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3 places to visit in the Tekkeköy district of Samsun: Tekkeköy Mağaraları, Tekkeköy Waterfall and Tekkeköy Castle. Plan your trip to Tekkeköy with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The highest point in the district is Ay Mountain, at 985 metres.

History

Excavations in the caves of Tekkeköy have revealed cultural remains from the Hittite and Chalcolithic periods. Objects made of copper and bronze, and stone arrowheads found in village graves, show that the district had an advanced technique. In the mid-3rd century BC the district came within the borders of the Kingdom of Pontus, and it later passed to the Byzantines and the Anatolian Seljuk State. Taken under Ottoman rule by Yıldırım Bayezid, the district’s name derives from the tekke (lodge) and farm founded by Sheikh Zeynüddin, who lived between 1250 and 1330.

Archaeology

The Tekkeköy Caves contain layers dating between 15,000 BC and 60,000 BC and are the oldest human settlement found in the Black Sea Region. After the Karain Cave in Antalya and the Yarımburgaz Island cave in Marmara, the caves are the oldest settlement in Türkiye.

History and Culture

The Tekkeköy Caves are regarded as the oldest human settlement in the Black Sea Region. Tekkeköy came under Ottoman rule together with Samsun during the reign of Yıldırım Bayezid.

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Places to Visit in Tekkeköy

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Nature
Ancient City

Tekkeköy Mağaraları

The oldest known human settlement in the Black Sea Region, with layers dating from 15,000 to 60,000 years ago.

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Nature

Tekkeköy Waterfall

A waterfall close to the district centre, where water cascades down a rocky slope. Its green surroundings make it an attractive spot for nature lovers.

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Historic

Tekkeköy Castle

Castle ruins on the hill above the district centre, dating from the Byzantine period. There are views of the Samsun Plain from the castle.

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Places to Visit Around Samsun Province

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While you are in Tekkeköy, you can also see the highlights of Samsun province. These places are in other districts; Tekkeköy is about 15 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 Tekkeköy

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

What to Eat in Tekkeköy

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  • Samsun Pidesi

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

  • Taze Balık

    Fresh fish from the Black Sea is served grilled or fried in Tekkeköy's restaurants.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Tekkeköy

  • Prehistoric Heritage

    The Tekkeköy caves show that the region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological finds demonstrate the district's historical importance.

Local Products

  • Vegetables and Fruit — Tomatoes, peppers and various vegetables are grown on the fertile soils of Tekkeköy.

Economy

The economy of Tekkeköy is based on industry, agriculture and trade. The district has an organised industrial zone. Its proximity to Samsun Airport gives it an economic advantage.

How to Get to Tekkeköy

Tekkeköy is 15 km from Samsun city centre. It is 5 km from Samsun-Çarşamba Airport. The D-010 highway passes through the district.

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Tekkeköy: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Tekkeköy?

The 3 highlights of Tekkeköy are: Tekkeköy Mağaraları, Tekkeköy Waterfall and Tekkeköy Castle.

What is there to eat in Tekkeköy?

Samsun Pidesi and Taze Balık are the standout dishes on Tekkeköy tables.

What is Tekkeköy famous for?

Tekkeköy is known for Vegetables and Fruit and its Prehistoric Heritage. Tomatoes, peppers and various vegetables are grown on the fertile soils of Tekkeköy.

How do I get to Tekkeköy?

Tekkeköy is 15 km from Samsun city centre. It is 5 km from Samsun-Çarşamba Airport. The D-010 highway passes through the district.

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

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

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