4 places to visit in the Alaçam district of Samsun: Alaçam Beach, Alaçam Forests and Historic Alaçam Bazaar. Plan your trip to Alaçam with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Alaçam is a district of Samsun Province, bordered by Yakakent to the west, Vezirköprü to the south, Bafra to the east and the Black Sea to the north. The district covers an area of 598 km². It is 78 km from Samsun.

History

Modern historians associate the Alaçam settlement with the ancient settlement of Zaliche. The name Alaçam is said to come from the large pine trees on the banks of the Uluçay, which flows through the middle of the district.

Plant Life

The sand lily is a perennial, bulbous plant that flowers between August and October. The species is endangered, and taking lilies out of Türkiye is a crime. Sand lilies can be seen over a large area on the Geyikkoşan coast of Alaçam district.

Economy

The district’s economy is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, barley and rice are the most widely produced crops. Hazelnuts, walnuts, cabbage, peppers and other vegetables and fruits are also grown.

History and Culture

Alaçam became the eighth district of Samsun on 1 September 1944. The settlement is associated with the ancient settlement of Zaliche.

Key Facts

Alaçam is bordered by Yakakent to the west, Vezirköprü to the south, Bafra to the east and the Black Sea to the north. The district name was changed in 1385, during the Ilkhanid period, from Tralköy to Uluköy and then to Alaçam.

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Places to Visit in Alaçam

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Museum
  • 2 Nature
Nature

Alaçam Beach

The Alaçam coast stretches along the Black Sea shore, with a natural sandy beach that is popular for swimming in the summer months.

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Nature

Alaçam Forests

Extensive forest areas cover the mountainous land to the south of the district. Forests of oak, beech and pine trees are suitable for nature walks.

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Historic

Historic Alaçam Bazaar

The old bazaar in the district centre, with shop buildings left from the Ottoman period, reflects the traditional trading culture.

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Museum

Alaçam Population Exchange Museum

An ethnographic museum displaying the belongings of migrants from the population exchange period.

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Places to Visit Around Samsun Province

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While you are in Alaçam, you can also see the highlights of Samsun province. These places are in other districts; Alaçam is about 80 km from the provincial centre.

  • Bandırma Steamship Museum — A faithful reconstruction of the passenger steamship built in Glasgow in 1878 that brought Atatürk to Samsun on 19 May 1919, open to visitors as a museum in the National Struggle Park.
  • Amisos Hill — Tumulus tombs dating from the 3rd century BC, 4 km outside the city centre and thought to belong to one of the ruling families of the Kingdom of Pontus; they were discovered in 1995 and opened to visitors in 2008.
  • Kızılırmak Delta — One of the largest deltas in Türkiye at 56,000 hectares, within the boundaries of Ondokuzmayıs, Bafra and Alaçam; 22,000 hectares were declared a Ramsar site in 1998.
  • Şahinkaya Canyon — In Vezirköprü, a canyon about 1,500 metres long and 324 metres high that forms the deepest point of the Altınkaya Dam; it was made a nature park in 2015.
  • Ladik Lake — East of the centre of the Ladik district, a lake of 870 hectares known for its floating islets; with fish such as pike and carp, it hosts angling tourism.
  • Monument of Honour — A bronze monument in Atatürk Park, commissioned from the Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel in memory of Atatürk's landing at Samsun; it was officially opened on 15 January 1932.

Practical Information for Visiting Alaçam

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
June–September
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Alaçam

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  • Samsun Pidesi (closed Samsun pide)

    Known as closed pide, Samsun pide is also served in Alaçam using the traditional recipe.

  • Fresh Fish

    Fresh fish caught in the Black Sea are served grilled or fried in Alaçam's seaside restaurants.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Alaçam

  • Fishing Tradition

    Fishing is a long-established tradition in Alaçam. In the coastal villages, fishing is an important part of the way of life.

Local Products

  • Tobacco — Traditional tobacco farming takes place in Alaçam. It is one of the important centres of Samsun tobacco production.

Economy

Alaçam's economy is based on agriculture, fishing and livestock farming. Tobacco, wheat and vegetable production are the main agricultural activities.

How to Get to Alaçam

Alaçam is 80 km from Samsun city centre. The D-010 highway passes through the district. It is 30 km from Bafra.

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Alaçam: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Alaçam?

The 4 highlights of Alaçam are Alaçam Beach, Alaçam Forests, Historic Alaçam Bazaar and Alaçam Population Exchange Museum.

What should I eat in Alaçam?

Samsun Pidesi and Fresh Fish are the standout flavours on Alaçam's tables.

What is Alaçam famous for?

Alaçam is known for tobacco and its fishing tradition. Traditional tobacco farming takes place in Alaçam. It is one of the important centres of Samsun tobacco production.

How do I get to Alaçam?

Alaçam is 80 km from Samsun city centre. The D-010 highway passes through the district. It is 30 km from Bafra.

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

Suggested time for a visit: half a day. Best time to visit: June–September.

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Other Districts of Samsun

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