Rotalar, İngilizce (Routes, In English)

27 November 2025

“Batı Rotası 1″de Yaptığım Güncellemeler:

Başlıklar karışmıştı, düzelttim.
Satır numaraları yanlıştı, düzelttim.
“Mount Kocadag is the rooftop of the city with its 4429 ft altitude and it offers a safe passage for the ones who want to escape from crowd.” cümlesinde uzunluk ölçüsü olarak “ft” kullanılmış, yerine metreye çevirip metre kullanılabilir.
“Çakırlar Grove (Atakum’s Historic Picnic Area)” ifadesini “Çakırlar Grove (Atakum’s Famous Picnic Area)” olarak güncelledim.
“Nebiyan Mountain Bike Trail” ifadesini “Nebiyan Mountain (Bike Trail)” şeklinde güncelledim.
“Atakum Coastline: With miles of fine sandy beaches” bu ifadedeki “mile” ölçü birimi de metreye dönüştürülebilir.
“miles-long fine sandy beach and coastal” bu ifadedeki “mile” ölçü birimi de metreye dönüştürülebilir.
“Exhibition Area and Cultural Events” ifadesi “Yalı Exhibition Hall and Library” olarak güncellendi.
“The Exhibition Area” ifadesi “Yalı Exhibition Hall” olarak güncellendi.
“PETEK Youth Center” ifadesi “PETEK YOUTH CENTER and Cafe” olarak güncellendi.
“Operating 24/7, PETEK” ifadesi yanlış olabilir, bildiğim kadarıyla 24 saat açık değil.
“Çobanlı Public Pier” ifadesi “Çobanlı Pier” olarak güncellendi.
“International Equestrian Center” ifadesi “Equestrian Sports Facilities” olarak güncellendi.
“Galeriç Floodplain Forests” ifadesi “Galeriç Flooded Forests” olarak güncellendi.
“Kızılırmak Delta Wetland” ifadesi “Lake Balık” olarak güncellendi.
“Cernek Lake and Wetland” ifadesi “Çernek Lake” olarak güncellendi.
“The Kizilirmak Delta is of great” ifadesinin başına “Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary:” eklendi. Devamındaki cümlenin başındaki “The” silindi.
“Turkey are recorded” ifadesi “Türkiye are recorded” olarak güncellendi.
“Kızılırmak Delta (International Status)” ifadesi “Wild Life Improvement Area of the Kızılırmak Delta” olarak güncellendi.
“(Kızılırmak Delta)” ifadesi “Stork Forest in the Kızılırmak Delta” olarak güncellendi.
“Bafra İkiztepe Excavation Site” ifadesi “İkiztepe Archaeological Site” olarak güncellendi.
Sonraki bir sıra başlıkları güncelledim.

Batı Rotası 1:

Samsun Golf Course: It boasts a unique location as the world’s only 18-hole, par 72 golf course built entirely on sea-fill. Opened in 2016, the course offers a peerless experience with its links character and natural wind currents. Hosting international events like the 2017 Deaflympics and the 2019 Turkish Airlines Challenge, it proves its world-class standards. The course is open to the public and, with its modern clubhouse, promises a premium sports experience for both professionals and amateurs.
Green Tennis Club (Social Facilities): Situated on a vast 650-decare area for tennis enthusiasts and those seeking an active social life, our club merges sports and entertainment. It offers premium services with a fully equipped gym, VIP rooms, and modern locker facilities. The club is also a major social event hub: with a 200-person banquet area and a 100-person indoor event hall, it is an ideal venue for weddings, engagements, corporate meetings, and private receptions.
Mount Kocadag is the rooftop of the city with its 4429 ft altitude and it offers a safe passage for the ones who want to escape from crowd. Situated roughly 30 km away from the city center, Kocadag is suitable for a number of extreme sports from trekking to off road with a perfect sea view.
Çakırlar Grove (Atakum’s Historic Picnic Area): Located approximately 19 km west of Atakum center, Çakırlar Grove is Samsun’s oldest and most established picnic and nature walking area. Highly popular, especially during summer, this area offers modern social facilities, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking to connect with nature. With its lush greenery and fresh air, it provides a perfect choice for families looking for relaxation, long walks, and a peaceful day out.
Nebiyan Mountain Bike Trail: Nebiyan Mountain, a natural wonder of Samsun, is famous not only for its green scenery but also for its challenging and exhilarating trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Consisting of high altitudes, steep slopes, and narrow paths, this route is perfect for professional athletes and adventurers seeking adrenaline and a challenge immersed in nature. It appeals to all thrill-seekers who want to enjoy nature walks and mountain biking alongside the unique panoramic views of the Black Sea Region.
19 Mayıs Caravan Park: One of the four modern caravan parks operated by Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, this site is situated along the natural beauties and coastline of the 19 Mayıs district. It offers guests a comfortable stay by providing unlimited basic services like hot showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. It is a popular stop for international guests looking to enjoy camping and caravan holidays amidst unique natural and sea views.
Atakum Coastline: With miles of fine sandy beaches, Atakum is a favorite summer destination for both local and international tourists, offering entertainment and relaxation. It meets every need with modern shopping centers, cinemas, resting areas, and piers along the coast. Atakum, which enables sea activities like diving and fishing, also hosts Türkiye’s first sea-fill golf course, attracting golf enthusiasts. You can make your holiday unforgettable by sunbathing, walking along the coast at sunset, or enjoying the lively entertainment venues.
Yeşilyurt Shopping Mall: Distinctive for its unique seafront location, Yeşilyurt AVM is built on 5,000 square meters over 4 floors. Merging shopping pleasure with coastal relaxation, the center offers direct access to the miles-long fine sandy beach and coastal road located right in front of it. Visitors can shop, dine, and then immediately relax by the sea or enjoy long coastal walks. It is one of the region’s most popular social and commercial centers.
CityMall Shopping Center: CityMall, the central meeting point of the city, offers guests a delightful shopping experience with its modern and aesthetically designed architecture. It hosts exclusive global and national brand stores, ranging from apparel and technology to luxury accessories and cosmetics. Beyond shopping, CityMall is an ideal lifestyle hub for all tourists seeking a quality social experience and entertainment, featuring state-of-the-art cinemas, world-cuisine restaurants, and comfortable lounge areas.
Yalı Restaurant and Book Cafe: Located at the most picturesque point of the Atakum Coast, Yalı Restaurant offers the opportunity to sample selected local and world cuisine alongside a captivating sea view. The peaceful atmosphere provides guests with a relaxing break, while the Book Cafe offers the privilege of reading while enjoying the scenery.
Exhibition Area and Cultural Events: The Exhibition Area, hosting local artists and nationally significant works, has become the cultural meeting point of the Atakum coast for art lovers. The exhibitions offer visitors an artistic experience alongside the sea view. The Book Cafe provides a quiet environment for literary and cultural activities, adding intellectual depth to the facility.
PETEK Youth Center: Located in Kurupelit, Atakum, PETEK is the city’s new brand value and meeting point, designed to invest in the future of youth. The center offers innovative services to support students’ daily and educational lives, including a Study Center, a Digital Youth Center with strong internet, a cafeteria, and laundry facilities. Operating 24/7, PETEK simplifies access to information and socialization for both local youth and student tourists visiting the city.
Çobanlı Public Pier: Opened in 2016, this modern pier was built to allow citizens to benefit from sea transportation via the passenger ship service. At 400 meters long and 10 meters wide, it is a popular gathering spot not only for anglers but also for those wishing to immortalize their happy moments. Hundreds of visitors take photos at sunset, then enjoy conversations at the pier’s sleek cafeteria, complete with panoramic views.
Kurupelit Fish and Bread Boat (Yacht Marina): Opened by the Municipality at Kurupelit Yacht Marina, this special venue is the new social and culinary focus of the coastline. Offering affordable seafood options, the aesthetically designed facility revitalizes the coastal atmosphere. Serving guests 7 days a week (from 10:00 to 23:00), the Fish and Bread Boat is progressing to become a delightful stop for delicious food and a pleasant break for those walking, cycling, or just enjoying the sea air.
International Equestrian Center: Equipped with international-standard Indoor Arenas and modern stables, this facility is the most qualified equestrian center in the Black Sea Region. It offers services with 20 trained horses (including Akhal-Teke, Hannover, Arab, and Pony breeds) and expert trainers. Guests can enjoy Dressage and Show Jumping training, or take long off-site trail rides accompanied by instructors. The center is open to everyone seeking an unforgettable experience with horses, offering pony rides for children and recreational rides for adults.
Nebiyan Mountain and Plateau: Rising 30 km south of the district center, Nebiyan Mountain is a majestic area containing the lush green forests of the Black Sea (Nebiyan Forests). Also known as Nebiyan Plateau, it is a hub for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in diverse activities such as mountaineering, paragliding, trekking (nature walks), plateau tourism, photo safaris, and bird watching. Nebiyan is the high-altitude, peaceful getaway destination of the Black Sea, offering clean air and unique scenery.
Galeriç Floodplain Forests: Located on the Kızılırmak Delta, Galeriç is one of Türkiye’s rarest examples of floodplain forests. This forest becomes the scene of a unique natural event in spring, when its base is completely covered with water. The sight of vast fields of white daisies floating on the water, combined with the reflection of the deciduous trees, creates a magnificent visual feast that everyone should experience. Galeriç is an excellent oasis for nature photography and bird watching.
Kızılırmak Delta Wetland: As one of Türkiye’s largest deltas, the Kızılırmak Delta is the only wetland on the Black Sea coast to have preserved its natural character. This unique ecosystem, featuring diverse habitats like lakes, reeds, and dunes, is an internationally important bird sanctuary, home to 308 different bird species (74% of Türkiye’s total). It is a vital stopover for migratory birds and contains archaeological remains dating back 6000 years (like İkiztepe). Ideal for bird watching and nature photography.
Cernek Lake and Wetland: Located in the heart of the Kızılırmak Delta, Cernek Lake is an area of international importance for bird species and density (designated as an Important Bird Area – IBA). It serves as the most critical shelter, feeding, and breeding center for migratory birds crossing the Black Sea. The lake is protected as a “Wildlife Conservation Area” since 1979. It is an ideal outdoor laboratory for nature education, bird watching, and hiking, and is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Kizilirmak Delta is of great global ecological importance in terms of its immense territory and the number of birds housed. Delta consists of 20 lakes with different dimensions and various wetlands. The region, which is declared as wildlife development area, covers the districts of 19 Mayis, Bafra and Alacam. Kizilirmak Delta has a crucial importance for the birds passing their migration route on Black Sea. 35% of 460 bird species registered in Turkey are recorded in the Delta. 15% of them proliferates there as well.
Kızılırmak Delta (International Status): The Kızılırmak Delta is globally unique, meeting 3 out of 4 key criteria in the European Bird Areas Inventory. Protected by a 2,200-hectare Ramsar Site and a 5,174-hectare Wildlife Development Area, this massive ecosystem is home to 316 different plant taxa (varieties). These features make the delta a globally vital center for ecotourism and a nature laboratory that must be seen.
(Kızılırmak Delta): This special section of the Bird Sanctuary, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is the sanctuary for stork flocks arriving after a journey of nearly 7,000 km from Africa. Samsun’s Stork Forest ranks first in Türkiye for its stork population (Türkiye is second globally). Hosting an estimated 1,900 storks across the delta, this vital area offers nature lovers a chance to witness the miracle of migration as the storks return to their nests during the spring months.
Çetinkaya Bridge: Built in 1937, Çetinkaya Bridge is a symbolic engineering structure of the Early Republic period. This 250-meter-long concrete bridge, featuring 7 arch-like sections and cut-stone cladding on its piers, holds significant sentimental and symbolic value for the local community. It is notably known as a special route for wedding convoys. The bridge reflects the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
Bafra Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse was initially built in wood by the Ottomans to prevent maritime accidents during Bafra’s era as a major trade hub, and later renewed as a tall iron structure by the French. Having guided sailors for centuries, it marks a critical point in the history of maritime trade. The lighthouse, which carries the memory of its first Turkish keepers, is a significant cultural and maritime heritage site on the Black Sea coast.
