4 places to visit in the Söğütlü district of Sakarya: Harmantepe Castle, Söğütlü Forests and Sakarya River Bank. Plan your trip to Söğütlü with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Söğütlü is a district of Sakarya Province. The district covers an area of 145 km². The history of Söğütlü goes back to the Akkadians in 2340 BC. The region then remained under the dominion of the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian and Cimmerian civilisations.

History

The region passed to the Persian Empire in 546 BC and, after Alexander the Great defeated the Persians, came under the Macedonian Empire. The region, which remained in the hands of the Bithynian Kingdom, came under Eastern Roman rule in 63 BC. Settlement took on meaning with the bringing of migrants to the area during the Ottoman–Russian war. After Söğütlü received municipal status on 20 February 1956, it became a district on 9 May 1990. Every year in the 3rd week of July, the Agriculture, Livestock and Milk Festival is held.

History and Culture

Every year in the 3rd week of July, the Agriculture, Livestock and Milk Festival is held. Söğütlü became a district by a law passed in 1990.

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Places to Visit in Söğütlü

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Historic

Harmantepe Castle

A castle, one of Söğütlü's historic sites.

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Nature

Söğütlü Forests

Wide forest areas surrounding the district, covered with oak and beech trees. Suitable for nature walks and picnics.

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Nature

Sakarya River Bank

Natural green areas and picnic spots along the bank of the Sakarya River, which passes through Söğütlü.

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Religious

Historic Village Mosques

Small mosques dating from the Ottoman period are found in Söğütlü's villages. Their wood and stone craftsmanship reflects rural religious architecture.

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Places to Visit Around Sakarya Province

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

  • Sapanca Lake — A tectonic freshwater lake 12 km west of Sakarya city centre, 16 km long and covering 46.9 km²; its deepest point is 61 metres.
  • Justinian Bridge (Beşköprü) — A stone bridge of about 430 metres, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 559–562; because the Sakarya River changed its course, it now stands over the Çark Stream.
  • Acarlar Floodplain Forest — Between Karasu and Kaynarca, Türkiye's largest unbroken floodplain (longoz) forest, 7.5 km long; it has been a first-degree natural site since 1998 and is a breeding and wintering ground for migratory birds.
  • Taraklı — A district in the south-east of the province that has preserved its Ottoman townscape with mansions more than three centuries old; it is known for making boxwood spoons and combs.
  • Yunus Paşa Mosque — A domed, lead-roofed mosque in Taraklı built in 1517 by Grand Vizier Yunus Paşa; locally it is known as the Kurşunlu Mosque (Lead Mosque).
  • Poyrazlar Lake — A 67-hectare barrier lake 7–8 km north-east of Adapazarı, formed when the Sakarya River changed its course; 154 bird species have been recorded on its forest-fringed shore.

Practical Information for Visiting Söğütlü

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Söğütlü

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  • Islama Köfte

    Sakarya's traditional ıslama köfte is also widespread in Söğütlü. This dish, which has an important place on local tables, is prepared using traditional recipes.

  • Keşkek

    Made by slow-cooking wheat and meat and then pounding them together, keşkek is an essential dish at wedding tables. Prepared in a spirit of community, it is indispensable at weddings.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Söğütlü

  • Rural Customs and Traditions

    Söğütlü is a district that keeps up a traditional rural way of life. Neighbourly relations and the tradition of communal labour (imece) are strong.

Local Products

  • Fındık — Hazelnut farming is the main livelihood in Söğütlü.

Economy

Söğütlü's economy is based on hazelnut farming and livestock rearing. Small-scale trade completes the district's economy.

How to Get to Söğütlü

Söğütlü is 20 km from Adapazarı. The district is reached by road.

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Söğütlü: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Söğütlü?

The 4 highlights of Söğütlü are Harmantepe Castle, Söğütlü Forests, the Sakarya River Bank and Historic Village Mosques.

What should I eat in Söğütlü?

Islama Köfte and Keşkek are the standout flavours on Söğütlü's tables.

What is Söğütlü famous for?

Söğütlü is known for hazelnuts and its traditional rural customs. Hazelnut farming is the main livelihood in Söğütlü.

How do I get to Söğütlü?

Söğütlü is 20 km from Adapazarı. The district is reached by road.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Söğütlü?

Suggested time for a visit: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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Other Districts of Sakarya

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