HISTORY

The history of Karaağaç is an integral part of the history of Anatolia. Throughout history, the region came under the rule of the Hittites, Phrygians, Ionians, and Lydians, respectively. Later, Persians, Macedonians, Seleucids, Romans, Arabs, Seljuks, the Hamidids, and the Ottoman Empire dominated the region, including Şarkikaraağaç.

Throughout history, Şarkikaraağaç was known by various names such as Khillarnion, Pedion, Anabura, Neapolis, Asikale, Karaağaç, Karaağaç-ı Yalvaç, and Karaağaç-ı Şarki. The name “Karaağaç” is believed to derive from a large elm tree around which the first settlement was established. Since other places also bore the same name, the word “Şarki” (Eastern) was added to distinguish it.

While Karaağaç was under Byzantine rule, it was subjected to Turkish raids. The town and its surroundings were conquered by the Seljuks in 1203 during the reign of Sultan Kilij Arslan III, son of Rukneddin Süleyman Shah. After the death of Kilij Arslan, Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw III became Sultan in 1264 and ruled until 1281. During this period, the Grand Mosque, now known as Cami-i Kebir (Ulu Mosque), was built in Karaağaç. An inscription located above a window on the western side of the mosque describes the political conditions of the Seljuk State at that time. According to this inscription, the Seljuk lands had been divided between Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw and Ghiyath al-Din Masud during the construction of the mosque.

Karaağaç later became part of the Isauria territory of the Hamidid Principality. After the Hamidids divided into two branches, Karaağaç remained within the territory governed by the sons of Dündar Bey. Due to its geographical location, Karaağaç was also influenced and ruled at various times by the principalities of Eşrefoğulları, Germiyanoğulları, and Karamanoğulları. During the reign of İlyas Bey, Alaaddin Bey of the Karamanids occupied Karaağaç. In 1380, Kemaleddin Hüseyin Bey, son of İlyas Bey, signed an agreement with Ottoman Sultan Murad I (Hüdavendigar) against Karamanid aggression, transferring Isparta, Yalvaç, Akşehir, Beyşehir, Seydişehir, and Karaağaç to the Ottomans in exchange for eighty thousand gold coins. Thus, Ottoman rule began in the region.

During the Ottoman era, Karaağaç became an important cultural center with three madrasahs and distinguished scholars who contributed to science, politics, and the arts. It is understood that Şarkikaraağaç became a Turkish settlement in the 13th century through the Saçıkara Turkish tribe. After the Ottoman conquest, the “Alcıklar Fountain” was built by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror upon the request of the local people, and the Ulu Mosque was restored.

The great elm tree that gave the town its name is believed to have stood near the present-day Municipal Bathhouse. Karaağaç contributed fully to the Turkish War of Independence with both material and moral support. Following the decisions of the Sivas Congress, it became one of the first places where national resistance forces were organized.

Şarkikaraağaç, formerly a township attached to Yalvaç under the name “Yalvaç Karaağacı,” became a district in 1863. Its district status continued during the Republican era.

NATURAL STRUCTURE

Şarkikaraağaç district is surrounded by Beyşehir to the south; Yalvaç, Akşehir, and Doğanhisar to the north; Gelendost and Eğirdir to the west; Hüyük to the east; and Yenişarbademli to the northwest. The district covers an area of 1,232 square kilometers.

The district is encircled by the Sultan Mountains in the northeast, the Anamas Mountains in the west, and the Central Taurus Mountains, Karadağ, and Kızıldağ in the south. Şarkikaraağaç is situated on a fertile plain. Çiçekpınar, Göksöğüt, and several villages possess highly fertile agricultural lands. There is no specific name given to the plain.

Part of Lake Beyşehir lies within the district boundaries. The climate is transitional between the Mediterranean and continental climates, though it is closer to a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy.

CULTURE

Anabura

Anabura is an ancient city ruin located near Salur Village in an area called Enevre. Remains of a theater, fortress, and several buildings have survived to the present day. Anabura was one of the cities of Pisidia, though limited information is available about it.

Near Göksöğüt Town, approximately one kilometer southeast, lies Nudra Höyük, measuring 100 x 100 meters and 5 meters in height. Northwest of Örenköy, there is another mound known as Örenköy Höyük, measuring 200 x 150 meters and rising 10 meters high. Additional archaeological mounds such as Beyköy, Höyük, Ördekçi Höyük, Karaçayır I-II, Salur Höyük, Armutlu Höyük, Karakaya Höyük, Çavundur Höyük, and Arak Höyük are under protection. These mounds display characteristics of the Early Bronze Age, and pottery from this period has been discovered in some of them.

Cami-i Kebir (Grand Mosque)

Located in the center of Şarkikaraağaç district, the mosque known as Ulu Mosque is believed to have been built in 1281. It was commissioned by a person named Ömer Bin Ali during the reign of Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw III. This information is derived from an inscription within the mosque.

