Overview
Kemaliye is a remote canyon town perched above the Karasu (Western Euphrates) River in Eastern Anatolia. Once known locally as Eğin, it preserves old architecture and traditional ways that vanished elsewhere in Turkey.
Architecture · History · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Activities
Boat trips on the Dark Canyon (250 TL, 30 min) depart from Teras Cafe. Via ferrata up Eğin Rock requires a guide at €100. Taş Yolu dirt road is passable by 2WD with care.
Connectivity
No mobile signal in Kemaliye as of Dec 2025. Nearest 4G coverage is in Erzincan, Elazığ, or Divriği. Be prepared to be offline.
Culture
Kemaliye was formerly Eğin and once had a significant Hayhurum (Armenian-Greek Orthodox) community. Historic Ottoman mansions with stone ground floors and wooden upper levels survive in the town centre.
Money
Local currency is Turkish Lira (TL). Museum entry at Ahmet Kutsi Tecer Kültür Evi is 70 TL. Boat trips on the canyon river cost 250 TL for 30 minutes.
Transport
Kemaliye is accessed via D877 road; arrive by car or shared taxi from Erzincan (180 km), Divriği (95 km), or Elazığ (145 km). Local taxi: +90 553 183 3677.