Tunceli is a city in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey.
Understand
Tunceli, home of 31,600 people, is surrounded by Munzur Mountains, which are considered holy by locals, most of whom are Alevis, the largest non-Sunni Muslim group in the country.
The city and the surrounding area are also known by the locals and some non-locals by its ancient name, Dersim. Keep in mind that this name may be politically loaded in some factions of the Turkish society, as it likely evokes a (positive or negative, depending on the world view) feeling towards the Dersim Rebellion of 1936, one of the largest uprisings against the Republican Turkish government during its early years.
Get in
By plane
Tunceli doesn't have an airport. The nearest airport is in Elazığ. From Elazığ, you can find minibuses to Tunceli. The trip takes about 2 hours and you will also use ferryboat on the way, while crossing a dam lake.
Malatya-Erhaç Airport further southwest is another option, as is the airport at Erzincan.
By train
There is no railway connection with Tunceli. Elazığ is the site of the nearest station for trains arriving from west. Erzincan is also connected with the rest of the national railway network, and is receiving trains from Ankara and Kars, among others.
By bus
Tuncelililer Bus Company has buses from the main cities of the country. Just show up at the bus station (otogar) and ask for them. They don't have a website yet.
Their phone numbers at various bus stations across the country are (April 2014):
- Erzincan: +90 446 214-26-00
- Istanbul: +90 212 658-05-60
- Ankara: +90 312 224-01-62.
Get around
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Tunceli is a small city and you have few accommodation options there.
- Demir Hotel, ☏ +90 428 212-15-51.
- Grand Şaroğlu Hotel, Moğultay Mh, Behice Boran Cd. 20, ☏ +90 428 212-14-24. Possibly the most expensive option in the city at €46.
- Hotel Has, Moğultay Mh., Boysan Cd. 10, ☏ +90 428 212-11-15.
- Royal Demir Hotel, ☏ +90 428 212-55-01.
Connect
The area code for the city is (+90) 428.