Bafra İkiztepe Excavation Site: Located 7 km northeast of Bafra, İkiztepe is a multi-layered cultural heritage site spanning 66 decares, with a history extending back to the Early Bronze Age before the Hittites. Excavations have unearthed over 10,728 artifacts (metal, terracotta, bone) now displayed in local museums. The site is noted for its highly skilled metalwork and textile history, and features one of Anatolia’s largest collective burial grounds, containing 690 skeletons. İkiztepe is a vital open-air laboratory for archaeology enthusiasts.
Bafra Museum (Former City Club): Housed in a restored three-story building, Bafra Museum brings together the region’s archaeological and ethnographic wealth. The museum displays priceless archaeological artifacts excavated from the İkiztepe site (pre-Hittite era) alongside ethnographic exhibits that portray Bafra’s traditional lifestyle and culture. This dual presentation offers visitors a chance to experience both the millennia-old history and the cultural life of Bafra.
Bafra Tobacco Museum: Opened in 2018, this museum preserves the 130-year-old rich legacy of Bafra tobacco, which is considered among the world’s highest-quality cigarette tobaccos. Famous for its low nicotine, unique aromatic scent, and robust flavor, Bafra tobacco was the legendary product requested by foreign luxury cigarette producers for centuries to enhance their quality. The museum visually demonstrates all stages of tobacco processing, while the garden features practical demonstrations of planting and drying.
Geyikkoşan Baba Tomb and Grove: Located near the sea, this tomb is famous for the legend of a holy man who ploughed his field with deer using a golden yoke and plow. The surrounding grove is considered sacred by locals. Annually on May 6th, it is the center of Hıdırellez Celebrations, featuring traditional keşkek cooking and lively oil wrestling events. The site offers a unique cultural destination that blends mystical legends, festive tradition, and natural peace.
Alaçam Historic Houses and Urban Site: The traditional architecture of Alaçam reflects the region’s deep-rooted culture with its stone-based, wooden-frame houses featuring inner and outer hall plans. This architectural stock survived significant societal changes, including the 1923 Population Exchange. Designated an Urban Site, Alaçam is undergoing restoration projects to preserve these structures. The town offers visitors a profound cultural journey, showcasing both architectural elegance and the historical traces of the Exchange.
Alaçam Population Exchange Museum: Opened in 2012 in a late 19th-century school building, this is one of Türkiye’s first thematic exchange museums. It is dedicated to the memory of the Turkish population who were subjected to compulsory migration (Mübadele) from Greece following the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne. Exhibits include elaborately embroidered garments, wedding dresses, professional tools, household items, and original documents, passports, and photographs carried by the refugees, offering a profound glimpse into this massive historical and cultural event.
Settlements have been traditionally established nearby the water during the history. However, except the plains, every city established in mountainous areas has a dominant hill in order to scout the town like a castle. Alacam has its own hill named Sivri Tepe which has an altitude of 700 m. During the excavations conducted in the area, some artifacts related to Miletos, were found.
Çamgölü picnic area is located on Samsun Sinop highway, 7 km away from town centre. It is a must see place where forest combined with sea. The beach where pine trees embrace the sea has created a beautiful harmony of blue and green. This natural asset set by the Forestry Operation Directorate as a picnic area.
Atakum Metropolitan Municipality Art Center: Located right by the sea along the Atakum coast, this Art Center is a modern cultural complex spanning 6,885 m². Catering to art lovers of all ages, it features a 517-seat main theater hall and a dedicated 201-seat children’s theater. It serves as one of the city’s most prestigious and scenic meeting points for concerts, theater plays, and cultural events.
Historic Wooden Mosque/Masjid (Traditional Technique): Built with an interlocking wooden technique on a stone base, this minaret-less structure reflects traditional Black Sea architecture. Although modern elements like plastic windows have been added during renovations, the wooden mihrab, minbar, and pulpit preserve the building’s authentic spirit. The interior is largely covered with wooden paneling, offering a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Batı Rotası 2:

Samsun Golf Course: It boasts a unique location as the world’s only 18-hole, par 72 golf course built entirely on sea-fill. Opened in 2016, the course offers a peerless experience with its links character and natural wind currents. Hosting international events like the 2017 Deaflympics and the 2019 Turkish Airlines Challenge, it proves its world-class standards. The course is open to the public and, with its modern clubhouse, promises a premium sports experience for both professionals and amateurs.
Green Tennis Club (Social Facilities): Situated on a vast 650-decare area for tennis enthusiasts and those seeking an active social life, our club merges sports and entertainment. It offers premium services with a fully equipped gym, VIP rooms, and modern locker facilities. The club is also a major social event hub: with a 200-person banquet area and a 100-person indoor event hall, it is an ideal venue for weddings, engagements, corporate meetings, and private receptions.
Mount Kocadag is the rooftop of the city with its 4429 ft altitude and it offers a safe passage for the ones who want to escape from crowd. Situated roughly 30 km away from the city center, Kocadag is suitable for a number of extreme sports from trekking to off road with a perfect sea view.
Çakırlar Grove (Atakum’s Historic Picnic Area): Located approximately 19 km west of Atakum center, Çakırlar Grove is Samsun’s oldest and most established picnic and nature walking area. Highly popular, especially during summer, this area offers modern social facilities, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking to connect with nature. With its lush greenery and fresh air, it provides a perfect choice for families looking for relaxation, long walks, and a peaceful day out.
Nebiyan Mountain Bike Trail: Nebiyan Mountain, a natural wonder of Samsun, is famous not only for its green scenery but also for its challenging and exhilarating trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Consisting of high altitudes, steep slopes, and narrow paths, this route is perfect for professional athletes and adventurers seeking adrenaline and a challenge immersed in nature. It appeals to all thrill-seekers who want to enjoy nature walks and mountain biking alongside the unique panoramic views of the Black Sea Region.
19 Mayıs Caravan Park: One of the four modern caravan parks operated by Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, this site is situated along the natural beauties and coastline of the 19 Mayıs district. It offers guests a comfortable stay by providing unlimited basic services like hot showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. It is a popular stop for international guests looking to enjoy camping and caravan holidays amidst unique natural and sea views.
Atakum Coastline: With miles of fine sandy beaches, Atakum is a favorite summer destination for both local and international tourists, offering entertainment and relaxation. It meets every need with modern shopping centers, cinemas, resting areas, and piers along the coast. Atakum, which enables sea activities like diving and fishing, also hosts Türkiye’s first sea-fill golf course, attracting golf enthusiasts. You can make your holiday unforgettable by sunbathing, walking along the coast at sunset, or enjoying the lively entertainment venues.
Yeşilyurt Shopping Mall: Distinctive for its unique seafront location, Yeşilyurt AVM is built on 5,000 square meters over 4 floors. Merging shopping pleasure with coastal relaxation, the center offers direct access to the miles-long fine sandy beach and coastal road located right in front of it. Visitors can shop, dine, and then immediately relax by the sea or enjoy long coastal walks. It is one of the region’s most popular social and commercial centers.
CityMall Shopping Center: CityMall, the central meeting point of the city, offers guests a delightful shopping experience with its modern and aesthetically designed architecture. It hosts exclusive global and national brand stores, ranging from apparel and technology to luxury accessories and cosmetics. Beyond shopping, CityMall is an ideal lifestyle hub for all tourists seeking a quality social experience and entertainment, featuring state-of-the-art cinemas, world-cuisine restaurants, and comfortable lounge areas.
Yalı Restaurant and Book Cafe: Located at the most picturesque point of the Atakum Coast, Yalı Restaurant offers the opportunity to sample selected local and world cuisine alongside a captivating sea view. The peaceful atmosphere provides guests with a relaxing break, while the Book Cafe offers the privilege of reading while enjoying the scenery.
Exhibition Area and Cultural Events: The Exhibition Area, hosting local artists and nationally significant works, has become the cultural meeting point of the Atakum coast for art lovers. The exhibitions offer visitors an artistic experience alongside the sea view. The Book Cafe provides a quiet environment for literary and cultural activities, adding intellectual depth to the facility.
PETEK Youth Center: Located in Kurupelit, Atakum, PETEK is the city’s new brand value and meeting point, designed to invest in the future of youth. The center offers innovative services to support students’ daily and educational lives, including a Study Center, a Digital Youth Center with strong internet, a cafeteria, and laundry facilities. Operating 24/7, PETEK simplifies access to information and socialization for both local youth and student tourists visiting the city.
Çobanlı Public Pier: Opened in 2016, this modern pier was built to allow citizens to benefit from sea transportation via the passenger ship service. At 400 meters long and 10 meters wide, it is a popular gathering spot not only for anglers but also for those wishing to immortalize their happy moments. Hundreds of visitors take photos at sunset, then enjoy conversations at the pier’s sleek cafeteria, complete with panoramic views.
Kurupelit Fish and Bread Boat (Yacht Marina): Opened by the Municipality at Kurupelit Yacht Marina, this special venue is the new social and culinary focus of the coastline. Offering affordable seafood options, the aesthetically designed facility revitalizes the coastal atmosphere. Serving guests 7 days a week (from 10:00 to 23:00), the Fish and Bread Boat is progressing to become a delightful stop for delicious food and a pleasant break for those walking, cycling, or just enjoying the sea air.
International Equestrian Center: Equipped with international-standard Indoor Arenas and modern stables, this facility is the most qualified equestrian center in the Black Sea Region. It offers services with 20 trained horses (including Akhal-Teke, Hannover, Arab, and Pony breeds) and expert trainers. Guests can enjoy Dressage and Show Jumping training, or take long off-site trail rides accompanied by instructors. The center is open to everyone seeking an unforgettable experience with horses, offering pony rides for children and recreational rides for adults.
Nebiyan Mountain and Plateau: Rising 30 km south of the district center, Nebiyan Mountain is a majestic area containing the lush green forests of the Black Sea (Nebiyan Forests). Also known as Nebiyan Plateau, it is a hub for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in diverse activities such as mountaineering, paragliding, trekking (nature walks), plateau tourism, photo safaris, and bird watching. Nebiyan is the high-altitude, peaceful getaway destination of the Black Sea, offering clean air and unique scenery.
Galeriç Floodplain Forests: Located on the Kızılırmak Delta, Galeriç is one of Türkiye’s rarest examples of floodplain forests. This forest becomes the scene of a unique natural event in spring, when its base is completely covered with water. The sight of vast fields of white daisies floating on the water, combined with the reflection of the deciduous trees, creates a magnificent visual feast that everyone should experience. Galeriç is an excellent oasis for nature photography and bird watching.
Kızılırmak Delta Wetland: As one of Türkiye’s largest deltas, the Kızılırmak Delta is the only wetland on the Black Sea coast to have preserved its natural character. This unique ecosystem, featuring diverse habitats like lakes, reeds, and dunes, is an internationally important bird sanctuary, home to 308 different bird species (74% of Türkiye’s total). It is a vital stopover for migratory birds and contains archaeological remains dating back 6000 years (like İkiztepe). Ideal for bird watching and nature photography.
Cernek Lake and Wetland: Located in the heart of the Kızılırmak Delta, Cernek Lake is an area of international importance for bird species and density (designated as an Important Bird Area – IBA). It serves as the most critical shelter, feeding, and breeding center for migratory birds crossing the Black Sea. The lake is protected as a “Wildlife Conservation Area” since 1979. It is an ideal outdoor laboratory for nature education, bird watching, and hiking, and is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Kizilirmak Delta is of great global ecological importance in terms of its immense territory and the number of birds housed. Delta consists of 20 lakes with different dimensions and various wetlands. The region, which is declared as wildlife development area, covers the districts of 19 Mayis, Bafra and Alacam. Kizilirmak Delta has a crucial importance for the birds passing their migration route on Black Sea. 35% of 460 bird species registered in Turkey are recorded in the Delta. 15% of them proliferates there as well.
Kızılırmak Delta (International Status): The Kızılırmak Delta is globally unique, meeting 3 out of 4 key criteria in the European Bird Areas Inventory. Protected by a 2,200-hectare Ramsar Site and a 5,174-hectare Wildlife Development Area, this massive ecosystem is home to 316 different plant taxa (varieties). These features make the delta a globally vital center for ecotourism and a nature laboratory that must be seen.
