Overview
Çorum (postal code 19, officially designated province code 19, but colloquially referenced as '02' in some regional databases — note: the official Turkish licence-plate and province code for Çorum is 19) is a landlocked province in north-central Anatolia. Its capital, also called Çorum, sits on the Çorum Stream at roughly 800 m elevation, giving it a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.
The province is best known internationally as the gateway to Hattusa, the ancient Hittite capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near the town of Boğazkale about 87 km to the south. For most visitors, Hattusa is the primary draw, but Çorum itself offers a market-town atmosphere, a respected archaeological museum, and the chance to sample the region's celebrated leblebi (roasted chickpeas), a snack that has been produced here for centuries.
Beyond archaeology, the province encompasses rolling steppe farmland, orchard valleys, and the forested hills of the northern Pontic transition zone. It remains off the main tourist trail, which means fewer crowds, more authentic interaction with local life, and noticeably lower prices than the coastal resorts of Turkey.
Before You Go
Visas
Turkey's entry requirements vary significantly by nationality and change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for up-to-date guidance, and always verify current rules with the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.tr) or the Turkish consulate in your country before booking.
Health
No specific vaccinations are mandated for Turkey, but routine immunisations should be current. Tap water quality varies across Anatolia; bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are in Çorum city; for serious medical needs, Ankara (roughly 230 km west) has major university hospitals.
What to pack
- Sturdy walking shoes — the Hattusa archaeological site involves significant uneven terrain
- Layers for unpredictable highland weather, especially outside summer
- Sun protection; the plateau receives intense UV at elevation
- A small amount of cash in Turkish Lira, as rural villages and smaller markets are largely cash-only
- A phrasebook or offline translation app; English signage outside main sites is limited
Getting There
By Air
Çorum does not have a commercial airport. The most practical air gateway is Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), roughly 230 km to the west, which is served by domestic routes from Istanbul, Izmir, and other Turkish cities, as well as a range of international flights. From Esenboğa, travelers can reach Çorum by intercity bus or rental car.
By Bus
Intercity coach (otobus) is the dominant mode of long-distance travel in this part of Turkey. Several bus companies operate routes connecting Çorum Otogar (bus terminal) to Ankara, Samsun, and other regional hubs. Journey times and schedules vary by operator; verify current timetables at the terminal or on carrier websites.
By Car
Driving from Ankara takes approximately 2.5–3 hours via the D785 and connecting roads. A private vehicle gives the most flexibility for visiting Hattusa, Alacahöyük, and other dispersed sites. Car hire is available at Ankara Esenboğa Airport; verify locally for current availability and rates.
Getting Around
Within Çorum city, dolmuş (shared minibuses) and municipal buses cover most neighbourhoods. Taxis are available but confirm the meter is running before setting off.
Reaching the archaeological sites outside the city requires planning. Hattusa and Yazılıkaya (near Boğazkale) can be reached by dolmuş from Sungurlu town, which is itself reachable by intercity bus from Çorum. However, services are infrequent, and timings may not suit a day trip. Many visitors find it most practical to hire a taxi for the day from Çorum or Sungurlu, or to rent a car. Confirm fares in advance.
Alacahöyük, another significant Hittite site in the province, is similarly remote; a car or organised taxi trip is strongly recommended. There are no reliable tour-bus services operating from Çorum on a fixed published schedule; verify with your accommodation for current options.
Things to See & Do
Hattusa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The ruins of the Hittite capital, near the village of Boğazköy, are the centrepiece of any visit to the province. The site includes the Great Temple, royal citadel, massive city walls with Lion and Sphinx gates, and the open-air rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya with its remarkable relief carvings of Hittite deities. Allow at least 3–4 hours for a meaningful visit. Verify opening hours and admission fees locally or at the official Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism website.
Çorum Museum (Çorum Müzesi)
The provincial museum in the city centre holds an important collection of Hittite artefacts excavated from Hattusa and Alacahöyük, including figurines, cylinder seals, and cuneiform tablets (or reproductions). It provides useful context before visiting the sites themselves. Opening hours and fees: verify locally.
