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9 places to visit in the Havza district of Samsun: Havza Hot Springs, Atatürk House and Museum and Havza Castle. Plan your trip to Havza with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Havza is a district of Samsun that borders Amasya. The district centre is 84 km from Samsun; in 1925 the district was separated from Amasya and attached to Samsun. The district covers 865 km² and has an average elevation of 624 metres.

Origin of the Name

The name Havza is thought to derive from Kavuzhan, a Hittite governor of Amasya.

Archaeological Overview

Settlement within the Havza area since the Palaeolithic period has been documented.

Havza’s History According to Strabo

The Roman commander Pompey declared the settlement in the Phazemon quarter a city and gave it the name Neapolitis.

History and Culture

During the National Struggle, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in Havza on 25 May 1919 and, according to one source, stayed for 18 days. Mustafa Kemal, who effectively launched the National Struggle from here, returned to Havza three more times. Havza became a district in 1882 and was attached to Samsun in 1925.

Highlights

Archaeological research at the Lerdüge tumuli shows that the district’s history goes back to around 100 BC. Havza became a district in 1882 and was attached to Samsun in 1926. Five historic 19th-century mansions (konak) are preserved in the Bahçelievler neighbourhood.

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Places to Visit in Havza

  • 4 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Museum
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Attraction

Historic Sites 4

Historic

Atatürk House and Museum

The house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed when he arrived in Havza on 25 May 1919, after Samsun, has been turned into a museum. Documents from the early days of the War of Independence are on display.

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Historic

Havza Castle

The castle ruins on the hill above the district centre date from the Byzantine period. The castle overlooks the Havza plain.

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Historic

Havza İmareti (Aşevi; soup kitchen)

The imaret building in İmaret neighbourhood, west of the springs, was commissioned in 1429 by Yörgüç Paşazade Mustafa Bey.

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Historic

Taşmektep (Stone School)

A school building whose design was prepared and construction started in 1911 (Merkez Primary School).

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Ancient Cities 1

Ancient City

Çamtepe Mound

The Çamtepe Mound, said to be located in İmircik neighbourhood.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Yörgüç Mustafa Bey Mosque

A mosque built in the Seljuk architectural style, next to a small hammam.

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Museums 1

Museum

Havza Atatürk House Museum

The building where Atatürk lived in Havza now serves visitors as the Atatürk House Museum.

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Natural Wonders 1

Nature

Yörükler Plateau

A plateau in the upper parts of Havza, chosen for its cool summer air and natural beauty as a place to rest.

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Attractions 1

Attraction

Havza Hot Springs

Known since Roman times, the Havza hot springs, with thermal waters between 50 and 105 °C, are among Türkiye's oldest spa centres. They are believed to be good for rheumatism, skin conditions and respiratory ailments.

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Places to Visit Around Samsun Province

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While you are in Havza, you can also see the highlights of Samsun province. These places are in other districts; Havza 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 Havza

Suggested time
1–2 days
Best time to visit
All year round (spa), spring and summer (nature)
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Havza

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  • Havza Mantısı (Havza dumplings)

    Havza mantısı, made with hand-rolled dough, is served with yoghurt and a butter sauce. It is one of the district's traditional flavours.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)

    Prepared by cooking wheat and meat for a long time and then pounding them, keşkek is essential at wedding tables in Havza.

  • Samsun Pidesi (closed pide)

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

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Havza

  • Spa Culture

    Havza has been known for its spa culture since Roman times. Thermal tourism forms the basis of the district's cultural identity.

  • War of Independence Heritage

    The circular Atatürk issued in Havza was one of the important steps of the War of Independence. This historical heritage holds an important place in the district's identity.

Local Products

  • Thermal Water — The thermal springs of Havza are bottled and sold as healing water.
  • Wheat and Barley — Wheat and barley are widely grown on the fertile soils of the Havza plain.

Economy

The economy of Havza is based on farming, livestock and thermal tourism. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are the main crops. The spa facilities generate tourism income.

How to Get to Havza

Havza is 80 km from Samsun city centre and 50 km from Amasya. The D-795 highway passes through the district.

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Havza: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Havza?

There are 9 highlights in Havza: Havza Hot Springs, Atatürk House and Museum, Havza Castle, Yörükler Plateau, Havza Atatürk House Museum, Yörgüç Mustafa Bey Mosque, Havza İmareti (Aşevi), Taşmektep and Çamtepe Mound.

What is there to eat in Havza?

Havza Mantısı, Keşkek and Samsun Pidesi are the standout flavours at tables in Havza.

What is Havza famous for?

Havza is known for its thermal water and its spa culture. The thermal springs of Havza are bottled and sold as healing water.

How do I get to Havza?

Havza is 80 km from Samsun city centre and 50 km from Amasya. The D-795 highway passes through the district.

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

Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: all year round (spa), spring and summer (nature).

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