Tokat, Turkey

A City Where Humanity Has Settled for 3000 Years

TOKAT CLOCK TOWER

The Tokat Clock Tower, located in the Behzat district and visible from all over the city, was built in 1902. Its entrance is on the south side and stands 33 meters high. It is made of cut stone. It was built with public support by the governor Bekir Pasha and the son of the Mayor, the Trustee, Enver Bey, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the accession of Abdulhamid II to the throne. It chimes every half hour and every hour with two-minute intervals, using large dials in all four directions. Its sound can be heard from every district of the city.

 

TOKAT CASTLE

Founded between 30 BC and 395 AD for road safety during the Roman period, the castle remained under Byzantine rule for approximately 500 years. First conquered in 1074 by Danishmend Melik Ahmet Gazi, the castle changed hands briefly, falling under the rule of the Danishmends, Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Eratna, Kadı Burhanettin, and the Ottoman Empire. Built on steep and precipitous rocks, the castle acts as a natural fortress. During the Ottoman period, its dungeon, known as the "Çardak-ı Bedevi," served as the prison for many prominent figures, including the Byzantine Emperor A.D. Diogenes.

 

BALLICA CAVE

Ballıca Cave, with eight halls open to visitors and a length of 680 meters and a height of 95 meters, is one of the largest and most magnificent caves in the world. This natural wonder continues to preserve its mystery with sections that are not yet open to visitors and unexplored. Ballıca Cave, which is estimated to be approximately 3.4 million years old, is internationally important for its unique Onion Stalactites, as well as having all the cave formations discovered so far.