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7 places to visit in the Kavak district of Samsun: Yörgüç Paşa Mosque, Kavak Castle and Kavak Forests. Plan your trip to Kavak with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Kavak is a district of Samsun province. The district covers an area of 697 km² and has an average elevation of 603 metres. It is 50 km from Samsun city centre.

History

Research carried out at the Kale Doruğu Mound in 1942 uncovered finds dating to 3500–2000 BC. Kavak has been settled since the Early Bronze Age. The first people in the region were the Kaşkas, a tribe who adopted Hittite rule. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the region passed into Seljuk hands. In 1934, the sub-district (bucak) administration was converted into a district administration.

History and Culture

Kavak is a settlement that has hosted different cultures for thousands of years. In Kavak, the sub-district administration was converted into a district administration in 1934.

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Places to Visit in Kavak

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 2 Religious
  • 1 Museum
  • 1 Nature
Religious

Yörgüç Paşa Mosque

A mosque commissioned by Yörgüç Paşa during the Ottoman period.

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Historic

Kavak Castle

Castle ruins on the hill above the district centre, dating from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. There are views of the Kavak Plain and the surrounding mountains from the castle.

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Nature

Kavak Forests

Extensive forest areas surrounding the district, covered with oak and beech trees. There are trails suitable for nature walks and picnics. In autumn, as the leaves change colour, the forest becomes almost a painting.

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Historic

Tarihi Kavak Bazaar

The old bazaar in the district centre, with shop buildings from the Ottoman period, reflects traditional trading culture. An important cultural heritage for the people of Kavak, this building bears witness to the district's history.

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Religious

Bekdemir Çivisiz Mosque

A wooden mosque in Bekdemir village, built without using any nails.

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Ancient City

Kaledoruğu Mound

The mound in Kavak; an excavation site where Early Bronze Age finds were unearthed.

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Museum

Yaşar Doğu Müze Evi

The house where national wrestler Yaşar Doğu lived, arranged as a museum.

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Places to Visit Around Samsun Province

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While you are in Kavak, you can also see the highlights of Samsun province. These places are in other districts; Kavak is about 45 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 Kavak

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

What to Eat in Kavak

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  • Samsun Pidesi

    Known as kapalı pide (closed pide), Samsun pide is also served in Kavak using the traditional recipe.

  • Keşkek

    Keşkek, prepared by slowly cooking and pounding wheat and meat, is an essential part of wedding feasts. It is traditionally served with melted butter poured over it.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kavak

  • Rural Traditions and Customs

    Kavak is a district that maintains its traditional rural way of life. Harvest festivals and wedding traditions continue vividly.

Local Products

  • Wheat and Tobacco — Wheat and tobacco are farmed in Kavak. Tobacco production is still carried on in the traditional way.

Economy

The economy of Kavak is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, tobacco and vegetable production are the main agricultural activities.

How to Get to Kavak

Kavak is 45 km from Samsun city centre. The D-795 highway passes through the district. It is 65 km from Amasya.

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Kavak: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kavak?

The 7 highlights of Kavak are: Yörgüç Paşa Mosque, Kavak Castle, Kavak Forests, Tarihi Kavak Bazaar, Bekdemir Çivisiz Mosque, Kaledoruğu Mound and Yaşar Doğu Müze Evi.

What is there to eat in Kavak?

Samsun Pidesi and Keşkek are the standout dishes on Kavak tables.

What is Kavak famous for?

Kavak is known for Wheat and Tobacco and its Rural Traditions and Customs. Wheat and tobacco are farmed in Kavak. Tobacco production is still carried on in the traditional way.

How do I get to Kavak?

Kavak is 45 km from Samsun city centre. The D-795 highway passes through the district. It is 65 km from Amasya.

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

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

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Other Districts of Samsun

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