A culturally rich settlement center, with traces of history all over the land, Tokat lies inland of the middle Black Sea region, 422 kms from Ankara. Wandering in the city is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of life at old times, with the many historical buildings at the numerous ancient sites.
The most important figure here, is the Ottoman Citadel of 28 towers, founded on a rocky hill overlooking the town. The Garipler Mosque dating to the 12th century and the Ali Pasa Mosque of 16th century constitute other sights worth visiting.
Tokat is the capital city of Tokat Province of Turkey, at the mid Black Sea region of Anatolia. The city of Tokat has a population of 113,100, (2000 census).
Landmarks
The most important landmark here is the Ottoman Citadel of 28 towers, founded on a rocky hill overlooking the town. The Garipler Mosque dating to the 12th century and the Ali Pasa Mosque of 16th century are other sights worth visiting.
One of Tokat's finest buildings is the Gök Medrese (Pervane Bey Darussifasi) which was constructed in 1270. It was founded as a school of theology, and is now converted into a museum, housing archaeological finds from the area.
The Latifoglu Konak, late eighteenth century Ottoman home in Tokat is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The two-story building has been restored and converted into a small museum. Much of the furniture in the kitchen, study, visitors' rooms with bath and toilet, bedroom, master's room and harem is original.
The city also holds a university, Gaziosmanpaşa Üniversitesi, founded in 1992 and named after the local hero, Gazi Osman Paşa.
Famous people born in Tokat
Gazi Osman Paşa, 1832-1897, Ottoman Commander (Siege of Pleven)
Krikor Balakian, 1875-1934, Armenian bishop
Seda Sayan
Fatoş Kabasakal
İzel
Engin Günaydın
Famous foods in Tokat
There is various foods in Tokat but most known is Tokat Kebabi and Zile pekmezi, the latter of which is served in a wooden pot. This is made from grapes after a special treatment.
