Darende is a green, quiet, calm and charming town in the west of Malatya.. Located on the edge of the Tohma Stream, with its interesting geography between steep slopes, admirable nature, and peaceful atmosphere, one of Malatya’s most exceptional places that make people happy. extends to. It is like a multi-colored mosaic bearing the traces of different civilizations.
Once it was an important trade and science center that provided the transition between Mesopotamia and Anatolia.. The district, which has remained in minds with its spiritual aspect since the Ottoman period, has many places to visit and discover, full of surprises, even though faith tourism stands out in Anatolia.
Darende Travel Guide
I visited Darende as part of the Euphrates tour under the guidance of the Euphrates Development Agency.. Until I saw Darende, my knowledge about the district was “You can’t be from one of the three towns; It consisted of the motto “Darende, Divrigi, Gurun”, and I’ve heard of the famous apricot. as. Darende has an impressive nature that gives the impression of being inside a canyon.
It is very different from the Anatolian town picture that we usually remember.. You drive through canyon-like valleys before reaching the center.. One wonders along the way, ‘where did they set up Darende among these interesting looking rocks?
Darende was established on a small plain among the steep slopes, where we looked around in amazement along the way.. It is as if it was protected like a castle by the steep mountains.. It has a unique geography.
When we came to the district center and stopped by the Tohma Stream, I was amazed.. Green trees, a roaring river, majestic rocks, healing pools… I encountered a more beautiful Darende than I expected.. Everywhere is sparkling, well-kept, pirupak. There is neither a dump nor a bad sight around.. Its landscape and landscaping is much better than many Anatolian towns.
Every corner is decorated with colorful flowers.. I have heard that the Somuncu Baba Foundation, as well as the Municipality of Darende, works meticulously on this issue and has a great contribution to the well-being of the district.
Darende is a town with a strong spirituality.. People who preserve their traditional culture and adhere to their values are equally hospitable and tolerant.. Darende, which stands out with its religious tourism in Anatolia, welcomes visitors from different parts of the country, as well as from abroad, especially Somuncu Baba, Mediseyh Tomb and Hasan Gazi tomb every year.
It must be because of its sheltered geography and rich water resources. , one of the lucky places that has always attracted attention throughout history.. The first known settlement remains belong to the Hittites, then the Assyrians came and established colonies around the Tohma Stream in order to control the trade.. In the following years, the Persians made the Zengibar Castle a base.. The first settlement of Darende was inside this castle.
When we say Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs 8. After the century, they made Darende a trade center.. With the Battle of Manzikert, the settlement with the Seljuks spread outwards, and finally, after the Ottoman Mamluk conflict, it came under Ottoman rule.. 18. While it was a town connected to Sivas in the century, it was connected to Malatya in 1934.
Darende is very rich in terms of water resources.. Its economy is largely based on agriculture.. Everything grows in its fertile land. There is an orchard at the beginning. Apricots, cherries, persimmons, plums… They are particularly successful in apricot production.. Darende meets a quarter of the apricot production in Malatya. Apricot exports are also made abroad.
Places to Visit in Darende
Most of the places to visit in Darende center are around Tohma Stream.. You can take Hamidiye Bazaar as a starting point to start your tour.. Somuncu Baba and Kudret Pools are within walking distance from Hamidiye Bazaar.. You can easily visit the center in one day.
It seems like the best option to rent a car to go to Günpınar waterfall, Fikri Çalışkan Sanatevi, Balaban springs just outside the district center.. You can take an accelerated tour in one day and see important places.
My time was limited and I visited Somuncu Baba, Tohma Stream, Kudret Pools, Günpınar Waterfall and Fikri Caliskan Art House in half a day.. If you want to enjoy every place without rushing, stay at least one or two nights in Darende if you don’t have a time problem.. I am sure you will like Darende very much.
1. Tohma Stream and its Valley
Tohma Stream, Darende’s fountain of life. Flowing along the valley where Darende was founded, Tohma turned this charming town into a paradise with its nile-green color and the voice heard throughout the valley.. Tohma Stream arises from Sivas lands, passes through Darende and empties into Karakaya dam, and merges with the Euphrates.
Tohma Valley is the 20 km long valley formed by Tohma Stream as it enters Darende.. It resembles the canyons we see in adventure movies with the Tohma Stream flowing from the valley floor consisting of steep slopes with a height of 30-40 meters.
The places where Tohma Stream passes through Darende are so beautifully arranged that it is impossible not to admire. The leaves of the tea-sized willows are mixing with the water.. Tiny wooden bridges, black and white swans cruising in the creek, hanging flower pots decorated with all kinds of colorful flowers…
Tohma also has delightful cafes and tea gardens where you can sit for a long time and drink your coffee with the peace of the water.. I especially liked the places next to the mill.. The cafes where you can sit under the plane trees with your feet in the water were very nice.. The scenery is beautiful at every point, one wants to take pictures all the time!
