Things To Do
in Yazıhan
Yazıhan is a tranquil town in Malatya Province, set amid apricot groves and rolling farmland. It offers a gateway to rural Anatolia with easy access to Malatya city and its cultural heritage. Visitors can expect authentic Turkish small-town life, local markets, and pleasant countryside scenery.
The area blends agriculture, history, and welcoming locals in a relaxed, scenic setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Yazıhan early in the morning and settle into a charming guesthouse run by a local family. Enjoy a strong cup of Turkish tea on the terrace as the village awakens around you. Wander down the narrow lanes to meet welcoming neighbors and see villagers opening their shops.
Head to the central square where women are selling homemade pastries and fresh produce at the small bazaar. Sample local olives, cheeses, and stuffed vine leaves as you chat with friendly vendors. Capture snapshots of everyday life—donkeys laden with hay, children playing soccer, and elders solving world problems over backgammon.
Return to your guesthouse for a hearty lentil soup followed by slow-cooked lamb and seasonal vegetables. Join your hosts around a communal table and learn a few Turkish phrases as you share stories by lamplight. End the night with a stroll under star-filled skies, breathing in the fresh Anatolian air.
Wake up to a lavish breakfast spread featuring menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes), fresh bread, honey from nearby hives, and apricot jam. Sit beneath a vine-covered arbor as you sip thick Turkish coffee and watch sunrise rays light up distant hills. Your host explains how Malatya apricots are nurtured before being dried and sold worldwide.
Visit a nearby weaver’s workshop to learn about hand-loomed rugs and kilims that decorate local homes. Try your hand at weaving a small pattern under the artisan’s guidance. Then explore village courtyards where colorful pomegranate trees sway in the breeze.
Attend an informal tea gathering at the home of an elder who recounts regional folk tales. Sample organic mulberry juice and sweet pastries prepared from family recipes. As dusk deepens, listen to gentle saz (Turkish lute) music drifting through the open windows.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🧃Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🧀Local cheese or dairy product | $2-6 |
| 🧭Public transport day pass | $4-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich apricot-centered cuisine and markets
- Friendly people and easy-to-navigate town center
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Longer drives to larger cities for some services
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Nerede bulunur?" - Where is it?
- "Hesap lütfen" - The check, please
- "Ne önerirsiniz?" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Yazıhan
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful light over the central square and traditional houses.
Golden fields and neat rows of trees, especially in late spring and early autumn.
Architectural details and silhouettes against the evening sky.
Food in Yazıhan
Yazıhan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A dessert featuring dried apricots from the Malatya region, often stuffed with walnuts and sometimes glazed with syrup.
Must-Try!
Varieties of kebap typical to the Malatya region, grilled or slow-roasted with regional spices and herbs.
Spiced bulgur and herb mixture served with lettuce, herbs, and pomegranate; typically vegan unless dairy-based toppings are added.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market with dried apricots, pestil (fruit leather), local cheeses, and fresh produce; try gözleme and simit from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural villages.
Greet with a simple 'Merhaba' and maintain respectful tones in conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Yazıhan
Ensure a smooth experience
Small tips (5-10%) are appreciated in restaurants if service is not included. Rounding up change is common.
Turkish Lira is standard; cards are widely accepted in towns, but carry cash for markets and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days, blooming apricot trees; great for photography and outdoor strolls.
Hot days; carry water, seek shade in the afternoon; markets are lively.
Harvest season; vibrant orchard colors and pleasant temperatures.
Cold with occasional snow; some rural roads may be challenging.
Yazıhan at Night
Hiking in Yazıhan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle hikes with scenic views over agricultural valleys; suitable for all levels.
Shade-covered paths and meadow crossovers, best in spring and early autumn.
Airports
How to reach Yazıhan by plane.
Regional airport serving Malatya; about 50-70 minutes by road to Yazıhan depending on traffic.
Major airport about 2.5-3 hours by road; good for broader connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of urban families and rural communities; Turkish-speaking predominantly with some Kurdish communities in the wider province.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local teams and informal games across town.
Common in schools and community centers; pickup games in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yazıhan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy vegetable dishes, lentils, yogurt-based soups, and stuffed peppers; ask for no meat in dishes and confirm cheese is non-animal rennet.