Alacahöyük
An important Bronze Age and Hittite site predating parts of Hattusa. The site museum displays finds including Hittite sphinxes (originals are in Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations). Less visited than Hattusa, which means a quieter experience.
Çorum City Bazaar
The old covered market area in the city centre is worth a stroll for local atmosphere. Leblebi sellers are particularly prominent, and the bazaar offers textiles, spices, and household goods used by local residents rather than tourist souvenirs.
Festivals
The Çorum Hittite Festival (Hitit Festivali) typically takes place in summer and includes cultural performances, historical re-enactments, and local food. Dates shift year to year; check with the Çorum Municipality for the current year's schedule.
Food & Drink
Çorum's food scene reflects conservative central Anatolian cooking: hearty, meat-forward, and based on locally grown grains and legumes. Restaurants cluster around the city centre and bus terminal area.
What to eat
- Leblebi — roasted and sometimes seasoned chickpeas; the region's defining food product, sold in many varieties. Try them plain (kuru) or coated (şekerli/tuzlu)
- Keşkek — a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish common at communal gatherings
- Mantı — Turkish dumplings, typically served with yoghurt and chilli butter; Anatolian versions tend to be small and labour-intensive
- Çorum bread and pastries — local bakeries (fırın) produce fresh bread and börek (layered pastry with cheese or meat) throughout the day
- Grilled meats — köfte and kebap are available in most local restaurants
Drink
Tea (çay) is the social drink of choice and is served constantly in tea houses (çay evi) and most shops. Coffee (Türk kahvesi) is available but less dominant in this region. Alcohol is available in some restaurants and a limited number of bars in the city centre but less prevalent than in coastal Turkish cities; many local establishments are alcohol-free.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs (bankamatik) are present in Çorum city and larger towns. Smaller villages and rural sites are cash-only. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, but carry cash as a backup.
Connectivity
SIM cards from Turkish operators (Turkcell, Vodafone TR, Türk Telekom) can be purchased in Çorum city. Coverage in the city is reliable; it thins out in rural and highland areas. Wi-Fi is available in most accommodation.
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency: 112 (ambulance, fire, police integrated line)
- Verify any other local numbers on arrival
Electricity
Turkey uses Type F sockets (Schuko-compatible), 230 V / 50 Hz. Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Pharmacies
Eczane (pharmacies) are common in the city centre. A rotating on-call system (nöbetçi eczane) ensures at least one pharmacy is open overnight; the current on-call pharmacy is usually posted in pharmacy windows.
Safety
Çorum province is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Petty crime levels are low by international standards, and incidents targeting tourists are uncommon given the low volume of international visitors.
Standard urban precautions apply in the city: be aware of your belongings in crowded market areas and on public transport. At archaeological sites, stay on marked paths — uneven terrain and open excavation areas can pose trip hazards.
Road conditions on routes to rural sites such as Alacahöyük can be rough; drive carefully and allow extra time. Check current travel advisories from your home country's foreign ministry before departure, as political and regional situations can change. For medical emergencies, the public hospital (devlet hastanesi) in Çorum city is the primary facility; serious cases may require transfer to Ankara.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Çorum is a socially conservative province by Turkish standards. Visitors should dress modestly when entering mosques — shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed. Women may be offered a headscarf at mosque entrances if not wearing one.
In general public spaces and markets, modest dress is also appreciated and will result in more relaxed interactions with local residents. Greetings matter here; a simple merhaba (hello) goes a long way.
Ramadan is observed seriously in the region. During the holy month, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is not illegal but can be considered impolite; restaurants may have reduced hours or curtained windows. Confirm timing if your visit coincides with Ramadan.
Leblebi culture is woven into the social fabric — offering or accepting these roasted chickpeas is a gesture of hospitality that has been practised in this region for generations. Engaging with it, even briefly in a market, is a genuine point of cultural exchange.
