Hacı Hamza Castle

According to the archive records of the Çorum Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, the castle is a structure mentioned in Sharia registers as having been built in 1723 during the reign of Ahmet III. Although some local sources attribute its origins to the Byzantine period or Sultan Kılıç Arslan, the official inventory information points to the year 1723. The most striking aspect of the castle is that it evolved from being merely a military or symbolic structure into a real settlement. The townspeople lived within its walls until the 1940s. Thus, the castle served as a place where daily life unfolded for a long time.

Hacıhamza is located by İncesu Stream, in a lush green area. The surroundings appear more vibrant in spring, and the light is softer in autumn. In mid-summer, the sun can be harsh at noon, so visiting in the early morning or late afternoon provides a more comfortable experience. In winter, the region can be cold and sometimes snowy, which might make walking around the ruins difficult.

From Çorum city center, proceed by road towards Kargı to reach Hacıhamza town. Going by your own car is the most practical option, following the Çorum-Kargı route. For public transport, there are minibuses operating from Çorum bus station to Kargı, but direct services to Hacıhamza can be limited. Therefore, it is necessary to plan return times in advance.

Since the castle ruins do not cover a large area, a visit can be completed within 30-45 minutes. If you wish to spend some time by İncesu Stream and take photos, you can extend this period up to an hour. If combined with other stops in Kargı and its surroundings, it is possible to create a half-day itinerary.

Hacıhamza is located somewhat off the beaten path from Çorum's more well-known archaeological sites. Those who visit the region usually add Kargı town center and its surrounding natural areas to their itinerary. Major archaeological sites like Hattuşa and Alacahöyük in Çorum city center are on a separate route, so doing both on the same day might be tiring. Planning a separate day allows for a more relaxed pace.

Shots taken from angles where the castle ruins are seen together with İncesu Stream stand out. The stone texture of the walls appears more distinct, especially in the afternoon light. Panoramic views encompassing both the town and the stream can be captured from elevated points.

Since the castle is an open and undeveloped area, it is advisable to wear walking shoes, as the ground can be uneven. There may not be staff or information panels on site. A brief research before your visit is beneficial. There are no suitable arrangements for disabled access or stroller use. It is recommended to confirm current transportation and local information from local sources.