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The history of the city of Çorum and its surroundings is rooted in deep antiquity, spanning several millennia and numerous civilizations. Although the modern city took shape in a later period, the region was one of the most important centers of the ancient world.

Founding and First Mentions

The territory of modern Çorum province was the heart of one of the Ancient World's greatest empires — the Hittite Kingdom. The first major settlements appeared here as early as the Bronze Age. The key historical center of the region is Hattusa (modern-day Boğazkale), the Hittite capital located near Çorum. Founded around 1600 BC, this ancient city became the political and religious center of a powerful civilization. After the fall of the Hittites, the region successively became part of the Phrygian Kingdom, Media, the Persian Empire, and was later part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. From the end of the 11th century, the gradual conquest of these lands by Seljuk Turks began, and in the 15th century, they finally became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Key Factors of Development

The region's development has historically been driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Çorum is situated on the Anatolian Plateau, at the intersection of trade routes connecting central regions with the Black Sea coast. This contributed to its growth as a commercial and administrative hub.
• Political Power: In antiquity, proximity to the Hittite capital, Hattusa, made the region strategically vital. In subsequent eras, the city maintained its importance as a provincial administrative center.
• Natural Resources: The region was rich in minerals, attracting settlers since prehistoric times.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Çorum's early history is inextricably linked to Hittite culture. Archaeological finds, including cuneiform tablets from Hattusa and other ancient cities like Alacahöyük and Šapinuwa, testify to a high level of development in writing, law, and religion. The economy was based on agriculture (growing grains and fruits), livestock farming, and trade. During the Ottoman period, Çorum continued to develop as an important trade and craft center, as evidenced by its surviving ancient mosques and baths.

Chronology of Key Events

• Around 1600 BC: Hattusa is founded in the region, soon becoming the capital of the powerful Hittite Empire, one of the greatest states of the Ancient World.
• Around 1200 BC: The Hittite Empire declines, and its capital Hattusa is destroyed, after which the region falls under the influence of the Phrygians.
• 6th Century BC: The territory becomes part of the Median Kingdom first, and later the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
• 1st Century BC — 4th Century AD: The region becomes part of the Roman Empire, and after its division, the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.
• 1071: The Battle of Manzikert opens Anatolian lands to Turkic tribes, beginning the gradual settlement of the region by Seljuk Turks.
• 13th Century: The lands around modern-day Çorum finally become part of the Turkish beyliks and later the Seljuk state.
• 15th Century: The region becomes part of the growing Ottoman Empire, strengthening its status as an administrative and commercial post.
• 1923: Following the formation of the Republic of Turkey, Çorum officially becomes the administrative center of the province of the same name.
• 1986: The Hattusa archaeological site, located near the city, is added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, confirming its global historical significance.
• Late 20th — Early 21st Century: Çorum develops as an important industrial and agricultural center, famous for its production of textiles and leblebi (roasted chickpeas).

The history of Çorum is a journey from the cradle of ancient civilizations to a modern industrial hub in Turkey. For millennia, the city and its surroundings have witnessed shifting eras and cultures, each leaving a unique mark on its development.

• Center of the Hittite Empire (c. 1650–1200 BC). Hattusa, the capital of the powerful Hittite Kingdom, was located in the immediate vicinity of modern-day Çorum. This ancient metropolis was one of the most important political and cultural centers of the Bronze Age, establishing the region's historical greatness. Today, the ruins of Hattusa are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Era of Shifting Civilizations (12th century BC – 11th century AD). After the fall of the Hittites, the region successively became part of the Phrygian Kingdom, and the Persian, Roman, and Byzantine Empires. Its location at the crossroads of trade routes ensured its strategic importance, even though the city itself did not serve as a capital during this period.
• Seljuk and Ottoman Periods (13th–19th centuries). With the arrival of the Seljuk Turks and later the Ottomans, Çorum became an important administrative and commercial center in Anatolia. Key architectural sites were built during this time, including mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais, such as the surviving Veli Pasha Han. These structures formed the city's medieval character.
• Provincial Capital Status (1923). With the founding of the Republic of Turkey, Çorum was officially designated as the administrative center of the province of the same name. This status spurred urban and social development, transforming it from an Ottoman town into a modern regional center.
• 20th Century Agricultural Hub. For much of the 20th century, Çorum's economy was based on agriculture. The city became famous nationwide as the "capital of leblebi" (roasted chickpeas), which became its hallmark and a significant source of income.
• Industrialization (late 20th – early 21st centuries). In recent decades, Çorum has made an economic leap, becoming one of the "Anatolian Tigers." The city diversified its economy by developing the food, textile, cement, and machinery industries.
• Development as a Cultural and Educational Center. The opening of Hitit University strengthened Çorum's status as an educational hub. Active promotion of its rich historical heritage, including exhibits at the Çorum Museum, attracts tourists and researchers, linking the city's past with its present.

