Çorum is a mid-sized city in north-central Turkey, perched on the Anatolian plateau at roughly 800 m elevation. It serves as the provincial capital and is best known as the jumping-off point for the UNESCO World Heritage Hittite sites of Hattuşa and Alacahöyük. The city itself harbours a fine archaeological museum, animated bazaars, and a tradition of producing Turkey's finest roasted chickpeas (leblebi). Visitors find a genuinely local atmosphere, affordable prices, and easy day-trip access to some of the most consequential ruins in the ancient world.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Hattuşa Lions Gate at Sunrise
Best time: 07:00–09:00 (golden hour); arrive when site opens at 08:00
Yazılıkaya Rock Reliefs
Best time: 11:00–14:00 (light enters narrow rock corridors; afternoon for Chamber B)
Çorum Castle Hilltop Panorama
Best time: 17:00–19:00 (late afternoon golden light over city rooftops)
Çorum Covered Bazaar – Leblebi Colour
Best time: 10:00–12:00 (market activity at peak, soft diffuse light inside)
Alacahöyük Sphinx Gate
Best time: 09:00–11:00 (eastern light on the sphinx relief); or 16:00–18:00
Osmancık Kızılırmak Reflection
Best time: 07:00–09:00 (river mist in autumn; bridge reflection on still water)
Hattuşa King's Gate Relief
Best time: 14:00–16:00 (south-facing; afternoon raking light reveals relief depth)
Çorum Steppe Landscape from Road to Hattuşa
Best time: 08:00–10:00 (morning light on rolling golden steppe)
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.