(Kızılırmak Delta): This special section of the Bird Sanctuary, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is the sanctuary for stork flocks arriving after a journey of nearly 7,000 km from Africa. Samsun’s Stork Forest ranks first in Türkiye for its stork population (Türkiye is second globally). Hosting an estimated 1,900 storks across the delta, this vital area offers nature lovers a chance to witness the miracle of migration as the storks return to their nests during the spring months.
Çetinkaya Bridge: Built in 1937, Çetinkaya Bridge is a symbolic engineering structure of the Early Republic period. This 250-meter-long concrete bridge, featuring 7 arch-like sections and cut-stone cladding on its piers, holds significant sentimental and symbolic value for the local community. It is notably known as a special route for wedding convoys. The bridge reflects the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
Bafra Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse was initially built in wood by the Ottomans to prevent maritime accidents during Bafra’s era as a major trade hub, and later renewed as a tall iron structure by the French. Having guided sailors for centuries, it marks a critical point in the history of maritime trade. The lighthouse, which carries the memory of its first Turkish keepers, is a significant cultural and maritime heritage site on the Black Sea coast.
Bafra İkiztepe Excavation Site: Located 7 km northeast of Bafra, İkiztepe is a multi-layered cultural heritage site spanning 66 decares, with a history extending back to the Early Bronze Age before the Hittites. Excavations have unearthed over 10,728 artifacts (metal, terracotta, bone) now displayed in local museums. The site is noted for its highly skilled metalwork and textile history, and features one of Anatolia’s largest collective burial grounds, containing 690 skeletons. İkiztepe is a vital open-air laboratory for archaeology enthusiasts.
Bafra Museum (Former City Club): Housed in a restored three-story building, Bafra Museum brings together the region’s archaeological and ethnographic wealth. The museum displays priceless archaeological artifacts excavated from the İkiztepe site (pre-Hittite era) alongside ethnographic exhibits that portray Bafra’s traditional lifestyle and culture. This dual presentation offers visitors a chance to experience both the millennia-old history and the cultural life of Bafra.
Bafra Tobacco Museum: Opened in 2018, this museum preserves the 130-year-old rich legacy of Bafra tobacco, which is considered among the world’s highest-quality cigarette tobaccos. Famous for its low nicotine, unique aromatic scent, and robust flavor, Bafra tobacco was the legendary product requested by foreign luxury cigarette producers for centuries to enhance their quality. The museum visually demonstrates all stages of tobacco processing, while the garden features practical demonstrations of planting and drying.
Derbent Dam Lake, Asarkale, and Waterfalls: The lake created by the Derbent Dam offers a unique natural beauty, complemented by the mysterious Asarkale Fortress built on a giant rock mass nearby. The hidden pass and stairs carved into the rock leading to Asarkale offer visitors a historical adventure. Paflagonya/Akalan Waterfalls and rock-carved tombs along the lake shores inspire admiration. The region also showcases its agricultural wealth with organic corn fields extending high up the mountainsides.
Asarkale Fortress and Rock Tombs (Kolay): Located in the Kolay region of Bafra, Asarkale is a fortress dating back to the 3rd century BC. Built atop a giant rock mass, it features a thrilling history with a secret pass and inner stairs for ascent. Due to the dangerous nature of the original route, access is restricted (the safe path is via the right-hand trail). The site is complemented by two rock tombs below, perfectly synchronized with the natural landscape, highlighting the region’s ancient heritage.
Kapikaya Fest brings together a number of national and international athletes and nature lovers in every July in Altinkaya Dam Lake with various sports events. The fest aims to emphasize the importance of sports and nature for a better world through the vision of “Enjoy Sport, Enhance Nature”. During the festival, which is attended by a large audience, various activities are organized day and night for 3 days.
Bafra Acısu (Healing Water): Located in Bafra’s Darboğaz neighborhood, Acısu is a natural healing water source believed to be beneficial for various ailments, including kidney, stomach, and asthma issues. The region’s mud is also thought to cure skin conditions like psoriasis. Offering a peaceful picnic setting surrounded by nature, Acısu is a unique health and relaxation destination for those seeking physical healing and tranquil rest.
Altınkaya Dam and HES: Built on the Kızılırmak, Türkiye’s longest river, Altınkaya Dam is the largest and most critical energy project in its basin, boasting a 195m height and 700 MW installed power. This colossal structure harnesses the power of the Kızılırmak River and has created breathtaking canyons and dam lakes in the area, adding magnificent scenery and unique boat tour routes to the region.
Akalan Waterfalls are located 43 km away from Bafra, within the boundaries of Akalan Neighborhood. The waterfalls are situated in the hills of the canyon in Apari Neighborhood and they create beautiful landscapes. There are seven waterfalls in total and each one has a lake in front of it. Waterfalls, lakes and surrounding beauties in the region create a magnificent view for their visitors.
Sunken Minaret: Rising alone from the waters of the Derbent Dam on the Kızılırmak River, the Sunken Minaret is the region’s most mysterious and iconic symbol, the sole survivor of a submerged village. Standing amidst the water, it offers surreal and mesmerizing shots for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy boat and safari tours around the minaret or spend a peaceful day fishing. It is a unique sight worth seeing as a silent witness to history buried under water.

Güney Rotası:

Yaşar Dogu, Olympic and World gold medal winner, great Turkish Wrestler, was born in Kavak (1913-1961). In order to commemorate him, his house was converted to a museum. His personal belongings and historical achievements are demonstrated in the museum. Also, nearby the museum there is an open area created for the wrestlers and every year wrestling tournaments are organised for his memory.
Çakallı Han (Taşhan Stone Inn): Located along the historic Road of Liberation (the path Mustafa Kemal Atatürk took from Samsun to Havza), this 800-year-old Seljuk legacy was a key stop on the Black Sea trade route. Built in the 13th century, it is the only surviving Seljuk caravanserai example in Samsun. After restoration in 2012, this structure now operates as a restaurant, offering visitors a historical and cultural dining experience on the Road of Liberation.
Opened to service in 2006, Kavak District Park is located on an area of 11 thousand square meters. The park consists of kindergartens, fitness and picnic areas and a number of facilities. You may also taste the local cuisine here.
Historic Wooden Mosque (Renovated: 1878): Renovated in 1878/1879 (H. 1296), this minaret-less mosque is constructed using the wooden masonry and interlocking technique, elevated on stone blocks. It is notable for its hipped roof with wide wooden eaves and a semi-open portico supported by wooden pillars. The interior offers a peaceful atmosphere with carved trim surrounding the flat wooden ceiling. With its simple mihrab, carved minbar, and diamond-patterned door frames, this structure is a significant cultural heritage reflecting the aesthetic and robust wooden architecture of the 19th century.
Kasımzade Ahmet Suphi Efendi Mansion: Located along Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s historic Road of Liberation stretching from Samsun to Amasya, this mansion stands as a vivid witness to the region’s history. Restored to its original identity through local initiative, it is a prime example of heritage preservation. The mansion is a valuable part of the Municipality’s vision to restore all historic structures along the route, transforming the Road of Liberation into a major history and culture tourism destination.
Kunduz Mountain: Easily accessible via a new asphalt road 51 km from Vezirköprü, Kunduz Mountain is perfectly suited for trekking tourism. With its Keltepe peak reaching 1791m, it offers one of the best hiking routes in the Black Sea. Featuring organized camping facilities (rentable tents available) and a special deer breeding facility, Kunduz Mountain is a unique destination for both mountaineering and nature photography enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Bekdemir Village Wooden Mosque: Built with interlocking wooden techniques without nails, and adorned with botanical motifs made from root dyes, this mosque is one of the most significant wooden structures in the Black Sea. Dating back to the 16th century, its most striking feature is the unique story of the beehive found in its mihrab (prayer niche). It is rumored that bees once made honey here, which was sold to cover the mosque’s expenses and the official’s salary. With its architectural elegance and unparalleled cultural narrative, it is a must-see heritage site in Samsun.
Kurtköprü bridge, standing on Istavroz river, delineates Veziröprü-Havza town border. There is no evidence in regards to the year of built or the builder of the structure. The architectural design and the features of the bridge demonstrates that it was built in early ages. The bridge has a 87m longitutude, 4.60m wide and 13.50m height.
Oymaağaç Mound (Nerik Ancient City): Located 7 km from Vezirköprü, Oymaağaç Mound is an archaeological center believed to be the lost sacred city of Nerik of the Hittites, bearing traces of at least 6,000 years of history. Excavations have uncovered findings including underground staircases, natural springs, and cuneiform tablets. This site holds immense importance for human cultural heritage, offering history and mythology enthusiasts a chance to witness the region’s mysterious past.
Şahinkaya Canyon (Vezirköprü Canyon): Located 17 km northwest of Vezirköprü on the Altınkaya Dam Lake, Şahinkaya Canyon is a massive 5 km long gorge carved by the Kızılırmak River through sheer cliffs. With steep walls reaching hundreds of meters, it offers a visual feast amidst lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy the majestic views of this natural wonder on boat tours departing from Türkmen Village or Vezirsuyu Nature Park, typically lasting around forty minutes.
Vezirsuyu Nature Park: Located 23 km from Vezirköprü, the 35-hectare Vezirsuyu Nature Park is a perfect spot for peaceful relaxation immersed in nature. The park’s main draw is its easy access (just 7 km away) to Şahinkaya Canyon, one of the most impressive natural beauties in the Black Sea Region. Visitors can take unforgettable boat tours from the Park deep into the canyon, enjoying the majesty of the sheer cliffs and the unspoiled natural scenery.
Historic Bedesten (Taşhan Stone Inn): Located near the Orta Mosque in the heart of Vezirköprü, this traditional Ottoman bazaar dates back to the early 17th century. The Bedesten, mentioned in 1696 foundation records, was revived by restoration in 2007. Today, this historic venue hosts the district’s traditional handicraft shops, offering visitors an authentic shopping experience and preserving the commercial history of Vezirköprü.
Taşhan (Historic Stone Inn/Caravanserai): Located in the heart of Vezirköprü, near the Orta Mosque, this historic inn dates back to the Late Ottoman period (late 17th – early 19th centuries). Revived by a major restoration in 2006, Taşhan is now operated by the Metropolitan Municipality as a modern hotel and restaurant. Preserving its historical texture, this structure offers a cultural and comfortable experience for guests looking to stay or savor local cuisine in the city center.
Vezirköprü Historic Mansions and Streets: The houses of Vezirköprü are a centuries-old architectural legacy, reflecting the artistic taste of master builders with their unique masonry framework and fine woodwork. Influenced by the Köprülü Viziers, who brought the palatial traditions of Istanbul here, these mansions feature richly decorated interiors. Thanks to restoration projects ongoing since 2011, this heritage is being preserved, offering visitors a rich cultural journey through streets where history is kept alive.
Clock tower of Vezirköprü stands 50m west side of the Madrasah in the town center. It was built by Ottoman Empire Sultan II. Abdulhamid in 1906. It has an octagon form and 15m of height.
Seljuk Era Historical Bathhouse: Commissioned in 1256 by Seljuk Sultan Mesud II, this monumental bath is one of the region’s oldest heritage sites. The most striking feature of the rubble stone and brick structure is the eye-catching lion statues adorning the entrance arch. Its interior, covered with domes of varying sizes, offers visitors the warmth of nearly 800 years of history and authentic Turkish bath culture.
Fazıl Ahmed Pasha Madrasa (Public Library): Commissioned by Ottoman Grand Vizier Fazıl Ahmed Pasha in the 17th century (1661–1676), this madrasa is a fine example of classic open-courtyard madrasa architecture. The longitudinal rectangular courtyard is surrounded by arcades, and the lecture hall is emphasized by a magnificent dome that is twice the height of the other sections. The structure, which survived the 1943 earthquake with minor damage, has served as the District Public Library since 1964. Notable for its cut-stone masonry, this building stands as one of Vezirköprü’s most important heritage sites, showcasing centuries of history and cultural function.
The mosque, built in the town centre, has no inscription. However according to archives, it was made by the order of Ottoman Vizier’s wifer Ayşe Hanım in the 17th century. There is also a laundry and fountain built nearby it during the same era. Due to 1943 earthquake, the minaret and some of the domes of the building collapsed and in 1960 they were built according to its origins. In 2006 the mosque renovated again and today it is still in use.
