Erzincan is a provincial capital in eastern Turkey set at 1,185 metres in a broad valley carved by the Fırat (Euphrates) River. The province stretches from the volcanic peaks of the Mercan Mountains in the west to the high plateaux bordering Erzurum in the east. Erzincan is renowned throughout Turkey for two things: its exquisite telkari silver filigree jewellery tradition and its Tulum peyniri — a crumbly, pungent cheese matured in a goatskin pouch. The surrounding landscape rewards visitors with deep river gorges, thermal springs, Urartu-era ruins, and one of eastern Turkey's best ski resorts at Ergan Mountain.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Kemah Gorge — Euphrates Overlook
Best time: Dawn (golden hour from the castle parapet) and late afternoon
Mama Hatun Külliyesi — Seljuk Architecture
Best time: Morning (soft eastern light on the portal); avoid midday harsh shadow
Kemaliye (Eğin) Cliffside Townscape
Best time: Late afternoon for the cliff light; evening for the Euphrates reflection
Girlevik Waterfall — Long Exposure
Best time: Morning (before 10:00 to avoid backlighting); overcast days for silky long exposure
Ergan Mountain Ski Slopes at Sunrise
Best time: Sunrise (06:30–08:00 in winter) for pink-tinted snow; lifts open 09:00
Erzincan Telkari Silver Workshop Interiors
Best time: Morning on weekdays when craftsmen are working
Altıntepe Urartu Fortress — Hilltop Panorama
Best time: Late afternoon for angled light on the mound and valley
Güvence Highland Plateau — Wildflower Meadows
Best time: Midday in June–July when alpine flowers peak; early morning for mist over the plateau
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.