The mosque underwent restoration in 1455 under the orders of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Over time, it has undergone numerous repairs, including restoration of its minaret. Most recently, its roof was renovated and covered with zinc by the General Directorate of Foundations.

Alcıklar Mosque

Originally a mud-roofed mosque with thick stone walls built in the Alcıklar neighborhood by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the structure was demolished in 1970 and replaced with a new mosque completed in 1971. Today, it is known as either Fatih Sultan Mosque or Alcıklar Mosque.

POPULATION

Şarkikaraağaç was formerly a town connected to Yalvaç but became a district of Konya Province in 1863. In 1878, both Yalvaç and Şarkikaraağaç were attached to Isparta Province as districts.

According to the 1990 census, the population of the district center was 12,239. The district included three townships: Çarıksaraylar, Çiçekpınar, and Göksöğüt. There were also 25 villages affiliated with the district. The total population of the townships was 12,402, while the villages had a combined population of 15,308.

The district center consists of seven neighborhoods: Alcıklar, Aşağı Kale, Asikale, Cami Kebir, Ulvikale, Fatih, and Orta Neighborhood.

LOCAL ADMINISTRATIONS

There are four municipal administrations in the district: Şarkikaraağaç Municipality, Çarıksaraylar Municipality, Çiçekpınar Municipality, and Göksöğüt Municipality.

Şarkikaraağaç Municipality was established in 1863. Historical records from 1478 indicate that the town was composed of four neighborhoods: Yukarı, Paşa Mescidi, Cuma Mescidi, and Alicuklar. In 1878, the district separated from Konya Province and was attached to Isparta Province.

The municipality owns a service building, commercial center, hotel, bathhouse, shops, and a sufficient vehicle fleet.

EDUCATION

According to the 1903 Maarif Salname (Educational Yearbook), there were six madrasahs in Şarkikaraağaç with a total of 436 students.

The local population continued to value education during the Republican era. School enrollment rates increased significantly, and new schools, including vocational schools and institutions preparing students for higher education, were established.

The district has numerous primary and secondary schools, vocational high schools, and general high schools. In addition, the Public Education Center and Evening Art School offer vocational and educational courses in various fields.

The Public Library of Şarkikaraağaç has a history dating back to the Seljuk period. Today, the library houses nearly 28,000 volumes and also operates branches in Çarıksaraylar, Çiçekpınar, and Göksöğüt.

HEALTH

The District State Hospital began operating in 1954. With a capacity of 100 beds, it provides healthcare services to the district population.

There are seven health centers serving the district center, towns, and villages. In addition, ten villages have Health Houses operating under nearby health centers.

TRANSPORTATION

Şarkikaraağaç is located 120 kilometers from the city center of Isparta and 157 kilometers from Konya. Transportation to all towns and villages within the district is easily accessible.

The nearest settlements are Çiçekpınar and Beyköy, both 5 kilometers away, while the farthest settlement is Gedikli Village, located 30 kilometers from the district center.

ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

The district economy is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Carpet weaving also serves as an additional source of income for many residents.

In recent years, agricultural production has increased due to the growing importance of irrigated farming. The Şarkikaraağaç Irrigation Project, initiated in 1986 by the State Hydraulic Works, aims to irrigate 13,783 hectares using water from Lake Beyşehir.

Dairy farming is widespread, and activities such as milk marketing and dairy production have expanded accordingly. There are currently four dairy facilities operating in the district.

The district also possesses barite mineral resources operated by a private company, Başer Mining Industry. Other medium-scale enterprises include stone and sand quarries, a flour factory, and a nail factory.

TOURISM

The district has significant tourism potential due to its archaeological mounds, the ancient city of Anabura, the presence of Kızıldağ National Park, and part of Lake Beyşehir within its borders.

Kızıldağ National Park

Located south of the district, Kızıldağ National Park extends from an elevation of 1,840 meters down to 1,180 meters. It lies 8 kilometers from the district center and covers an area of 631 hectares.

The park is renowned for its cedar forests and oxygen-rich clean air. Mountain houses and camping areas are available for visitors. Due to the beneficial effects of its climate on respiratory illnesses, construction of a 100-bed chest diseases hospital began in 1986.

Lake Beyşehir

Part of Lake Beyşehir lies within the district boundaries and is located 20 kilometers from the district center. Recreational facilities are available along the lakeshore. Fish species such as carp and perch inhabit the lake, along with bird species including wild ducks, cormorants, grebes, and coots. Hunting is regulated and controlled.

Arak Cave

Arak Cave is situated between the district center and Fele Spring, approximately 4.5 kilometers from the town center. The cave entrance is narrow, leading to impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over centuries.

The cave’s cool, clean air and natural formations make it an attractive destination for visitors and cave exploration enthusiasts. Nearby picnic areas with springs and willow trees are also popular among locals.