Kaplancık Canyon (Altınkaya Dam Lake): Located 23 km from Vezirköprü on the Altınkaya Dam Lake, Kaplancık Canyon is a mysterious natural wonder, 2 km long, where the Kızılırmak River’s turquoise and green waters flow through sheer cliffs. The canyon not only offers breathtaking views but is also a unique hub for extreme sports like canoeing, paragliding, and rock climbing. Featuring Roman-era ruins and a historic bedesten, the canyon is a tourism hotspot waiting to be explored, combining history with adrenaline.
Initially it was made in 1431 by the order of one of Ottoman Vizier Yörgüç Pasha. Since the mosque totaly demolished in 1943 earthquake, there is no evidence regarding its original shape. A new mosque constructed to the same place with rubble stone walls, wooden roof and rectangular plan in 1944. The newly built mosque does not have an architectural feature.
Havza district has been known with its thermal springs. The district, therefore, has made its mark as a health center for ages. Thermal springs have a positive impact on the treatment of diseases such as rheumatic diseases, gynecological diseases, neurological diseases, joint diseases and that is proved scientifically. Hence, Havza attracts significant number of domestic tourists over the years. Approximately 200.000 tourists visit the town annually to find cure for their diseases and to enjoy the thermal springs.
The Mesudiye Hotel was used as the first headquarters of the Independence War, where the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lit the first torch of the independence of Turkish nation, registered as an cultural property by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1980. Ataturk visited Havza between 25th May and 13th of July in 1919 after arriving in Samsun. The house was converted to a museum where belongings of Ataturk and some remains from the Independence War are exhibited.
Imaret Binasi -a charity helping poor people- was built in the II. Murat era in 1429 by the governor of Amasya, Yorguc Pasazade Mustafa Bey, on the west side of the town centre. For a long period of time, soldiers, poors and outsiders ate and rested there for free. Later, the building detoriorated and the dome of it totally collapsed. In 1938, the building was restored and served as a library from 1940 to 1982. In 2007, the building was restored again and has been serving as Imaret from then.
The mosque, built in Seljuk architectural style next to the small Ottoman hamam, was built in 1297 by the Seljuk Sultan Mesut II. Since it was repaired by the order of Vizier Yorguc Pasha, the mosque was labelled his name. Some sections of the structure were renovated in 1979. During the years of the Independence War, 30 May and 6 June meetings started in this mosque. The restored mosque still serves to the society.
Ambar Koy, an open air concepted museum, reflects the daily life in a village with its water mill, observation tower, wooden playground, wooden and chain bridges and other facilities. The village also exhibits historical artifacts, tools and items that people used in their daily lifes which became history today.Ambarhan, located inside the Ambarkoy with its historical architecture, serves as a restaurant today. A small zoo and an old village school is also planned to be built nearby the facility.
Seyyid Ahmed-i Kebir is believed to be either a relative or a follower of highness Er-Rifai (an Islamic leader). Seyyid Ahmed was born in 1118 in Iraq and died in 1182 in Ladik. His body was buried to this schrine built for his memory. The schrine in the cemetery is made of stone and brick and contains 7 sarcophagus. Due to the respect shown to Seyyid Ahmed, roughly 2 thousand people in the town are named as Seyyid Ahmed today.
Akdağ Winter Sports and Ski Center: Situated between Uzunyazı Hill (1788m) and Yemişen Hill (1404m) in Ladik, Akdağ is the only ski center in the Central Black Sea Region. Opened in 2009 with the completion of its chairlift system, it hosts around 5,000 skiers on weekends. Akdağ is exceptional because it is part of one of the rare cities in Türkiye (Samsun) where winter sports, coastal tourism, and thermal spa tourism converge. It is a compelling destination for those who want to ski in winter and then relax in our healing thermal waters.
Ladik Alibey Mansion Culture House: Located in the center of Ladik, this registered immovable cultural asset is one of the rare structures that managed to remain standing even after the great 1943 earthquake. Donated in 2009 to preserve Ladik’s traditional mansion culture, and restored in 2012, the mansion now serves as a Culture House. It is an important tourist stop that showcases the region’s rich history and architectural resilience, contributing significantly to local social and cultural life.
Historic Site Featuring Âşık Veysel: This historic venue is not just a cultural point but also carries the legacy of the legendary Turkish folk poet, Âşık Veysel Şatıroğlu. The esteemed poet served here as a civil servant in 1941 and taught a music course for 45 days. Visitors can explore the museum for free between 08:00 and 17:00, except on Saturdays and Sundays, becoming a part of this unique cultural and historical heritage.
The Clock Tower was built in 1889 by the District Governor Resit Bey on a three-storey platform. It is 14 meters long and round in shape. Although it was almost completely ruined in the 1943 earthquake, it was restored according to its original features later.
One of the most important tourism areas of the district, Hamamayagi Thermal Spring is a popular area with its thermal springs and picnic areas and recreational facilities. The distance of the facility to the district is around 13 km. The water of the spa is among the world’s famous thermal springs in terms of minerals. The heat of the water is 37 celcius which is equal to body temperature and has the beneficial properties to prevent or cure skin diseases such as chronic rheumatism, neuralgia and neuritis as well as many other diseases such as nerve and muscle fatigue, arthritis, joint diseases and postoperative fatigue.
Büyükkızoğlu Waterfall and Lake: Hidden 3 km up from Büyükkızoğlu Village towards the plateau, this complex features a magnificent waterfall and a natural lake surrounded by ancient trees. The area is truly a must-see for its views and is highly suitable for trekking (nature walking). As the water originates from Akdağ mountain, it is extremely clean and cold, making the lake area not only perfect for picnicking but also for trout farming. It is an ideal getaway for those seeking peace and a day full of adventure in nature.
“Ladik Lake, spread over 870 hectares in the Ladik Plain, is a natural one and is a home to different fishes such as freshwater bass, wood fish, carp and red wing. While all of these fishes are tasty, the most famous ones are the crane and fresh sea bass. Besides the fishes, the lake has also become a home for the birds such as small egret, night heron, black stork, mallard, long leg, lapwing, green whistle, black-headed gull, silver gull, tern, small tern, white-winged tern.In addition to its fauna, the lake is very interesting in terms of its flora as well. There are floating islands on it.”
Historic Wooden Mosque (Artistically Decorated): Elevated on high stone blocks, this traditional, minaret-less, rectangular structure is built using the interlocking wooden technique. Its most captivating feature is that the entire interior is hand-painted with dense botanical motifs, leaving no surface untouched. This unique artwork, featuring a two-story courtyard and a hipped roof, showcases not only the structural but also the decorative richness of Black Sea wooden architecture, offering visitors an unparalleled cultural experience.
Kavak Ortaköy Waterfall: Easily accessible on the Asarcık-Kavak road in the Kavak district of Samsun, this waterfall is a peaceful sanctuary for nature lovers. It offers visitors a complete relaxation experience with its dense green environment and designated picnic areas. It stands as one of Kavak’s most attractive natural beauties for those wishing to escape city chaos and enjoy the fresh air and the sound of running water.
The mosque, given the similarities with others in the area, is said to have been built in the second half of the 19th century. The entrance to the two-story mosque has wooden double-leaf doors which are among the most important parts of the mosque. The second floor of the mosque was built as three clover-shaped balconies. The architectural form and woodworking of the mosque is one of the original samples of Turkish architecture.
The church, standing in the middle of Ayaklialan Village on a high hill was built with 10×10 m dimensions on a square plan. It is estimated that the church was built at the beginning of the 19th century. In the course of time, due to human and nature related pressures, the church lost its form; however the main walls of it still stands with its fresks.
Kavak Tirit House: Located in the Kavak district of Samsun, Tirit House is a unique gastronomy destination where you can taste the region’s most famous geographically indicated delicacy, “Goose Tirit”. Prepared with the perfect harmony of specially raised goose meat, bulgur pilaf, and phyllo dough, this centuries-old flavor is served in an authentic atmosphere. It is an indispensable culinary stop for tourists wishing to experience one of the most special tastes of Samsun cuisine.

Doğu Rotası:

The bronze statue of Ataturk, the symbol of Samsun, was built by the Austrian sculptor H. Kriphel by the fees paid by the people of Samsun. The statue was brought to Samsun on 15 November 1931 with a German vessel. Together with the statue, H. Kriphel and Mayer -a Viennese engineer- arrived to Samsun to locate it. The statue, named as Honor Monument, has a pedestal height of 4.75 meters and a base of 8.85 meters. On a horse prancing on a large pedestal, Ataturk is seen with all his majesty. with a proud expression, his gaze, which stood west and far away, is full of determination. Fearlessness and the power of the nation are expressed with the statue. There are two reliefs on the sides of the pedestal and writings on the other sides. In one relief, there are people carrying bullets and ammunition alongside the boat. The fact that they had a cannon carriage behind them revived the moment of war. In the midst of the other relief, Ataturk stands tall with all his features, as a symbol of great victory. His head turned to the public and surrounded by peasants and citizens of the Turkish Nation. The writings on the base of the statue are as follows: a) Ataturk started the National Salvation War of the country on May 19, 1919 in Samsun. b) This statue was erected in 1931 by the people of Samsun Province.
The museum was built in 1928 as a facility for railway construction workers. In the course of time, it served for different purposes such as a football club building. In 2011, the building was restored and started to serve as a city museum in order to transmit the social memory to the nextgenerations. City Museum has a nice, open cafeteria where you may rest after your visit.
An important historical open-air museum displaying a life-size replica of the Bandırma Ferry, the ship that brought Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Samsun on May 19, 1919. It offers visitors a historical experience reflecting the spirit of the National Struggle.
An established sports facility located on the city’s coastline, serving professional and amateur athletes. It hosts national tournaments and is the region’s center for tennis sports.
A spacious and organized camping area along the coastline, where caravan and camping enthusiasts can safely stay with provided electricity, water, and social amenities.
A social facility and restaurant island located on the sea within the boundaries of the Canik district. Suada is particularly popular during the summer months, offering dining, drinking, and entertainment with a Black Sea view.
The Canik Toy Museum, located in the Canik district, was established to preserve and exhibit the history of toys and the culture of play. It houses a vast collection of toys spanning from the Ottoman period to the present day, offering visitors a nostalgic journey.
These Hellenistic-era tomb monuments, dated between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, belonged to the ruling class of the Pontus Kingdom. Constructed using cut stone and rock carving techniques, the tumuli reflect the region’s ancient architecture.
This authentic fish restaurant is located right on the seashore in Samsun’s Canik district, offering fresh seasonal fish, seafood, and a stunning view of the harbor. It is a tranquil culinary stop favored by both locals and visitors.
Lovelet is a modern outlet mall in the Canik district, close to the city center. As one of the largest outlet concept malls in the Black Sea region, it hosts discount stores from national and international brands, ample dining, and entertainment venues.
This intriguing structure in Samsun’s Canik district is built upside down, with its roof on the ground and floor in the air. This gravity-defying Upside Down House is a fun spot, particularly for photography enthusiasts and families with children.
Türkiye’s first and the world’s third surgical instruments museum. It was created by restoring the historic TCDD Locomotive Repair Workshop (1926). The museum exhibits antique medical objects that illuminate the history of medicine from the Ottoman period to the present.
Balonya is one of Türkiye’s largest inflatable children’s playgrounds, situated on the coastline. With its giant slides, climbing tracks, and trampolines, it is one of the most popular entertainment destinations for families with children.
A popular café run by the Metropolitan Municipality, situated right next to Lake Sevgi on the Samsun coast. With its sea view and budget-friendly menu, it is an ideal spot to relax after a walk.
This man-made pond along the coastline offers a peaceful atmosphere with swans, ducks, and geese. Surrounded by walking paths and wooden bridges, it is a popular spot for photography and spending time in nature.
An award-winning shopping mall created by faithfully restoring the historic Samsun Tobacco Factory buildings. With its open-air concept and historical texture, it offers a modern living space in the heart of the city.
