Definition
Kolankaya is a village (Turkish: köy) located in the Pertek District of Tunceli Province in eastern Turkey.
Overview
Kolankaya lies within the eastern Anatolian region, approximately 12 km southeast of the district centre of Pertek and about 95 km west of the provincial capital, Tunceli. The village is situated at an elevation of roughly 1,350 meters (4,430 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by a mountainous terrain characteristic of the region. According to the most recent address‑based population registration system (ADNKS) data published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for 2022, Kolankaya had a total population of 57 residents. The local economy is predominantly based on subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry, with residents cultivating cereals, legumes, and maintaining small flocks of sheep and goats.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Kolankaya” is composed of two Turkish lexical elements: kola (or kulan), which may refer to a type of wild goat or antelope historically present in the region, and kaya, meaning “rock” or “cliff.” Consequently, the toponym is commonly interpreted as “Rock of the Kulan” or “Kulan Rock.” Precise historical documentation of the name’s origin is not available, and alternative local linguistic influences (e.g., Kurdish or Zaza) could have contributed to its formation. Therefore, the exact etymology remains unconfirmed.
Characteristics
- Administrative status: Village (Turkey’s lowest administrative unit).
- Governance: Administered by a muhtar (village head) elected by the local electorate.
- Demographics: Predominantly Kurdish‑Alevi population, reflecting the broader ethnic and religious composition of Tunceli Province; however, detailed ethnic statistics are not officially published.
- Infrastructure: The village is accessible via a secondary road branching from the Pertek‑Kemer road. Basic utilities include electricity and a limited water supply; there is no permanent health clinic, with residents relying on services in Pertek.
- Cultural features: Traditional rural architecture with stone and timber houses; seasonal religious gatherings associated with Alevi customs are observed in the vicinity.
Related Topics
- Pertek District: The administrative district encompassing Kolankaya, known for its historic castle and proximity to the Keban Dam reservoir.
- Tunceli Province: A province noted for its rugged landscape, rich Alevi cultural heritage, and historical role in the Dersim Rebellion.
- Keban Dam: One of Turkey’s largest hydroelectric reservoirs, located north of Pertek, influencing regional agriculture and settlement patterns.
- Kurdish‑Alevi communities in Turkey: Socio‑religious groups prevalent in the eastern Anatolian highlands, providing context for the demographic composition of villages such as Kolankaya.
Note: Information presented is based on publicly available governmental statistics and geographic data up to 2023. Where historical or linguistic details lack definitive sources, the entry explicitly indicates the uncertainty.