The architectural landscape of Çorum is a blend of traditional Anatolian styles inherited from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, combined with the functional development of the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike many European cities, you won't find Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque buildings here, as the region's development followed a distinct historical path.

Seljuk and Early Ottoman Periods

The urban core of historical Çorum was shaped by Turkish-Islamic architecture. Buildings from this period are characterized by their monumentality, the use of stone and brick, and distinctive domed and vaulted structures.

• Ulu Mosque (Ulu Cami): Built in the 14th–15th centuries, this Great Mosque is one of the oldest and most significant examples of pre-Ottoman or early Ottoman style in the city. Its architecture reflects transitional features from Seljuk traditions to classical Ottoman design.
• Gülabibey Mosque (Gülabibey Camii): Dating back to the early Ottoman period, this mosque is a rectangular building with a single dome and a three-arched portico, representing a typical example of the compact religious structures of that era.

Late Ottoman Period

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, elements of Neoclassicism and Baroque appeared in the architecture of Ottoman provincial centers, adapted to local traditions. Iconic public buildings that became symbols of the city were constructed during this time.

• Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi): Built in 1894, the tower is Çorum's most recognizable symbol. It is a characteristic example of Ottoman modernization, as similar towers were erected in many cities across the empire as signs of modernity and centralization.
• Historical Barracks: In the surrounding areas, such as the İskilip district, barracks built during the late Ottoman period have been preserved. They demonstrate the utilitarian military architecture of that time.
• City Fortress (Çorum Kalesi): Although modern buildings now occupy its interior, the surviving fortress walls serve as a reminder of its medieval origins and strategic importance.

Republican and Modern Architecture

With the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, a new phase of urban planning began, focused on functionalism and the creation of modern infrastructure. This period defined the current look of much of the city.

• Functional Development: During the 20th century, the city grew actively with multi-story residential buildings, administrative offices, and industrial facilities, reflecting the national drive toward industrialization.
• Modern Public Buildings: The emergence of sites like the Çorum Museum and the Hitit University campuses introduced elements of contemporary architecture to the urban environment. These buildings are typically made of concrete and glass, featuring sleek geometric shapes.

Prominent Figures Associated with Çorum

Throughout its multi-century history, the land of Çorum has been the birthplace and workplace for many iconic figures who left their mark on politics, art, science, and sports. From ancient Hittite kings to modern cultural icons, these individuals shaped the region's legacy.

• Hattusili I (17th century BC) — One of the greatest kings of the early Hittite Kingdom. His historical significance lies in moving the Hittite capital to the city of Hattusa (located in modern-day Çorum province), turning it into the primary political and military center of one of the Ancient World's most powerful empires. His reign laid the foundation for the future prosperity of the Hittite civilization.
• Akshamsaddin (Akşemseddin) (1390–1459) — A prominent Islamic scholar, physician, and spiritual mentor to Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror. Although born in Damascus, he spent a significant part of his life in the region, notably teaching at a madrasa in the town of Osmancık (Çorum province). Akshamsaddin played a key role in maintaining the morale of the Ottoman army during the conquest of Constantinople and, according to legend, discovered the burial site of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Mahmut Atalay (1934–2004) — A legendary Turkish freestyle wrestler born in a village near Çorum. He became an Olympic champion at the 1968 Mexico City Games and a world champion in 1966. Atalay brought fame not only to Turkey but also to his home region on the world sports stage; a youth center in Çorum is named in his honor today.
• Nihat Nikerel (1950–2009) — A well-known Turkish stage and film actor, as well as an author, born in Çorum. Throughout his career, he appeared in dozens of films and popular TV series, including the cult hit "Valley of the Wolves" (Kurtlar Vadisi), where his role as "Seyfo Dayı" (Uncle Seyfo) earned him national love and recognition.
• Ashik Gulabi (Aşık Gülabi) (born 1950) — A prominent representative of modern Turkish folk poetry and music (ashik). A native of the Sungurlu district in Çorum province, he is known for his songs on social and philosophical themes. Gulabi has made significant contributions to preserving and developing the traditions of the ashiks—the wandering folk singers and poets of Anatolia.
• Bedri Karafakıoğlu (1915–1978) — An outstanding Turkish scientist in the field of electrical engineering and telecommunications, born in Çorum. He was a professor and rector at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) and one of the pioneers of Turkey's first university-based television broadcast. His contribution to the development of science and higher education in the country is of immense importance.