Ancient history of Çayırlı district and its surroundings

Erzincan province, located at the western end of the geography of northeastern Anatolia, is located at the intersection of various historical road routes in a mountainous geography. In Erzincan province, which has been inhabited since The Late Chalcolithic age, traces of the "Karaz culture", which is an important culture of the first Bronze Age, are found. Later, the rule of the Kingdom of Azzi-Hayaša began throughout the province, as a result of the disappearance of this Kingdom, the Kingdom of Daya(e)ni/Diau(e)hi, the era of the Uruatri-Nairi confederations, and the Kingdom of Urartu ruled in Erzincan province. Çayırlı district, which is our working area, is connected to Erzincan province. The fact that the region is located at an altitude of above sea level and has a geography that is mountainous and rugged has affected the climatic characteristics. As a result, the continental climate is observed in the district. The area has very fertile farmland and plains consisting of wide plains. Having a hydrographically rich structure, the district has attracted the attention of many civilizations throughout history because it has a suitable environment for human life. Especially the Karasu (Euphrates) River, which is the most important stream in the region, has been influential in the sociological and economic structure of the region. In addition, the fact that the region is surrounded by natural road networks has increased its strategic importance and established the link that provides communication and interaction between communities in different decks. The desire to dominate agricultural land with these natural road networks has led to the formation of many castles and settlements established for military purposes in the region and has made the region an important gateway area. In the master's thesis on "ancient history of Çayırlı district and its surroundings", important data were reached through surface surveys conducted earlier in the region and ongoing research. Historical and archaeological centers identified in the area, as well as source artifacts, were scanned and evaluated. The master's thesis on "ancient history of Çayırlı district and its surroundings" aims to shed light on the ancient history of Çayırlı district and its surroundings, natural transport networks, residential areas and the strategic importance of the region.