Comprehensive information and links about Turkey Tunceli

Tunceli (Dersim meaning 'Silver door' in Kurdish and Persian also the name Dersim indicates the area from the eastern part of Sivas to eastern part of Elazığ (Kharput) including Kiğı (Bingöl) and from the northern part of Erzincan to the northern part of Diyarbakır (Amed) until mid 20th cc), and some still call the region by this name. Its adjacent provinces are Erzincan to the north and west, Elazığ to the south, and Bingöl to the east. Tunceli is the only Turkish province with an Alevi majority.

Name "Dersim" was changed to make it more sound like a Turkish City and untill recent years the name was forbidden and it is still not allowed on ID cards or government organisation.

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In 1935, Tunceli Province was established with its temporary center in Elazığ. At the time, Pülümür (Plümer), Erzincan (Erzingan), Nazimiye (Kezel Kilisé), Hozat (Khozat), Pertek, Ovacık, Mazgirt and Çemişkezek townships in Elazığ (Kharput - Harput); formed Tunceli Province. Tunceli was administered from its temporary center, Elazığ, until 1946 and in 1947 the provincial center was moved to the town of Kalan.

Tunceli is known for its old buildings (though mainly destroyed by Hamidiye Alays in the late 19th cc and Turkish army in 1936-37 military operations against the last remaining Armenians and Alevi Derebeys-local rulers), and wonderful nature, especially the Munzur River, Munzur Mountain and Mercan Mountains. Ninety-eight percent of Tunceli's population has at least primary school education, leading to one of the highest rates of literacy for the provinces. In 19791980 Tunceli had highest number of students attending University as well as top entry points until the only Higher Education School shut down and converted to Mility Base.