4 places to visit in the İkizce district of Ordu: İkizce Highlands, İkizce Streams and Valleys and Gençağa Castle. Plan your trip to İkizce with local food, practical tips and transport information.
İkizce is a district of Ordu province. The district covers an area of 148 km², and the average altitude of the district centre above sea level is 140 metres.
İkizce’s former name was Laleli; it appears as Laleli (لالەلی) in the Ottoman-script village list of 1928. In the 1642 avarız register, the village of Laleli was one of the villages of the Efraz (İfraz) kaza attached to Ünye, and its name was written as “Lalelü”. It was in the same administrative position in the population register of 1834. İkizce gained municipal status as a town on 20 August 1971; having previously been attached to Ünye district, it became a district in 1990.
The district had 5 municipalities, one district municipality and four town municipalities (Devecik, Kaynartaş, Şenbolluk, Yoğunoluk), along with 7 villages. Because the towns and villages in the metropolitan areas were converted into neighbourhoods in the 2013 regulation, the district now has 32 neighbourhoods.
A restoration project for the Laleli Mosque was approved in 2011. Gençağa Castle was built in the 13th century, during the period of the Hacıemiroğulları Principality.
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The highland pastures in the upper parts of the district are popular summer retreats for their cool air and natural beauty. The ecosystem, with its endemic plant species and butterfly variety, interests natural scientists.
View on mapThe streams flowing through the district and the valleys they form offer suitable areas for nature walks and picnics.
View on mapA castle on a steep rock mass on the boundary of Karlıtepe Village, İkizce.
View on mapWhile you are in İkizce, you can also see the highlights of Ordu province. These places are in other districts.
A soup made with collard greens, maize flour and beans. This delicacy, which has an important place on local people's tables, is prepared using traditional recipes. On cold winter days this soup warms you up; it is the comfort food of the region.
Made with maize flour and cheese melted in butter. This dish, prepared using recipes passed down through generations, is an important part of the local culinary culture. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.
Bread made from maize flour. Prepared with local ingredients, this delicacy reflects the gastronomic richness of the region. Local people prepare it for special occasions, and it is a symbol of hospitality.
The tradition of moving to the highland pastures in the summer months continues in İkizce. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local people's cultural identity.
The hazelnut harvest in August and September is the district's most important communal event.
İkizce's economy is based on hazelnut production and livestock farming. Among the sources of livelihood of the people of İkizce are farming, livestock and small-scale trade.
İkizce is 50 km from Ordu. Ordu-Giresun Airport is 65 km away.
The highlights of İkizce are 4 places: the İkizce Highlands, İkizce Streams and Valleys, Gençağa Castle and Laleli Mosque.
Karalahana Soup, Kuymak and Maize Bread are the standout dishes on İkizce's tables.
İkizce is known for İkizce Hazelnuts and Highland Culture. Hazelnuts grown in the district are among the high-quality varieties of Ordu hazelnuts.
İkizce is 50 km from Ordu. Ordu-Giresun Airport is 65 km away.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: the summer months.