The historic Mantıka Palas Hotel where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed upon his first arrival in Samsun on May 19, 1919. Today, it serves as a museum exhibiting Atatürk’s belongings, photographs, and documents from that period.
Home to the Samsun State Opera and Ballet, this modern arts center is a significant structure where major cultural events such as opera, ballet, theater, and concerts are held.
Kurtulus Yolu (path of independence) is the pier where Ataturk set foot on Samsun in the morning of 19 May 1919 with his 18 friends to start the Independence War. This historic pier, which witnessed the beginning of this holy march of a handful of valiant hearts filled with love of homeland, was rebuilt in a similar way to the original. Thus, the rebirth of the Turkish nation in the morning of May 19, 1919 is immortalized on the pier. Ataturk, his friends and people of Samsun whom went to the pier to meet him, were sculpted with a special wax technique. You may also witness the beginning of our War of Independence as you travel through the Road of Salvation.
A tourist cruise ship owned by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality. It offers visitors the pleasure of viewing Samsun from the sea with tours along the coastline.
One of the symbols of the city, the Great Mosque was built in the 14th century by Hidir Bey, a Seljuk commander. The temple was initially built by wood, however it was burned completely during the great fire of Samsun in 1869 and in the same place, new mosque was built in 1884 by Batumlu Haci Ali. Since Sultan Abdulaziz’s mother funded the construction, it is also called as Valide (mother) Mosque. Located in a large courtyard, the mosque is made of stone. The large dome of the mosque which is decorated with herbal and geometric patterns inside, attracts attention as well.
Saathane Square is one of the oldest centers of Samsun and still maintains its commercial and cultural importance. The square received its name from the clock tower located in the centre of it. In 2016, the restoration of Saathane Square started and the restoration works of the historical Tashan, Sifa Hamami, Suleyman Pasa Madrasah and Mosque are almost completed.
Built as part of the Saathane Square project, this mansion features traditional architecture. It is a pleasant spot to enjoy tea and coffee while admiring the city’s historical atmosphere.
This social facility, operated by the Metropolitan Municipality and offering affordable, high-quality service, serves as a public recreation and socializing space in the city’s central locations.
This historic mosque is located near Saathane Square. It takes its name from the madrasah (Islamic school) that once stood next to it but has not survived. Its simple architecture and spiritual atmosphere are noteworthy.
The historic madrasa, restored by the General Directorate of Foundations, is located in Saathane Square. Today, the building houses cultural and commercial shops and is worth seeing for its exquisite stonework.
A traditional Turkish bathhouse that has been in service for centuries. It has survived to this day with its historical texture preserved, offering local and international tourists an authentic bathing and relaxation experience.
The construction of the historic building began in 1911 and was completed by Architect Monsieur Rici in 1913. This structure, which was attended by numerous foreign consular officials at its opening, is one of the important administrative buildings of the late Ottoman period.
The Pavilion, named as Acem Tekkesi, is located in the town centre. The age of the building is unknown, however it is estimated that the structure was built around mid 19th century. It has served as an stopover place for the foreigners such as merchants for decades. In 2005, the pavilion was restored and given to the service of Ilkadim Municipality. Acem Tekkesi still serves as a restaurant where you may find traditinonal cuisine today.
Located right next to the Acem Tekke complex, this historical and social facility is exclusively for women. It combines the traditional Turkish bath culture with modern pool facilities.
This stylish restaurant with sea views is famous for its fresh Black Sea fish and local meze, particularly seasonal fish such as turbot, anchovies, and whiting.
Nominated for the European Museum of the Year award, it is one of Türkiye’s most modern museums. It houses the Black Sea region’s largest archaeological and ethnographic collection, including the famous Amisos Treasure and mosaics.
This elegant 19th-century Ottoman street fountain was restored for preservation and relocated to the landscaped area of the Samsun Museum, where it is now on display.
A clean, Blue Flag beach known for its proximity to the city center, named after the historic lighthouse next to it. Its shallow waters and sandy beach make it an ideal vacation spot for families.
A modern sports facility located within the Batıpark sports complex, close to Olympic standards. It is a popular entertainment center where visitors of all ages can ice skate.
A professional entertainment center in the Batıpark district with international-standard bowling lanes, offering both sports and entertainment. Tournaments are regularly organized here.
One of the largest archery halls in the world, this modern architectural facility hosts national and international archery competitions.
A thematic village established in memory of the legendary female warriors (Amazons) believed to have lived in the Terme region. It offers an interesting open-air museum experience with wax statues and living spaces reflecting the period.
This cable car line operates between Batıpark beach and Amisos Hill. The short but enjoyable ride takes visitors to the archaeological site while offering stunning panoramic views of Samsun.
This massive statue located on the Batıpark pier depicts an Amazon warrior. Along with the giant Anatolian Lion statues on either side, this magnificent monument is one of the city’s iconic symbols.
This popular spot is located right on the seafront, next to the Amazon Monument. It is preferred for breakfast and dinner, offering canal views and a spacious garden.
The artificial canal within Batıpark is a training track for water sports and dragon boat races. Visitors can watch athletes engaging in canoeing and other sports or participate in events.
This archaeological site contains monumental tombs (tumuli) from the Hellenistic period. It is the terminus of the modern cable car line, offering visitors a chance to see one of Samsun’s earliest settlements and enjoy panoramic city views.
A massive recreational area created by filling the sea, featuring the Amazon Village, a cable car station, picnic areas, and restaurants. It is one of the city’s most popular and large green spaces.
Built on the site of the former bus station, it is one of the largest shopping malls in the Black Sea Region. It is a modern lifestyle center featuring international brands, cinemas, and terrace restaurants with sea views.
Samsun’s oldest and most established shopping destination. Located on “Mecidiye Street,” this arcade and its surroundings form the city’s nostalgic commercial heart, where everything from clothing to technology can be found.
Located in the Ulugazi neighborhood, the church was built in 1846 and began operating as the Mater Dolorosa Church in 1885. Preserving its historical texture, the structure is open for worship and visitation.
This office provides tourists with free maps, brochures, and guide services, making it an essential first stop before commencing a tour of the city.
This leading digital display center in Türkiye uses the Flying Theatre system to offer visitors a multi-dimensional, immersive experience. It brings Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun and the War of Independence period to life using high technology.
The necropolis (cemetery) of the ancient city of Amisos, Samsun’s first settlement. It contains large tumuli belonging to noble families, dating back to the Hellenistic Period (3rd century BC). The hill offers panoramic views of Samsun.
(See Item 53: Same archaeological site as the Amisos Ancient City and Necropolis Area. Accessible by cable car.)
This unique collection of gold, silver, and glass artifacts, excavated from the tumuli on Amisos Hill, belonged to high-ranking officials of the Pontic Kingdom. Famous for its gold crowns and jewelry, the entire treasure is displayed in the Samsun Museum.
This historic bazaar, built between 1807 and 1818 in Samsun city center, is the city’s oldest commercial heart. Today, it preserves its historical character and houses second-hand goods and handicraft shops.
A historic rectangular industrial building constructed with a stone masonry system, consisting of ground, main, and attic floors. It reflects late Ottoman architecture, notable for its flat-arched windows and Marseilles tiled hipped roof.
A rectangular stone structure, notable for its architecture, consisting of a basement, ground floor, and main floor. Throughout its history, it served successively as the Merkez Ünas Girls’ School, a model school, and the Bozkurt Primary School.
A historic U-shaped government building commissioned by Samsun Governor Trabzonlu Osman Pasha in 1884. It is an important example of Late Ottoman civil architecture, notable for its cut stonework and projecting main entrance on the south facade.
A three-story historic building with a rectangular plan and stone masonry. It reflects Late Ottoman civil architecture, notable for its protrusions (balconies and bay windows) supported by stone columns on the north and south facades.
A rectangular structure built with cut stone and oriented east-west. The south side consists of ground, main, and basement floors. Entry is provided through rectangular openings.
A rectangular structure built with cut stone masonry. It is notable for its round-arched iron door and the tower-shaped roof section that projects from the facade. It is an important administrative building from the late Ottoman period.
A rectangular, stone masonry historical administrative building. It reflects Late Ottoman architecture, notable for its flat-arched entrance, the roof section terminating in a triangular pediment, and the iron spiral staircase details.
Historic Ziraat Bank Building (Former Bank of Athens): This two-story (ground + basement) stone masonry building, opened in 1909 as the Bank of Athens, later served as the Bank of Thessaloniki and the Security Fund. The structure reflects the opulent architecture of period financial institutions with its pointed-arched iron door, columns extending to the roofline, and large, wave-formed windows.
The monument was created by sculptor Hakkı Atamulu between 1981-1982 to commemorate the centenary of Ataturk’s birthday. The port, where the pier Ataturk set foot on Samsun on 19 May 1919, was filled with rocks during the construction of Samsun Port. Today, the pier stands 250 m away from the coast. This monument was erected in order to determine the location of this pier and it symbolizes solidarity by putting Ataturk and his commanders at the center. The statues on both ends of the monument symbolize youth.
This is a multi-purpose hall located in Samsun’s İlkadım district and used by the Metropolitan Municipality. Named after Martyr Ömer Halisdemir, it serves the city’s social and institutional life by hosting a wide range of organizations such as congresses, symposiums, corporate meetings, and cultural events.
Historic Commercial Building (e.g., Bank Building): This is a magnificent three-story (ground + two main floors) structure built with cut stone masonry on level ground with a trapezoidal plan. It showcases the rich stonework of Late Ottoman architecture, notable for its ornate, round-arched entrance flanked by colonnettes on the north facade, and its stone-railed balconies supported by botanical-motif corbels.
Constructed using a masonry construction system, the building utilizes stone as the primary material. It consists of a ground floor and two standard floors. The building has a rectangular plan oriented east-west. The exterior roof is a flat roof. The ground floor is accessed from the northeast corner. This is accessed through a round-arched, double-winged wooden door. The entrance level is accessed via a single-armed stone staircase. Above the oval entrance section, balconies are located on both standard floors. These balconies are equipped with iron railings. The first standard floor entrance door is rectangular, double-winged, and wooden. The second standard floor balcony door is round-arched, double-winged, and wooden. Balconies are located above the entrances on the standard floor. The balcony doors are rectangular, double-winged, and wooden. The standard floor balcony door ends in an eyebrow arch. The windows on the building’s facades are rectangular and single-winged. The side and top windows feature shaped, projecting stone sills. Stone moldings run between the floors, at the roof junction, and at the corners. The building’s facades are painted.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a ground floor and two standard stories. Stone was used in its construction. It is situated at the intersection of two streets, and the south corner is recessed to provide entry. The entrance door is not original. The southeast and southwest facades face the street. The other two facades are adjacent and have solid walls. The ground floor facades are currently arranged as glass windows due to commercial units. The upper floors feature overhangs on both facades. These overhangs are supported by iron buttresses on columns. These overhangs create round balconies that overlap the doors. Access to the balconies is provided by single-leaf rectangular doors. There is a window on each side of the doors. The doors and windows have cut stone sills. The pediment above the balcony door on the second floor is a round arch. The arch features a floral motif. The roof is hipped and has a narrow eave. The eaves rise upwards at the level of the balcony, forming a pointed triangular pediment. The pediment is stepped with moldings and connected to a square plinth at the top. The building has three windows on each floor on its southwest facade. The southeast facade is a repeat of the southwest facade. A double-winged door at the corner, extending from the ground floor, provides access to the stairs leading to the first and second floors. All windows have cut stone sills. The pediments and sills of the windows are molded.
