Kirikkale, city in central Turkey, the capital of Kirikkale province, about 80 km (about 50 mi) east of the Turkish capital, Ankara. Major industries in Kirikkale include state-owned military arms and ammunition factories as well as chemical works. Vineyards in the region support wine production and the surrounding forests are important for the local timber industry. Kirikkale is located on a major highway leading to the Black Sea and also has a railway station on a major rail route leading to eastern Turkey. Kirikkale University (founded in 1992) is the only institution of higher education in the province. Originally a small village, Kirikkale rapidly grew into an industrial center due to economic reforms following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Population (1990) 185,431.
