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5 places to visit in the Gürgentepe district of Ordu: Gürgentepe Highland Pastures, Gürgentepe Forests and Dikenlice Rock Tombs. Plan your trip to Gürgentepe with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Gürgentepe is a district of Ordu province. It has an area of 185 km², an elevation of 1,245 m and a population of 12,499, and was established in 1987. It is 48 km from Ordu city centre and about 4 hours from Tokat. It lies at the meeting point of the Canik Mountains and the Giresun Mountains.

History

On 7 August 1955, a municipality was established as a town subordinate to Gölköy district, following the merger of Akmescit and Ağızlar villages. The area was given district status by Law No. 3392, enacted in 1987.

Geography

The district lies on a high plateau inland from the coastal strip in the interior of Ordu province. The terrain is very rugged. In the district, where the Black Sea climate prevails, winters are harsher and snowier than in coastal areas due to the high altitude, while summers are cool.

Economy

The economy of Gürgentepe is largely based on agriculture and livestock farming. Gürgentepe Çakıldak Hazelnuts are less affected by spring frosts thanks to their late budding, and in well-maintained orchards they are disease-resistant and high-yielding. Gürgentepe Çoban Fasulyesi is a product whose production has been increased under contract farming with the support of Ordu Metropolitan Municipality and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture.

Population

The population of the district changes seasonally; it increases in summer, when schools are on holiday and the hazelnut harvest begins.

History and Culture

Gürgentepe became a district on 4 July 1987 under Law No. 3392. A town subordinate to Gölköy was formed in 1955 through the merger of Akmescit and Ağızlar villages. Wrestling matches held on Fridays helped spread the Hıdırellez tradition.

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Places to Visit in Gürgentepe

  • 3 Historic
  • 2 Nature
Nature

Gürgentepe Highland Pastures

The highland pastures in the upper parts of the district, popular as summer resting places for their cool air and green meadows.

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Nature

Gürgentepe Forests

Forested areas covered with hornbeam, beech and pine trees, offering routes suitable for nature walks. The district takes its name from the hornbeam trees.

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Historic

Dikenlice Rock Tombs

15 rock tombs carved into the cliffs in Dikenlice Village.

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Historic

Tikenlice Monumental Tombs

11 monumental tombs in the Mağara Neighbourhood of Tikenlice village.

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Historic

Akmescit Akkilise ruins

The foundation remains of a church called Akkilise and a madrasa wall in Akmescit Neighbourhood.

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Places to Visit Around Ordu Province

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While you are in Gürgentepe, you can also see the highlights of Ordu province. These places are in other districts.

  • Boztepe Viewing Terrace — A hill about 4 km south of the city, known for its viewing terraces with bird's-eye views of Ordu and the Black Sea, its restaurants and its paragliding take-off area.
  • Jason Point (Yason Burnu) — A peninsula associated with the legend of the Argonauts, in the village of Çaytepe in Perşembe; it has the 19th-century Jason Church and a lighthouse.
  • Taşbaşı Church Cultural Centre — A Greek Orthodox church built in 1853 in the Taşbaşı neighbourhood; restored and used as a cultural centre, it stands out for its position overlooking the sea.
  • Paşaoğlu Mansion Ethnography Museum — In the Selimiye neighbourhood, the 19th-century mansion of Paşaoğlu Hüseyin Efendi, who migrated from Batumi after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78; since 1987 it has been an ethnography museum displaying local costume, weapons and household goods.
  • Ünye Castle — A castle on a steep rocky outcrop at Kaleköy, 5 km south-east of Ünye, thought to have been used in the Pontic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods; there is a rock-cut tomb at its foot.
  • Ulugöl — A landslide-dammed lake among forests at an altitude of 1,200 metres in Gölköy; it is the largest lake in the province and turns into a riot of colour in autumn.

Practical Information for Visiting Gürgentepe

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Summer months
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Gürgentepe

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  • Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard green leaves)

    Collard green leaves rolled around rice and minced meat and then cooked. The combination of collard greens and cornmeal forms the most characteristic flavour of Black Sea cuisine.

  • Kuymak (cornmeal and melted cheese)

    Prepared with cornmeal and cheese melted in butter. Made using recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. Each family's recipe is passed down through the generations with small variations.

  • Hamsi Tava (fried anchovies)

    Prepared by frying fresh anchovies in cornmeal. Prepared with local ingredients, this dish reflects the gastronomic richness of the region.

  • Gürgentepe Çoban Fasulyesi (Gürgentepe shepherd's beans)

    A bean variety specific to the district.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gürgentepe

  • Highland Culture

    The tradition of moving to the highland pastures continues in Gürgentepe during the summer months. As an important element of the local people's cultural identity, this tradition is passed down from generation to generation.

  • Horon Tradition

    The horon, danced to the accompaniment of the kemençe at weddings and festivities, is part of the district's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Gürgentepe Çakıldak Hazelnuts — Gürgentepe Çakıldak Hazelnuts were registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 November 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1485). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Ordu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
  • Gürgentepe Çoban Fasulyesi (Gürgentepe shepherd's beans) — Gürgentepe Çoban Fasulyesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 11 November 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1256). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Ordu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.

Economy

The economy of Gürgentepe is based on hazelnut production and livestock farming. Forestry and beekeeping are also sources of income.

How to Get to Gürgentepe

It is 30 km from Ordu. It is 45 km from Ordu-Giresun Airport.

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Gürgentepe: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Gürgentepe?

The top 5 places in Gürgentepe: Gürgentepe Highland Pastures, Gürgentepe Forests, Dikenlice Rock Tombs, Tikenlice Monumental Tombs and Akmescit Akkilise ruins.

What is there to eat in Gürgentepe?

Karalahana Sarması, Kuymak, Hamsi Tava and Gürgentepe Çoban Fasulyesi are the standout dishes on Gürgentepe tables.

What is Gürgentepe famous for?

Gürgentepe is known for Gürgentepe Çakıldak Hazelnuts and its Highland Culture. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Gürgentepe?

It is 30 km from Ordu. It is 45 km from Ordu-Giresun Airport.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Gürgentepe?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.

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