Keskin and its history

Keskin lies on the slopes of At Tepesi and Kartal Tepesi, five kilometres south of Denek Dağı. Ankara is 100 kilometres away and Kırıkkale 27 kilometres; Keskin is also on the Kırıkkale–Kayseri state highway. For a stay focused on history, Keskin offers a range of themes: former production sites, commercial architecture from the late 19th century, an Orthodox church and houses used for cultural activities. The town’s history therefore cannot be reduced to a single period or use.

Industrial history in two buildings

The Kibrithane in the centre of Keskin was built in 1903 to manufacture matches. In 1990, it was faithfully restored, converted into a two-storey building and repurposed as a Halk Eğitim Merkezi (adult education centre). The building thus combines its original industrial function with a later institutional use.

A second industrial landmark is the historic Fişekhane. It was newly established as an ammunition factory in 1907 and was used to manufacture cartridges from 1921 to 1925. The comparison reveals different trajectories: the Kibrithane is associated primarily with its original match production, while the Fişekhane’s establishment as an ammunition factory and its later cartridge production should be distinguished chronologically.

Commerce, religious architecture and culture

The Bedesten on Cumhuriyet Square in the centre of Keskin consists of adjoining single-storey shops dating from the late 19th century. Its commercial architecture differs from the production sites: here, the building is defined by connected shop spaces. The Karıştıran Church in the Karıştıran area is an Orthodox church from the second half of the 19th century and has suffered considerable structural damage. Both buildings date from the 19th century; functionally, the shop architecture and Orthodox religious building represent different aspects of the town’s history.

The building known as Taş Mektep in Keskin is used as the Hacı Taşan Sanat Evi. As part of an event in 2022, the Rahmi-Pehlivanlı Museum House in Keskin was also visited to view the artist’s works. If you plan to visit the museum house, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Sulu Mağara and regional cuisine

After urgent repair work, Sulu Mağara was opened to visitors in 2019 by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and affiliated as an archaeological site with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. When planning a visit, check the current visiting conditions and opening hours.

The Keskin Dinek Yöresel Yemek ve Gastronomi Merkezi opened in 2019. At the time, its offerings included a regional breakfast as well as Keskin Tava, Keskin Ev Mantısı, Keskin Besmeci and Kunduru Bulgur Pilavı; regional songs were also performed. If you plan to visit the centre, check its current operating status and menu in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kırıkkale, Pınarhisar, Karakeçili

For the main travel overview: Kirikkale.