There is also rafting, rock climbing, trekking, fishing in the allowed periods along the Tohma Valley.. If you want to do rafting and have some fear, I recommend Tohma Tea to start.. Tohma Stream, which has a safe course because its water flow is not very high.
2. Somuncu Baba Tomb and Complex
Somuncu Baba Tomb and Complex is one of the most important belief centers of not only Darende but all of Anatolia.. The tomb and complex built right next to the Tohma Stream, where the canyon expands, was built in the name of Somuncu Baba, whose real name is Sheikh Hamid-i Veli, who is respected as a Turkish-Islamic scholar. majestic structure. It opens to a large courtyard through a high arched door at the entrance.. Red roses are planted all over the courtyard, and it is paved from head to toe in white marble.. These eye-catching white marbles symbolize paradise. Mardin Midyat stone, used in the construction of the buildings, added a modest but aesthetic atmosphere to the complex.
When you climb the stairs next to the small ornamental pool in the Great Courtyard and go out to the other courtyard where the tomb is located, you come across a lush green pool surrounded by colorful roses in front of the rocks.
There are countless fish in the pool and the fish jumping in the emerald green water, the stone minaret rising at the entrance of the valley has created such a beautiful atmosphere that you should see it.. You can come to Somuncu Baba just to see this pool.
The mosque section is just behind the pool.. On the walls of the mosque, which bears the traces of Seljuk-Ottoman architecture, 40 windows were built due to the fact that Prophet Muhammad was a prophet at the age of 40.. Its ceiling is made of Sapella wood from South Africa, and its ceiling is enormous, with 5 8-pointed stars intertwined.. A total of ten thousand people can pray indoors and outdoors at the same time.
Somuncu Baba was born in Kayseri in 1331.. 24 of the Prophet Muhammad. His grandson, Sheikh Hamid-i Veli, lived during the reign of Yıldırım Beyazıt.. He continued his education in Damascus, Tabriz, Hoy and Ardebil and returned to Anatolia and settled in Bursa.. He was called “Somuncu Baba” because he cooked the loaf and distributed it to the public in the bread oven he built next to his Çilehane in Bursa.
3. I think I would not be exaggerating if I said that the Pool of Power
The Pool of Power is the most extraordinary spot in Darende.. Between the steep cliffs of Tohma Valley, Kudret Pool, which consists of 3 pools right on the edge of Tohma Stream, is an unexpected place with its healing water and secluded location.
Kudret Pool is a few minutes walk from Somuncu Baba Tomb.. When you continue the wooden walking track on the side of the valley, you suddenly come across it.. One meter parallel to the turquoise colored pools, Tohma is flowing loudly.. While you are purifying in the spring water, Tohma is flowing on your side.. An ambiance not easily found elsewhere.
At first I thought the pools were filled with water from the Tohma Stream.. The pools, apart from the Tohma River, are filled with healing water boiling from the rocks on which they rest.. The temperature of the water, which contains thermal properties, is 22 degrees Celsius in all four seasons of the year.. No chemicals are used in the pool.. This is the best part!
Chlorine water makes people uncomfortable while swimming in the pool, but this is not the case in these pools.. The depths of the pools are 80, 120 and 150 cm, so everyone can swim easily.. There are also locker cabins, lockers, toilet and sink at the entrance of the pools.. In addition, the cafe where you can drink tea, coffee and eat something is very nice at the height where you can watch the pool and Tohma Stream.
4. Günpınar Waterfall
Günpınar Waterfall is a wonderful natural beauty that you can see and fall in love with in Darende.. The waterfall near Günpınar village of Darende is one of the must-see places in the town with its wild beauty.. Turkey’s 243. Declared as the third nature park, the waterfall falls in three stages between the steep cliffs at the end of the Canyon.
The picture drawn by the waterfall, which crashes into the rocks from high in a narrow valley, is magnificent from every angle and in every season.. A wonderful waterfall that you should add to your list of places to visit in Darende.. I went in June, the surrounding was lush, nature was very lively, I didn’t drop my camera.
I chatted with some of the guests, it was different when it snowed and in autumn.. It is even said that the waterfall, which freezes in winter, resembles Pamukkale.
The waterfall has two sides.. The side with the cafe and the section with the wooden walking platform parallel to it. In the section where the cafe is, you can have a drink and watch Günpınar, it’s a place of pleasure.. On the opposite side, you are even closer to the waterfall.. It is also nice to stretch your hand a little and feel the water.
The waterfall is fed from multiple sources and pours into the small pool it creates in front of it from a height of 40 meters.. 7 km from the town, very close to the main road. After walking for about a minute by car, you come to the waterfall.
5. Fikri Caliskan Art House
Fikri Caliskan Art House is one of the most extraordinary museums in Malatya. The museum consists of miniature works by retired teacher Fikri Caliskan from Darend.. All of the miniatures are animated and contain snapshots of life in Anatolia.
