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6 places to visit in the Terme district of Samsun: Miliç Pine Grove, Historic Pazar Mosque and Simenlik Lake (Simenit Lake). Plan your trip to Terme with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Terme is founded in the middle of Terme Plain, and is surrounded by Çarşamba to the west, Ünye to the east, and the districts of Salıpazarı and İkizce to the south. Terme has been a district for roughly seventy-five years.

Ancient Period and History

Terme is thought to have been founded on Themiskira, an ancient settlement. During the reign of Alaeddin Keykubad I, Terme came under the rule of the Anatolian Seljuk state. When the Anatolian Seljuk state weakened, Terme remained under the rule of the Eretna Beylik, and in 1389, during the reign of Bayezid I (Yıldırım), it was attached to the Ottoman state.

Geography and Climate

The Terme Stream, which flows through the middle of the district, divides it into two banks. Terme has a typical Black Sea climate with rainfall in every season, with mild winters and cool summers. Almost every two years, the Terme Stream overflows and destroys an average of 1.5 bridges.

Natural Resources and Fauna

Terme is an important location in terms of bird species diversity; about 50% of the 483 bird species recorded across Türkiye have been recorded in this district. The Yeşilırmak Delta has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. Terme has rich freshwater resources, including the Terme Stream, the Miliç River and the Akçay.

Economy

The district has 12 hazelnut factories and 7 rice factories, and almost all villagers are mainly engaged in the hazelnut harvest. Terme is the second largest poplar-growing area in the world.

History and Culture

Terme’s status as a district dates back roughly seventy-five years.

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Places to Visit in Terme

  • 2 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 2 Beach
Beach

Miliç Pine Grove

A beach and picnic area extending from Yalı neighbourhood to Akçay, where pine trees meet the shore.

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Religious

Historic Pazar Mosque

A mosque thought to have been built in the 1840s, with features of Ottoman architecture.

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Nature

Simenlik Lake (Simenit Lake)

Among the district's largest lakes, it is home to a rich fauna.

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Beach

Miliç Beach

A natural beach stretching between Terme's Yalı Neighbourhood and Akçay, merging with pine trees. It has facilities belonging to Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, including a caravan park, restaurant and café.

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Nature

Gölyazı

Listed among the places to visit in Terme, Gölyazı stands out for its lakes, meanders and green areas, and is home to 203 bird species.

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Religious

Cüneyd-i Bağdadi Tomb

A tomb in Dibekli village of Terme, also known as Cini Bağdad.

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Places to Visit Around Samsun Province

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While you are in Terme, you can also see the highlights of Samsun province. These places are in other districts; Terme is about 50 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 Terme

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
May–October
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Terme

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  • Terme Pidesi

    Terme Pidesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 2 March 2010 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 129). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Özler Pide ve Çorba Salonu Otomotiv İnşaat Arıcılık Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi.

  • Fındıklı Baklava

    Baklava made with Terme hazelnuts, an important part of the district's dessert culture.

  • Karalahana Çorbası (kale soup)

    A soup made from fresh kale, cornmeal and beans. It is a traditional winter dish.

  • Keşkek

    Regarded as the most famous dish of the region in Terme. Tirit, corn soup, lepsi and anchovy rice are also frequently made.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Terme

  • Amazon Legend

    According to ancient Greek sources, the banks of the Terme (Thermodon) River were home to the legendary Amazon women warriors. This legend is an important part of the district's cultural identity.

  • Hazelnut Culture

    Hazelnut farming shapes Terme's economic and cultural life. The harvest season becomes a social event.

Local Products

  • Terme Fındığı (Terme hazelnut) — Terme is one of Türkiye's most important hazelnut-producing centres. The plump hazelnut variety is grown intensively and exported to world markets.
  • Tea — Tea is also cultivated in the coastal parts of Terme.

Economy

Terme's economy rests on hazelnut farming. It is one of Türkiye's largest hazelnut-producing districts. Hazelnut processing facilities and the food industry contribute to the district's economy.

How to Get to Terme

Terme is 50 km from Samsun city centre. The D-010 highway passes through the district. It is 60 km from Ordu.

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Terme: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Terme?

The 6 highlights of Terme are Miliç Pine Grove, Historic Pazar Mosque, Simenlik Lake (Simenit Lake), Miliç Beach, Gölyazı and Cüneyd-i Bağdadi Tomb.

What is there to eat in Terme?

Terme Pidesi, Fındıklı Baklava, Karalahana Çorbası and Keşkek are the standout dishes on Terme's tables.

What is Terme famous for?

Terme is known for its Terme Hazelnut and the Amazon Legend. Terme is one of Türkiye's most important hazelnut-producing centres. The plump hazelnut variety is grown intensively and exported to world markets.

How do I get to Terme?

Terme is 50 km from Samsun city centre. The D-010 highway passes through the district. It is 60 km from Ordu.

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

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: May–October.

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