The building is situated on a gently sloping site oriented north-south. Constructed using masonry, the building utilizes stone as the primary material. It consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. The building has a rectangular plan oriented east-west. The exterior roof is covered by a hipped roof. The soffits of the roof are enclosed. The building has two entrances to the ground floor from the south. The entrance doors are rectangular, double-winged, and wooden. Each entrance level is accessed by a single-armed stone staircase extending from the east. Balconies are located above the entrances on the standard floor. The balcony doors are rectangular, double-winged, and wooden. The balcony on the east side is supported by a single post. The western entrances project along all floors. The windows on the building’s facades are rectangular, single-winged, and wooden. They have profiled, projecting stone sills. Stone moldings run between floors, at the roof junctions, and at the corners. The roof moldings are ornamented. The facades are painted.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. It has a hipped roof. Floor spaces and corners are accessed through moldings. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged door on the east facade. This door is accessed by a staircase. A long, thin rectangular window flanks each door. The structure recesses into the interior, emphasizing the entrance. On the standard floor, a projecting bay window is located just above the entrance. This bay window is supported by two stone columns. The bay window creates a large, semi-open space in front of the entrance. The bay window has two windows on the front facade and one on each side. The windows and their frames are made of wood. The soffits are also made of wood. The roof of the bay window is a gable roof. The windows on the ground and first floors are made of wood and are of the guillotine type. The ground floor windows have full iron railings, while the first floor windows have iron railings halfway up. The basement is accessed through a single-wing iron door on the east side, opening from under the stairs. The basement windows are small, rectangular, made of wood and have iron railings. The building is adjacent to each other on the south side.
The building has a rectangular plan, oriented east-west. Constructed using a masonry system, the building utilizes stone as the primary material. It consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. The main ground-floor entrance is located on the east facade, accessed through a rectangular, double-winged wooden door. There are two secondary entrances on the west facade. The original entrance door is a round-arched, single-winged wooden door. The entrance to a later addition features a rectangular, single-winged wooden door. Both entrance levels are accessed via a single-armed stone staircase. A standard-floor balcony sits above the entrance on the east facade. The balcony is supported by two stone columns. The balcony railings are made of stone and feature stonework. The balcony is covered with a wide eave. The eaves are flat at the edges and triangular in the middle. The ground-floor and standard-floor windows are rectangular, guillotined, and wooden, with projecting stone sills. The basement windows have low arches and wide stone sills. The ground floor and basement windows have iron bars. Between the floors and at the corners are exposed stone moldings. The exterior of the building is a hipped roof. The eaves are covered. The facades are currently plastered and painted.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, ground floor, and one standard floor. The hipped roof is covered with Marseille tiles. The building is situated within a garden, and access is through a double-winged iron door on the southwest facade. Moldings are created between the floors and at the corners with cut stone and facing stone. A double-winged wooden door on the southwest facade provides access to the ground floor. The entrance is accessed by a single-armed staircase. There is one window on each side of the door. The bay window projects above the entrance. The bay window is supported by stone columns at its corners. The bay window has one window on each side at the front. There is one window on each side of the bay window. The ground floor and first floor windows are guillotine-type with wooden frames. The basement windows are low-arched and made of wood. The basement and ground floor windows have iron railings. The balcony on the northeast facade, supported by two columns, is accessed from the first floor. There is another entrance to the ground floor via a double-winged wooden door on the northwest facade. A single-flight staircase leads to the entrance.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a ground floor and two standard stories. The hipped roof is covered with Marseille tiles. Interfloor spaces and corners are molded, and the main walls are plastered. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged wooden door on the northeast facade. There is a window on each side of the door. The ground floor windows have iron railings. Above the entrance, on the second floor, there is a projecting bay window. The bay window is supported by buttresses at its corners. The bay window has a window on each side at the front. The bay window sill is wood-paneled. The windows are rectangular, made of wood, and of the guillotine type.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a ground floor and two standard stories. The hipped roof is covered with Turkish style tiles. The wide eaves are clad in wood. Floor spaces and corners are molded. A double-wing wooden door on the northeast facade provides access to the ground floor. There are three windows to the right and two to the left of the door. The ground floor windows have iron railings. A projecting bay window overhangs the entrance. The bay window has two windows at the front and one on each side. On each side of the bay window are two windows on the building’s façade. The bay window’s soffits are clad in wood and supported by buttresses. The bay window, with its triangular pediment, is covered with a gable roof. There are a total of six windows on the first floor. The windows are wooden and guillotine-type.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. The basement surface is plastered, and the ground and standard floor facades are clad in wood. Interfloor spaces and corners are accessed with wood moldings. The ground floor is accessed through two doors from the east corner of the building, which are set back for entry on the northeast side. These side-by-side doors are single-winged and made of wood. The doors open onto a garden, which is accessed through a double-winged iron door on the northeast side. Both the northeast and northwest facades feature prominent bay windows. Each bay window has two windows on the front facade and one on the side facade. The bay windows are supported by buttresses. The ground and first floor windows are made of wood and are guillotine-type. The ground floor windows, close to the road level and the basement windows, have iron railings.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, ground floor, and a standard floor. The roof is hipped, and the soffits are wide. The soffits are clad in wood. The main walls are currently plastered and painted. A double-winged wooden door on the northwest facade provides access to the ground floor. This entrance is accessed by a single-armed staircase. The door has a round-arched pediment, finished in glass. Rectangular windows flank the door. These windows have iron railings. Both the windows and the door have stone sills. Above the entrance is a projecting bay window and a balcony surrounding it. This overhang, clad in wood, is supported by two wooden posts and two wooden buttresses. Double-winged wooden doors provide access to the balcony on all three sides of the bay window. On the southwest facade, there is another entrance for the ground floor, accessed through a double-winged door. All windows in the building are wooden and of the guillotine type.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. The roof is a hipped roof and is clad with Turkish style tiles. The wide soffit slab is clad in wood. The west facade is clad in wood up to the roof level. The main walls on the other facades are plastered. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged, round-arched wooden door on the east facade. A window is adjacent to each side of the door. The entrance is accessed by a single-armed staircase ascending from the north corner, adjacent to the facade. The bay window, projecting above the door, is supported by two stone columns at its corners. The entrance floor is hollow, creating a semi-open space for the double-winged wooden door opening to the basement. The bay window is paneled with wood. On each side of the bay window, there are two windows on each floor. The windows on the ground and basement floors have full iron railings, while the first floor windows have iron railings halfway up. The rectangular windows are guillotine-type. A double-winged wooden door on the west facade provides another entrance to the ground floor. The wooden eaves above the door are covered with Marseille-style tiles. A double-winged wooden door on the south facade provides another entrance to the basement. The building is adjacent to the north facade.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, ground floor, and a standard floor. The hipped roof has narrow eaves. The soffit is designed as a frieze with dentil decoration. The main walls are plastered. The corners and inter-floor spaces are covered with moldings. The entrance door on the southwest facade is double-winged and made of wood, providing access to the ground floor. The entrance is emphasized by its recessed position. It is accessed by a single-armed staircase. The front door is bordered by two columns, a continuation of the facade. The columns are connected by arches. Access to the balcony above the entrance is from the first floor. The balcony is supported by stone columns at the corner points. On the northeast facade, on the ground floor, a balcony extends along the entire facade. The balcony is supported by four pairs of columns. The columns are repeated on the first floor. The balcony is accessed through a double-winged wooden door. There are two windows on each side of the door. The basement is accessed below the balcony. The facade is divided into three parts by four pairs of columns. There are two windows on the first floor in the central section, and one window in each of the smaller sections on the sides. The windows are wooden and guillotine-type. The ground floor and basement windows have iron railings.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, ground floor, and one standard floor. The hipped roof is covered with Marseille tiles, and atop it is an octagonal, conical tower. The conical roof has a narrow eave around the tower. The floor spaces and corners are trimmed with cut stone. The basement is accessed through a single-winged, low-arched door located along the road on the north facade. There are windows on each side of the door. A small balcony is located on the first floor of the north facade. The balcony is supported by two buttresses at the bottom. A double-winged door leads to the balcony, which has a window on each side. The windows on the ground floor have iron railings. A double-winged wooden door on the east facade provides access to the ground floor. This door is accessed by a single-winged staircase. The west corner of the north facade is recessed for the entrance door. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged wooden door located here, which is accessed by a single-winged staircase. The entrance door is glazed down to the floor. The building is situated within a garden. The garden is entered through double-winged iron gates with columns on the sides, located on the east and west corners.
RESIDENCE 5 (ULUGAZİ NEIGHBORHOOD) Type: Civil Architecture Province: Samsun District: İlkadım OVERVIEW INVENTORY INFORMATION LOCATION GALLERY General Description The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. The main walls are currently plastered and painted. The hipped roof forms a wide eave. The soffits are clad with wood and painted. The floor spaces and corners are covered with moldings. The door and window frames and moldings are painted to make them more prominent. There is a later addition on the southwest facade. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged wooden door on the northeast facade. The door is accessed by a single-winged staircase, which has short railings. The balcony, located directly above the entrance, is supported by buttresses at the bottom. The balcony is accessed by a double-winged door. There is a similar balcony protrusion on the first floor on the northwest facade. Each floor has a window on either side of the doors. The windows sit on the projecting sills. There is a projecting pediment similar to a sill. The landing in front of the door is supported by columns below. Below this landing is the entrance to the basement.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, ground floor, and a standard floor. The hipped roof is clad in Marseille tiles, and the wide eaves are clad in wood. The first floor and corners are finished with moldings. The main walls are plastered. On the east side of the building, there is a projecting bay window on the first floor. This bay window has one window on each side at the front. There are two windows on each side of the bay window on the first floor. A single-wing wooden door in the corner on the east side provides access to the basement. A single-wing wooden door on the south side provides access to the ground floor. The entrance door is accessed by a single-armed staircase. Both sides of the bay window project outward from the north and south facades on the first floor. The ground floor and basement windows have iron railings. The windows are wooden and are guillotine-type.
RESIDENCE 6 (ULUGAZİ NEIGHBORHOOD) Type: Civil ArchitectureProvince: SamsunDistrict: İlkadımOVERVIEWINVENTORY INFORMATIONLOCATIONGALLERYGeneral DescriptionThe building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, a ground floor, and a standard floor. The hipped roof also covers the round-arched pediment on the northeast facade. There are column-shaped elevations on the pediment and on both sides. The pediment is supported by buttresses at the corners. The narrow soffit is clad in wood and decorated with dentils. The floor spaces and corners are molded with cut stone. The double-winged wooden door on the northwest facade provides access to the ground floor. The entrance is reached by stairs. The overhanging balcony above the entrance has an iron railing and is supported by buttresses at the bottom. The door on the southwest facade provides access to the ground floor, while the door is reached by stairs. The balcony exit above the door is accessed through the double-winged wooden door on the first floor. The eaves extend over the balcony, forming a porch, with the help of buttresses. The balcony on the southeast facade and the eaves extending over it, like a porch, are supported by two stone columns. The balcony extends across the ground and first floors, while the ground-floor section was later enclosed with wood-framed glass.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a ground floor and one standard floor. The hipped roof forms a narrow eave line. The soffits are clad in wood. The floor spaces and corners are molded with wood. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged wooden door on the northwest facade. There is a window on each side of the door. The entrance is accessed by a five-step staircase. Above the entrance is a bay window supported by columns that projects forward. The bay window with a triangular pediment is covered with a gable roof. The bay window has two windows at the front and one on each side. The windows are flat-arched and rectangular. The bay window’s soffits are wood-clad and have a wooden skirt. The windows are wooden and guillotine-type. The ground floor windows have iron railings. The building, located within the garden, is entered from the northwest facade through a double-winged iron door flanked by stone columns.
The building, constructed in the masonry construction system, consists of a basement, ground floor, and a standard floor. Floor spaces and corners are accessed by moldings. The hipped roof forms a wide eave on the facades. The soffits are clad in wood. The ground floor is accessed through a double-winged wooden door on the east facade. The entrance door is accessed via a semi-spiral staircase with two separate flights. The stairs have iron railings. There is a projecting bay window above the entrance. The bay window is supported by two stone columns at each corner. It has two windows at the front and one at each side. The projecting bay window on the first floor on the north facade is supported by two columns at each corner. Repeated columns on both floors also support a balcony, the same size as the bay window on the ground floor. The balcony has an iron railing. A double-winged wooden door from under the balcony provides access to the basement. The doors and windows on the basement are framed with cut stone. The windows are made of wood and are guillotine-type. The windows on the ground floor and basement floor have iron railings.