Actually, I didn’t know about this museum until I came to Darende.. We visited the museum thanks to Fikri’s son, whom we met at Günpınar waterfall.. Fikri Bey established the museum in the green garden of his house.. After retiring, he started miniature to spend his spare time.. He made various miniatures from stones, sand and moss for 10 years.
Darende Somuncu, Kudret Pool, Günpınar Waterfall, Zengibar Castle, Tohma Canyon, Pamukkale, Sümela Monastery, which are important places in terms of natural and historical beauties of Turkey, He made miniatures of many places such as Şanlıurfa Balıklı Lake.. As the number increased, he transformed his garden into a museum to exhibit handcrafted miniatures.. The interior of the museum is very pleasant, and the entrance is free.
6. Hamidiye Bazaar
Hamidiye Bazaar is an authentic bazaar built with Ottoman architecture by the Tohma Stream.. Although the bazaar, which is a minute or two walk from the Somuncu Baba Complex, is outside the complex, it is actually a part of the complex and the mosque’s ablutions are also located inside this bazaar.
The bazaar has two very aesthetic doors on a high corridor facing Tohma.. When you turn your direction from the door to Tohma, a nice composition is formed by high rocks and colorful flowers on the edge of the tohma.
The door opening to the open ablution room at the end of the corridor is also very nice with its symmetrical structure evoking geometrical elements and is just right for taking pictures.
Small shops selling local products and souvenirs are lined up in the bazaar.. Famous Somuncu Baba Sebil Bread and dried apricots of darende are also sold in Hamidiye bazaar.. Don’t forget to buy apricots for friends before you leave Darende.
7. Zengibar Castle
Zengibar Castle is located on the west of Tohma Stream, between Somuncu Baba Tomb and Ottoman Cemetery, built on the steep slopes on which the castle Darende leans.. The fort is also called Sengbar fort.. Sengbar means stone castle in Persian.
It is thought to have taken this name because it was occupied by the Persians, but it is not known exactly by whom it was built because its epitaph is missing.. The western slopes of the castle lead down to the Ottoman cemetery.
The castle has a single door made of cut stone and was restored in 2010.. Most of the remains of the city walls are destroyed, the ruins around are in ruins.. The slopes where the castle is located are very steep and it is not easy to go around, it is a must to wear comfortable sneakers.. You can go up to the castle by public transport from the town center.
8. Aslantaşlar
Aslantaşlar, the oldest known historical ruins around Darende. The lion-looking stones are located in Yeniköy, 20 km southwest of the district. The most interesting structures of the district, whose history dates back to the Hittites,. It is thought that the date of the lion statues made of stone was made around 2000 BC.
Because lion heads were found at the entrance of the Hittite cities in previous excavations in Anatolia, there are opinions that the Aslantaş statues may be the gate of one of the lost Hittite cities.
There is a distance of about 4 meters between the sculptures, they stand parallel to each other, with their heads facing north.. The weight of each is around 4-5 tons, and their length is between 1.50-2 meters.. A point of interest for history buffs.
9. Abdurrahman Erzincani Mosque and Complex
Abdurrahman Erzincani Mosque and Complex was built in the town of Balaban in the name of Seyyid Abdurrahman Erzincani, who lived during the reign of Yıldırım Beyazıt.. The complex was built with cut stone in 1960.
The architecture of the mosque represents the tent of the Prophet Muhammad, while the minaret represents the sanjak, the pentagonal structure of the mosque represents Islam.. It is considered as one of the examples of modern mosque architecture.
10. Balaban Spring
Balaban Spring is a healing water source located in the Balaban neighborhood of Darende.. Balaban, which is open between June 1 and September 15, is said to be good for those with kidney, stomach, psoriasis and various skin diseases.
There are also hotels, picnic and park areas in the region where health tourism is developed.. The Balaban drink, which has a substantial number of visitors, is 1 kilometer away from Balana.
11. Ozan Mausoleum
Ozan Grave Monument is located in Ozan neighborhood, 50 km from Darende.. 8 of the stone structure rising in the form of a square mass.. It is estimated to be a church built in the Roman period in the century.. Later, Battal Gazi converted this place into a mosque.. It is still used as a mosque, but some of it has been demolished and it is not likely to stand for long if it is not restored.
12. Masattepe Tumulus
Maşattepe Tumulus was unearthed in 1989 in Darende’s Yenice town.. The tumulus, which has a low arched entrance door, has a rectangular shape and a dome-like appearance.. Objects found in the Masattepe Tumulus are exhibited in the Malatya Museum.
13. Yusuf Pasha Bedesten
Yusuf Pasha Bedesteni was built by Darendeli Yusuf Pasha, who served as the governor in the Ottoman Empire, in the Zaviye neighborhood of Darende.. Since the epitaph of the historical bazaar is missing, it is not known by whom and in what year it was built.
The bazaar, in which 30 shops are lined up by a large courtyard in the middle, is made of kemse and rubble stone.. Local and handcrafted products are sold in the bedesten, whose restoration has been completed.. You can also stop by here to drink tea and coffee.
