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9 places to visit in the Mesudiye district of Ordu: Topçam Plateau, Mesudiye Tarihi Evleri and Kaleköy (Melet Kalesi). Plan your trip to Mesudiye with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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History

Mesudiye has a very long history, which extends back to the Hittite period, and it has many rock tombs. According to excavations by Ankara University, settlement in Ordu province began in the 15th century BC, and Mesudiye has yielded finds dating to the prehistoric and Early Bronze Age.

Geography and Climate

Located in the south of Ordu province, the district is set on hilly but gently sloping terrain. The district centre is 120 km from Ordu. Because the Melet River flows through Mesudiye, its people are called ‘Meletli’.

Society and Economy

Before emigration, the district practised grain farming and livestock rearing. In the 1970s, the number of small livestock, which once reached hundreds of thousands, has fallen sharply to today’s levels.

History and Culture

Mesudiye was taken from Şebinkarahisar and attached to Ordu province in 1933. The district was renamed from Hamidiye to Mesudiye in 1910. A municipal organisation was established in the district in 1899, and its first mayor was Aliçavuşoğlu Mustafa Bey. There are records of 38 martyrs from the district in the War of Independence. The district’s history goes back to the Hittite period, and it has many rock tombs.

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Places to Visit in Mesudiye

  • 4 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Cultural
  • 1 Other

Historic Sites 4

Historic

Mesudiye Tarihi Evleri

The Ottoman-era timber houses in the district centre showcase fine examples of inland Black Sea architecture. The houses, with stone foundations and timber frames, are being preserved through restoration.

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Historic

Kaleköy (Melet Kalesi)

The castle ruins near Mesudiye date back to the Pontic Kingdom. Valley views can be seen from around the castle.

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Historic

Meletios Castle

A castle 15 km from Mesudiye, within the borders of Yeşilçit village.

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Historic

Kaleköy Castle

A castle 6 km from Mesudiye, within the borders of Kaleköy.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Muzadere Church

A church on the Muzadere Plateau in Topçam town.

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Natural Wonders 2

Nature

Keyfalan Plateau

The plateau in the south-east of Mesudiye, 134 km from Ordu.

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Nature

Yeşilce ve Topçam Plateaus

The Kızılağaç, Beyağaç, Kıyıyurt and Çukuralan plateaus, belonging to the towns of Yeşilce and Topçam.

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Cultural Venues 1

Cultural

Mesudiye Kültür Merkezi

A cultural centre in Kışla Neighbourhood, housed in a former church.

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Other Places 1

Other

Topçam Plateau

One of the major tourism centres of Mesudiye district.

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Places to Visit Around Ordu Province

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While you are in Mesudiye, 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 Mesudiye

Suggested time
1-2 days
Best time to visit
Summer (highland pastures), winter (skiing)
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Mesudiye

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  • Mesudiye Mantısı

    Prepared by boiling hand-rolled dough pieces filled with minced meat. This dish, which has an important place at local tables, is made using traditional recipes.

  • Keşkek

    Prepared by cooking crushed wheat and lamb for a long time until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. Crushing the wheat and boiling it with meat for hours is a process that requires patience.

  • Karalahana Sarması

    Prepared by wrapping collard green leaves around rice and minced meat and cooking them. Every household has its own version of this cabbage dish, which reflects family traditions in the kitchen.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Mesudiye

  • Kış Sporları Kültürü

    The ski centre on Topçam Plateau has made Mesudiye one of the Black Sea's winter tourism destinations.

  • Yayla Şenlikleri

    The highland festivals held during the summer months are the most colourful events in the district, with horon performances, wrestling contests and local food competitions.

Local Products

  • Mesudiye Kuru Ekmeği — Mesudiye Kuru Ekmeği was registered as a protected geographical indication on 21 November 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1262). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Ordu Metropolitan Municipality.
  • Mesudiye Balı — Flower honey collected from the district's plateau and forest areas, known for its natural and organic character.
  • Mesudiye Cevizi — Walnuts grown in the district, known for their large kernels and oily texture.

Economy

The economy of Mesudiye is based on livestock farming, forestry and agriculture. Beekeeping and walnut production are also sources of income. The Topçam ski centre generates income from winter tourism.

How to Get to Mesudiye

Mesudiye is 90 km from Ordu and 100 km from Tokat. It is 105 km from Ordu-Giresun Airport.

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Mesudiye: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Mesudiye?

The 9 highlights of Mesudiye: Topçam Plateau, Mesudiye Tarihi Evleri, Kaleköy (Melet Kalesi), Keyfalan Plateau, Yeşilce ve Topçam Plateaus, Meletios Castle, Kaleköy Castle, Muzadere Church and Mesudiye Kültür Merkezi.

What should I eat in Mesudiye?

Mesudiye Mantısı, Keşkek and Karalahana Sarması are the standout flavours at Mesudiye's tables.

What is Mesudiye famous for?

Mesudiye is known for its Mesudiye Kuru Ekmeği and its winter sports culture. Mesudiye Goliti is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Mesudiye?

Mesudiye is 90 km from Ordu and 100 km from Tokat. It is 105 km from Ordu-Giresun Airport.

How much time should I set aside for a trip to Mesudiye?

Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: summer (highland pastures), winter (skiing).

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