Kirikkale is a city in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey that was granted province status in recent times. It is situated 80 kilometers to the east of Ankara and was elevated to “city” status during the presidency of Turgut Ozal in 1989. With a population of around 270,000 people as of 2016, Kirikkale was home to just 12 houses in 1925.
The economy of Kirikkale is mainly focused on state-owned factories that produce military arms and ammunition. The city's steel mills also produce high-quality alloy steel and machinery, though it is not a major mining hub due to its mostly rural location.
Surrounded by oak forests, the city has a thriving timber industry. While vineyards are present, much of the land in Kirikkale is covered in steppes filled with plants like sesame, clove daisy, and thyme. Additionally, Kirikkale serves as a local market for cereals and livestock trade in Anatolia.