The building, constructed using a masonry construction system, was constructed using stone. The mosque was known as the Molla Fahreddin Mosque in its early period. According to written sources, archive documents indicate that the Molla Fehreddin Mosque was built in 1876, along with the adjacent Mevlevi lodge. The structure consists of a prayer room, a narthex, and a women’s gallery. Originally a single-unit mosque, the narthex was added later. The narthex has a pointed arched window arrangement. The building has a rectangular plan oriented north-south. The minaret is located on the west facade. Constructed from cut stone, the minaret has a single balcony. All facades have a single row of windows. The original windows have round arches and iron bars. The windows in the narthex are rectangular. The external roof of the building is a dome resting on a polygonal drum. The entrance to the narthex is located on the north facade. The entrance door is a double-winged, rectangular wooden structure. The entrance to the prayer room is located on the north, in the narthex. Entrance to the prayer hall is through a double-winged, round-arched wooden door. The women’s gallery is accessed from the narthex via a winding iron staircase to the east. The interior of the building is covered with a dome in the center. Pendentives serve as a transition from the dome to the main walls. The pendentives are connected by round arches. The mihrab is made of stone and is plain. The pulpit and sermon platform are made of wood, but are not original. The interior walls are partially covered with wood, while the rest are painted.
The building, constructed using a masonry construction system, used stone as the primary material. The structure consists of a prayer hall and a narthex. The narthex has an L-shaped plan. The building has a rectangular plan oriented north-south. The minaret is located on the south facade. A later minaret has no balcony. The external roof of the structure is a hipped roof, and the roofing material is Turkish style tiles. The soffits of the roof are covered with wood. The narthex has large round-arched windows. The windows in the prayer hall are rectangular on the exterior. These windows are made of wood with iron bars. Entrance to the narthex is located on the north and east facades. These entrances are provided through single-winged rectangular doors. The entrance to the prayer hall is located on the north side of the narthex. Entrance to the harim is provided through a double-winged rectangular wooden door. The mihrab is made of stone and painted white on the inside. The pulpit and sermon podium are made of wood and are not original. The interior walls are partially covered with wood, while the rest are painted blue. The interior of the building is covered with a flat ceiling. The ceiling is made of wood. According to written sources, the structure was built for the Islamic scholar Sheikh Sayyid Kutbiddin, who died in 772 AH (1322/1323 CE). Adjacent to the mosque is a tomb to the south. A large cemetery surrounds the mosque and tomb.
The building has a rectangular plan, oriented north-south. Constructed using masonry, the building utilizes wood as its primary material. It consists of a basement, ground floor, and a standard floor. According to written sources, the building was constructed in 1928 as the Samsun-Sivas Railway Construction and Operation Administration and State Railway Housing. It was first used as a lodging and later as the Demirspor Club. The TCDD lodgings and the Demirspor Club building were expropriated in 2011, and restoration work began. The restored building now serves as the Samsun City Museum. There is a bay window on the standard floor of the south facade. The bay window is supported by cantilevers at the edges. Balconies are located on the ground floor and standard floor, in the northeast corner, and on the west side of the standard floor. These balconies are covered with wide eaves. A section of the building’s eastern facade projects along all floors. The windows are rectangular or round-arched, guillotined, and wooden. The wooden frames have outward-slanting profiles. Wooden moldings extend from the exterior between floors. The exterior of the building is a four-sided hipped roof covered with Turkish style tiles. The underside of the eaves is covered with wood. The facades of the building are currently painted.
The building, constructed using a masonry construction system, used brick and stone as materials. The prayer hall was constructed with one row of cut stone and three rows of brick in an alternating pattern. The structure consists of the prayer hall, narthex, and women’s gallery. Originally a single-unit mosque, the narthex was later added. The narthex has a pointed-arched window arrangement. The building has a rectangular plan oriented north-south. The minaret is located on the west facade. A later minaret has a single balcony. All facades have double rows of windows. The lower row of windows are rectangular, with iron bars, and have blind pointed arches at the top. The upper row of windows have pointed arches. The external roofing is a dome resting on an octagonal drum on a square. The soffits of the roof are gradually covered with brick. The entrance to the narthex is located on the north facade. The entrance door is a double-winged rectangular wooden door. The entrance to the prayer hall is located on the north side, in the narthex. The entrance to the prayer hall is provided by a single-winged, low-arched wooden door. The women’s gallery is accessed via a wooden staircase located in the harim on the west side. The mihrab has a muqarnas-shaped frame with elaborate workmanship. The pulpit and sermon platform are made of wood and are not original. The interior walls are clad in wood up to a section, while the other sections are painted white. The interior roof of the structure is a dome in the center. Pendentives serve as the transition from the dome to the main walls. The pendentives are connected by pointed arches. Written sources, based on its inscription, claim that it dates to 890 AH (1485/1486 AD). However, different sources provide different dates for its construction. An information board inside the structure states that the structure was built in 712 AH (1312/1313 AD).
It was the most important place of worship for the Greek community, the largest non-Muslim community in Samsun at the end of the 19th century. Construction of the church, located on Çiftlik Street, was permitted in 1866 and completed in 1872. The residence of the Greek Metropolitan of the period in Samsun made the church the religious and cultural center of the region. Over time, the church became associated with a large educational complex, surrounding it were Greek Girls’ and Boys’ Schools, a primary school, the administration office, and auxiliary units. Notable for its twin bell towers, domed domes, and three-nave structure, the church has not survived to the present day; the site on which it stood has been completely transformed over time, and a school has been built in its place. Source: Taşar, Vedia Derda, “Architectural Activities of Non-Muslims After the Tanzimat Period: Churches of Samsun Town (1866-1990)”, Journal of the Black Sea Research Institute, 8/15, pp. 239-271. DOI: 10.31765/karen.1135734
Built in the Selahiye neighborhood in the early 20th century, the Armenian Catholic Church was designed by architect Leon Gurekian and housed within a small courtyard along with an adjacent parsonage. A hipped-roofed masonry structure, the church is seen on a raised site in photographs. The structure has not survived, and 30 August Primary School currently stands on the site of the former church. Source: Taşar, Vedia Derda, “Architectural Activities of Non-Muslims After the Tanzimat Reform Era: Churches of Samsun Town (1866-1990)”, Journal of the Black Sea Research Institute, 8/15, pp. 239-271. DOI: 10.31765/karen.1135734
Located in Samsun’s Saathane Square, the Pazar Mosque is one of the city’s oldest places of worship, built in 1380 during the Ilkhanate period. It is believed to take its name from the old market that once existed in the area. The mosque underwent various renovations during the Ottoman period, most notably a comprehensive restoration in 1819 by Süleyman Pasha, the Governor of Trabzon and Treasurer of the Canik Tax Office. The rectangular structure is roofed, and its mihrab features distinctive round-shaped ornaments. Its single-hallowed minaret, rising from a stone base, is one of the mosque’s characteristic features. The collapse of the minaret, which fell onto the mosque during the earthquake of December 26, 1939, was a significant turning point. Following the earthquake, the minaret was rebuilt, and the damaged sections were repaired. The mosque was registered with the Süleyman Paşa Foundation in 1938, its foundation registration was renewed in 1948, and it continues to serve in this capacity today.
Located in the Golalan Village of Canik District, Golalan Waterfalls are almost 15 km away from the town center. You may reach the waterfalls by following a narrow pathway and enjoy the magnificent beauty of them.
Located in the Antyeri neighborhood of the Tekkeköy district, the Antyeri Church is a significant structure, originally built as a church and later converted into a mosque. The structure has a rectangular plan, cut stone, and a hipped roof. A prominent bell tower stands in the southwest corner. The church is particularly notable for its well-preserved bell tower and architectural features, making it a rare example of similar structures in the region. It is estimated to have been built in the late 18th century. Following the population exchange, it was converted into a mosque and used for worship for a time. The structure is currently registered and is undergoing restoration, making it accessible to both history enthusiasts and cultural heritage enthusiasts.
The Tekkeköy Caves are located on rock formations rising along the valley irrigated by the Fındıcak and Çınarlı Streams in the Tekeköy district. Excavations and research efforts initiated in 1941 have uncovered numerous prehistoric caves, shelters, and settlements in the valley, yielding artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic Age. The caves along the valley date to the Chalcolithic Period. Exploration at the site was conducted by a team led by Prof. Dr. Tahsin Özgüç, a faculty member at Ankara University’s Faculty of Language, History, and Geography. Among the artifacts were various tools made of stone, wood, and bone, including hand axes, spearheads, adzes, and scrapers. At the confluence of the Çınarcık and Fındıcak Valleys, a castle, identified as a fortress, was discovered on a hill overlooking the valley. Examination of the castle’s surviving steps suggests it may have been a Phrygian castle. Artifacts discovered during excavations at the site are included in the inventory of the Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. Only a portion of the Tekkeköy Caves, which opened to the public in 2013, is open to visitors. The Tekkeköy Caves Archaeological Valley Museum House opened to the public in 2014. Created by restoring a registered residence within the Tekkeköy Caves Archaeological Valley, the museum displays replicas of excavated artifacts and thematic sculptures.
As a result of the archaeological excavations carried out in 1940, remainings belonging to the Hittite and Old Bronze Age periods were found in the region. Hence, Tekkeköy caves are home of one of the oldest civilization remainings of black sea region. There are a number of caves and facilites and a museum exhibiting the imitations of the remainings found in the area. It is free to visit at any time of the day.
The building, constructed using a masonry construction system, was constructed using rubble and cut stone as materials. Rubble stone was used for the main walls, while cut stone was used for the facade finishes, door and window frames, and under the eaves. The surviving wall on the west facade indicates that it had a gable roof. The roof covering has not survived. The doorway on the west facade is surrounded by cut stone and has a round pediment. Above the door is a crenelated window. The doorway on the south facade has a stepped molding around the perimeter. The round pediment above the door is also stepped. The east facade has three semicircular apses projecting outward. They have crenelated windows along their axes. The interior has a three-nave plan. The central nave is wider than the side naves. The columns dividing the naves and the piers meeting them at the wall points are made of cut stone and are connected to each other by round arches. There are wooden stretchers between the columns. Remains of the roof covering on the interior indicate that the upper cover was domed.
The building, constructed using a masonry construction system, used rubble stone as the primary material. The cylindrical structure has a diameter of approximately 6.00 meters and a height of approximately 7.00 meters. The structure tapers slightly towards the top. According to written sources, it was built in 1905 by the Greek people on this hill in Çırakman Village due to its high winds. Recently restored, the structure is in excellent condition. A double-track metal wheel was added during the restoration. The mill is accessible through a single-winged wooden door.
It is situated on a rocky terrain. The tomb, carved into the rock, is accessed by steps carved into the rock. A large niche is located to the side of the opening providing access to the tomb. The entrance is carved in a round arched shape. The tomb chamber consists of a large room with a vaulted ceiling. The interior is largely destroyed.
Sheikh Yusuf Zeynüddin was a great Islamic saint who lived during the Anatolian Seljuk State. He was the grandson of His Excellency Gavs-ı Azam Sheikh Abdulkadir-i Geylani and the brother of His Excellency Sheikh Qutbuddin. This great Islamic fighter and mystic, who worked to open the lands under Byzantine rule to Islam at the time, came to the region where his grave is located today, where he opened a lodge, constantly boiling a cauldron and feeding the poor, travelers, and the needy. Over time, a village arose around this lodge, giving rise to its current name, Tekkeköy. Tekkeköy is known to have taken its name from this lodge. The Tekkeköy Mosque was built next to the lodge in 1285. It is estimated that Sheikh Yusuf Zeynüddin lived between 1200 and 1330. The tomb next to the mosque bearing his name in the Tekkeköy district center is one of the most visited religious sites by visitors to the district.
The building, constructed using masonry, was constructed using cut stone and rubble as materials. It consists of a ground floor and one standard floor. According to written sources, it was built in 1826 and served as a jewelers’ market. The gable roof is covered with Marseille tiles. The main walls are plastered. The floors and edges are trimmed with cut stone. Entrances to the covered bazaar are through vaulted doors on the northeast and southwest facades. The entrance door is framed by a rectangular frame with a triangular pediment. Two arched windows are located above the entrance. The windows are surrounded by stone jambs and iron railings. The ground floor features a vaulted corridor in the middle. The vault is supported by cut stone arches at regular intervals. Rows of shops open into this hall. The building currently houses commercial units.
