anatolia in Turkey and the capital of the province of the same name. It lies on a wide plain through which the Karasu River—a tributary of the Euphrates—flows, surrounded by mountains. The elevation of the plain is approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, giving it a temperate climate with long winters.

The city is known for two things: the fertile agricultural land of the plain, and the danger of earthquakes. Erzincan sits on the North Anatolian Fault, a major geological fault line running west to east, which over the past centuries has produced severe earthquakes that have forced the city to be rebuilt repeatedly.

Geography and landscape

The plain of Erzincan is a structural basin formed between the ranges of the eastern Anatolian mountains. The Karasu River passes through the plain, and its waters are used to irrigate fields. Crops grown include mainly cereals, barley, vegetables, and fruit trees. Livestock raising, particularly cattle, also contributes to the local economy. The city lies on the route connecting central Anatolia to the far east, making it historically an important hub for transport and trade.

History

The region around Erzincan is recorded in early history under names including Eriza and Erez among Armenian sources. Various states ruled it—the Byzantine Empire, the Seljuks, and Turkish principalities—before it came under Ottoman administration. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the province had a mixed population of Muslims and Armenians; the population shifts during World War I significantly altered the region's demographic composition.

Earthquakes

The most damaging event was the earthquake of 1939, which destroyed the entire city and killed tens of thousands of people. Afterwards, a new city was built on a different site. Again in 1992, another earthquake damaged many buildings and caused deaths in the hundreds. Because of this, building codes in the province were strengthened with earthquake-resistant requirements.

Administration and society

Erzincan is the capital of Erzincan Province, which is divided into districts including Kemah, Refahiye, Tercan, and others. The city has a state university, hospitals, and central government offices. The population is predominantly Turkish and Kurdish, and Alevi communities have a long history in parts of the province.