Tokat is a historic city in northern central Turkey, set along the Yeşilırmak River and flanked by dramatic hillside cliffs. Known for its Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, traditional copperwork, and fertile valley landscapes, Tokat rewards travellers who venture beyond the usual tourist trail.
Tokat's history spans over three millennia. The area was settled in the Hittite period and later became part of the Pontic Kingdom, with Comana Pontica — a major temple city — situated in the nearby valley. Roman rule brought prosperity, followed by Byzantine fortification. Seljuk Turks captured the city in 1071 CE, ushering in an era of Islamic architecture capped by the magnificent Gök Medrese (13th century). Mongol conquest in 1243 saw the city serve as an administrative centre under the Ilkhanids. Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I incorporated Tokat in 1392, and the city flourished as a provincial capital and Silk Road waystation through the 16th and 17th centuries. The Turkish Republic designated Tokat a provincial capital in 1923.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Tokat.
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1
Early settlement; Hittite and post-Hittite occupation of the Yeşilırmak valley
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2
Tokat (Eudoxia) within the Kingdom of Pontus; Comana Pontica — a major goddess temple complex — established nearby at Gümenek
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3
Roman absorption after Mithridates VI; Julius Caesar's famous 'Veni, vidi, vici' declared at Zile (Zela), 55 km west, after defeating Pharnaces II in 47 BCE
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4
Eastern Roman frontier town; Tokat Castle fortifications established; significant Christian community
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5
Seljuk conquest; city renamed Tokat; construction of mosques, hans, and the Gök Medrese begins under Pervane Muinodin Suleiman
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6
Mongol victory at Köse Dağ (1243); Tokat becomes an Ilkhanid administrative centre; Gök Medrese completed; Silk Road traffic intensifies
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7
Post-Mongol Anatolian fragmentation; Tokat passes through several principalities
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8
Sultan Bayezid I conquers Tokat; city serves as provincial capital; Ali Paşa Mosque and Taş Han constructed; Tokat copperware tradition established
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9
Tokat designated a provincial capital; heritage monuments protected; population gradually moves toward the valley floor
Historical eras
The chapters of Tokat's past.
Historical sites
Places where Tokat's past comes alive.
Gök Medrese
Admission: 50 TRY (~$1.50 USD)
Tokat Castle (Tokat Kalesi)
Admission: Free
Taş Han (Ottoman Caravanserai)
Admission: Free
Ali Paşa Mosque
Admission: Free
Latifoğlu Konağı
Admission: Free
Comana Pontica (Gümenek)
Admission: Free (no ticketed entry)
Museums
Curated collections that tell Tokat's story.
Tokat Museum
Hours: Tue–Sun 08:30–17:30; closed Monday
Admission: 60 TRY (~$1.80 USD)
Latifoğlu Konağı (Ethnography Museum)
Hours: Tue–Sun 08:30–17:30; closed Monday
Admission: Free
Gök Medrese (Medrese Museum)
Hours: 08:30–17:30 daily
Admission: 50 TRY (~$1.50 USD)
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.