The building was constructed using a masonry system. Wooden materials were joined using a dovetail technique. According to written sources, the structure was built in 1206. This date is based on tests conducted on wood samples taken from the building. The structure, which uses the wolf’s throat technique, has no nails used throughout. Among the trees used in the construction are chestnut and ash. The structure is built on wooden supports placed on large stones. Therefore, the building’s floor is raised approximately 50 cm above the ground. The mosque, which lacks a minaret, has a gable roof covered with Turkish Turkish tiles. The roof has long eaves on the east and west facades, covering the narthex. The gable roof terminates in a hipped roof on the north side, which forms an eaves and covers the front entrance. The building is single-story and has no women’s gallery. The eaves are supported by wooden posts along the perimeter. The building is accessed through a wooden door on the north facade. Four wooden posts support the roof in the narthex. From here, a single-winged wooden door leads to the prayer hall. Five wooden pillars support the roof in the prayer hall. These pillars are reinforced by the insertion of beams. The interior of the roof resembles a gable roof. The interior, especially on the roof, features hand-drawn painting using natural dyes. The mihrab, pulpit, and sermon gallery are made of wood. The surface of the mihrab is painted, and the balustrades of the pulpit feature plain ornamentation.
The building is constructed using a masonry system. It is constructed using a wood-joined construction technique on a stone plinth. The hipped roof is clad with Marseille tiles. The wide eaves are clad with wood. The front entrance on the north facade has an eaves extension that covers the top of the entrance. This eaves are supported by a brick wall and three wooden pillars. The interior flat roof is supported by eight wooden pillars, which rest on wooden bases. There is no minaret or women’s gallery. The mihrab, pulpit, and sermon gallery on the south side are made of wood and painted blue. There are two windows on each facade. The rectangular windows are made of wood and have iron railings. On the north facade, a gable-roof eaves are located in front of the entrance. The eaves are covered with sheet metal.
The building was constructed using a masonry system. The wooden materials were joined using a jointing technique. The structure was raised approximately 50 cm above the ground using wooden posts. The hipped roof is clad in Marseille tiles. The wide eaves are clad in wooden soffits. The eaves are supported by wooden posts around the perimeter. The front entrance area surrounds the building on three sides. This area is repeated in the women’s gallery on the first floor. A single-armed wooden staircase in the front entrance area, entered from the north, leads to the women’s gallery. The women’s gallery is supported by two wooden posts in the prayer hall. Although it is surrounded by wooden railings, some of these have not survived. The mihrab and pulpit on the south side of the prayer hall are made of wood. The interior roof is flat. A circular ornamentation is located in the center of a square frame in the ceiling center.
“In the villages of Ordu and Seyhhabil of Carsamba, there are wooden mosques built in 14th century. One of these historical monuments, Ordu Mosque, represents the existence of Taceddinoglu Dynasty in Carsamba. The structure has a long history just as Gogceli and Seyh Habil Mosques. There is no record regarding the construction date of the mosque, however, considering that the region has been ruled by Taceddinoglu Dynasty and Ordu Village has been the capital of the Dynasty between 1423 and 1424, the structure is thought to be built in 1420. It has been made with a special technique by interlacing stumps without using nails. A marble sign, showing the date 1900, was located on the entrance gate. The structure demonstrates similarities with Gogceli and Seyh Habil Mosques.”
Çarşamba Historic Bridge: Spanning the Yeşilırmak River, this bridge was rebuilt in 1931 by Atatürk’s command after the original wooden structure. At 231 meters, it was the longest bridge in Türkiye at the time, symbolizing the strength and resolve of the young Turkish Republic. The bridge became a key monument uniting the two sides of the town, fostering community and connection among the residents.
The masonry construction system utilizes the wolf’s throat technique. Wooden planks are placed on stone blocks spaced apart on the ground, and the structure is supported on these timbers. The gable roof is covered with Turkish style tiles. The wide eaves are clad in timber. The eaves extending over the front entrance on the north and east facades are supported by timber posts, while the eaves on the west facade are supported by timber buttresses from the main structure. The front entrance on the north and east facades are bordered by timber railings. The windows are made of timber with iron railings and timber frames. A single-winged wooden door leads to the narthex from the front entrance. The window openings on the east, west, and north facades were later covered with timber slats. From this area, the prayer hall is accessed through a single-winged wooden door. The pulpit and sermon platform on the south side of the prayer hall are made of timber and are quite plain. While the location of the mihrab is still visible, there are no significant changes to the niche or materials. The pulpit is plainly carved. The roofline is supported by two wooden posts, one for each of the prayer hall and the narthex, and beams placed on these beams, along with short posts supported by these beams. The mosque is located within the cemetery, some distance from the campus.
Sheikh Habil Cemetery Mosque (Yaycılar Village): Located near the tomb of Sheikh Habil, this mosque is one of the rarest surviving wooden architectural works in the Black Sea Region. Its rectangular structure is uniquely constructed entirely from oak and elm logs using the interlocking ‘wolf’s throat’ technique. Although estimated to date back to the 13th century (1211), inscriptions on the door show repair dates from the 17th and 19th centuries, marking it as a valuable, timeless example of cultural heritage.
Natural Life Park, built by Carsamba Municipality on an area of 600 acres nearby Yesilirmak River on the 7 km south side town centre, is composed of picnic areas, equestrian facility, restaurants and cafes.
Adapark Recreation Area was established by local municipality with the aim of creating a green space inside the town. The area covers a number of facilities such as traditional Carsamba houses, Turkish bath, sports facilities, pathways, cafes, and picnic areas.
Ada Park and Lake Restaurant: This unique recreational area along the Yeşilırmak River offers every shade of green, with walking paths, picnic, and seating areas ideal for families. The park includes historical structures like the Çarşamba House and Emirhan Fountain, as well as modern facilities such as a youth center and sports courts. The Lake Restaurant provides a perfect setting with scenic views to enjoy local delicacies and celebrate special events.
Kabaceviz Waterfalls are located 32 km from Samsun and 16 km from Çarşamba. It’s one of the region’s must-see tourist attractions. It attracts local and international tourists for trekking, mountaineering, picnicking, and photo safaris. The flow of the water from the approximately 60-meter-high waterfall adds to its beauty. The flow rate may vary seasonally, but it’s recommended to visit during the spring months.
Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the Ottoman bathhouse is located in a restricted area on the banks of the Yeşilırmak River. It consists of three rooms and a dressing room. The three rooms are covered by a perforated dome, and the collapsed section of the dressing room was later covered. It now serves as the Ferhan Şensoy Art Gallery.
Hasan Uğurlu and Suat Uğurlu Dam Lakes Region: Nestled between two vast dam lakes, this region is one of Türkiye’s few areas perfectly suited for water sports. Its calm and expansive waters are ideal for dragon boating, canoeing, sailing, rowing, water skiing, and regattas. Thanks to the established Water Sports and Water Skiing Centers, guests can safely enjoy their preferred water sport amidst magnificent natural scenery. It is a unique destination that blends adrenaline with nature.
Karacaören Waterfall: Located 11 km from Salıpazarı, the Karacaören Waterfall captivates visitors with its spectacular 92-meter height and stunning beauty. Surrounded by rich Black Sea flora like beech, alder, hornbeam, and chestnut trees, it is one of Samsun’s premier ecotourism destinations. With an approximately 85-meter drop, this natural wonder is a must-see for those seeking nature walks, photography, and relaxation in a pristine environment.
Beqe Waterfall (Salıpazarı): Located in the heart of Salıpazarı, Beqe Waterfall is an indispensable cool sanctuary for those looking to escape the Black Sea’s summer heat and reconnect with nature. It is an ideal spot for a peaceful day out with family, offering captivating green landscapes, lush walking trails, and spacious picnic areas. This tranquil paradise also provides inspiring, untouched scenes for nature photographers. It is a perfect destination for day trips, carefully maintained by the local community.
Çağlayan Village Waterfalls: Located just 7 km from the district center, this area, set in a stream bed, is a hidden natural wonder featuring numerous waterfalls of varying sizes. The falls are scientifically noteworthy for their immense erosive power, which shapes the surrounding geological structure. This natural force creates wide and deep plunge pools (giant kettles) at the points of impact, making the valley a unique spot for nature lovers and photographers to enjoy geological scenery and cool waters.
Green Spring Waterfall (Hidden Paradise): Located 15 km from the district center, Yeşilpınar Waterfall is a hidden natural wonder with an impressive 50-meter height. It has the potential to be a destination on its own, offering every shade of green and gushing waters typical of the Black Sea landscape. The falls are ideal for escaping city stress; access is gained via a pleasant 1.5 km oxygen walk through the trees. Yeşilpınar is a perfect choice for those seeking peace and immersion in nature.
Eynel Bridge connects two sides of Ayvacik which is seperated by the dam lake. Completed in 2010, the bridge is first of its kind as it is the only bridge built on a lake in Turkey. The architecture of the bridge won a special award during the 4th Local Governments Symposium.
Garpu Kale, locally known as Amazon Castle and located within a forested area in the village of Konakören in the Salıpazarı district of Samsun, is actually a group of Phrygian open-air temples/rock altars. Phrygian rock altars were typically built on high, commanding views; Garpu Kale occupies a strategic position overlooking the fertile Çarşamba Plain, irrigated by the Yeşilırmak River. It is believed that worship was held at this location to commemorate the fertility and protection of the goddess Kybele. The castle site is reached via a 2-km walk through the forest, following a path branching off from the Konakören–Esat Çiftliği road. A 1.45-meter-wide and 2.4-meter-high entrance is carved into the main rock. From there, 120 steps carved into the rock ascend east and south, leading to the worship areas. The indentations along the steps indicate that wooden or rope railings once existed. Near the summit, the path splits into two branches, one leading to a 10-meter-long platform and the other to an altar carved in the shape of Cybele’s Throne. Furthermore, to the north of the rock is a mihrab-shaped altar, highlighted by steps leading to the upper level. Traces of sacrificial channels and a niche containing a statue of the goddess can be seen here. Approximately 3 km south of Garpu Kale, in the Üçevler neighborhood of Esat Çiftliği, lies another sacred site carved into the rock: the İnbükü Cave Temple. Ceramics dating to the Bronze and Iron Ages have been discovered in this cave, which stands out with its 20-meter-wide mouth opening and 45-meter length.
Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF): Located 25 km east of the city center, near the Çarşamba district, the airport opened in 1998. Since then, it has steadily increased its passenger and flight capacity, serving over 145,000 people in 2017. Regular shuttle services are available for convenient transportation between the airport and the city center.
Recreational Area Waterfall: Located at the heart of our lush green recreational zone, this waterfall is the region’s main attraction, with its waters flowing powerfully throughout the four seasons. This special spot, which stands out for its clean and orderly environment, is ideal for families seeking peaceful picnics and relaxation immersed in nature. Visitors can experience the revitalizing power of nature at its best and create unforgettable memories, thanks to ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts around the waterfall.
Terme Coastal Facilities: Situated on the unique natural coastline of Terme, these facilities offer visitors a unique, nature-immersed experience. Here, you can sip tea amidst greenery, relax in the park areas, or enjoy peaceful moments on the long coastal walking trails. As one of Terme’s most favored and popular recreation spots, these facilities are a perfect escape for both locals and tourists.
The Akgöl, Simenit and Silindir lakes, located between the Black Sea and Terme, are declared as “Wildlife Protection Area” by the National Parks Directorate and connected to each other by natural channels. Simenit and Akgöl, are 20 km away from Terme, and in the form of 2 lakes with the canal. According to urban legends, there is a sunk city in the lakes. Lakes are mostly covered with mud however partly there are deep parts of it. The east side of the lake is covered with reeds and there is also an island inside the lake. These lakes are also home of migrating birds and a number of different fishes.
Alan Village Wooden Mosque: Located 10 km from Salıpazarı center, this wooden mosque is a rare example distinguished by its vivid and colorful Republican Era adornments. The walls are covered with striking calligraphic inscriptions, including the names of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, and the Four Caliphs, along with rich motifs. Currently undergoing restoration and preservation, the mosque safeguards the region’s artistic and historical heritage for future generations.

ören yeri = archeological site

mound = höyük

excavation site = kazı alanı