History of Bingol

Bingöl located in the Upper Euphrates of Eastern Anatolia Region is known with many legends for its name. The province was in dominance of various civilizations throughout history. First the region was called "ÇEVLİK" or in colloquial language "ÇOLİG" and was depended to the Palu district. In 1872 the region with the name "Çapakçur" was announced as county. In 1936, again with the same name, published in the Official Press No. 3197 dated 4.01.1930 Law No. 2885 the region was brought into province. The province was commemorated by the name "Çapakçur" until 1945. In 1946, officially, it was named as Bingöl, being inspired by the Mountains at the region.

The former name of the province, "Çevlik" means vineyards that grow at the edges of streams in accent of Anatolian people.Indeed, Çevlik the old residential area of Bingol is located near Çapakçur water which is a green plain area including vineyards-gardens on its edge. The term "Çevlik" is still used as "Çolig" in colloquial language. Today, most people use the name "Çolig" instead of Bingöl.Especially in rural areas the center of the province is called accordingly.

"The current site was established in Bingöl, and known as Çapakçur until 1945". Evliya Çelebi emphasizes that the city was formed up by Alexander the Great and he has given the name. According to Evliya çelebi: "Alexander the Great had many pains and he was trying to get rid of his pains. For that aim he had visited many doctors but could not get a solution. At the end he decided to search for the water of eternity. He could not find the source of the water but after a while he was able to find a branch of it. Alexander fed him a drink from the fountain and got rid of all his pains. He named the region as Çapakçur which means the water of paradise in an ancient language and ordered his soldiers to built up a castle at the region". Then, a castle was built near the river Murat in 315 days. Since then the region was called legally as Çapakçur until 1945. In 1945 the name of the city changed as Bingöl.

source: kadinvegencgirisimciler.org