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4 places to visit in the Vezirköprü district of Samsun: Oymaağaç Höyüğü (Nerik), Şahinkaya Canyon and Arastalı Bedesten. Plan your trip to Vezirköprü with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The population of the town centre is relatively low, and most of the population lives in rural areas.

Ancient Times and History

The history of Vezirköprü goes back to the Hittites; the first Hittite city was founded about 2.5 kilometres from the present town centre. According to recent archaeological excavations, it is believed that Nerik, the holy city of the Hittites, was located in Vezirköprü. Excavations at the mound in Oymaağaç village uncovered clay tablet fragments inscribed in cuneiform for the first time in the Black Sea Region.

Byzantine and Ottoman Periods

The city, destroyed by the Phrygian raids, was repaired and revived by the Byzantines. The large building ruins visible today show that it was the richest city in the surrounding area at that time. Sultan Mesut re-founded the town for a third time in 1160, under the name Gadegara. During the Celali Rebellions around 1695, the district was frequently raided, and the town was plundered and destroyed. After the Celali rebellions, Köprülü Mehmed Pasha had the destroyed structures in the district repaired and also commissioned new works.

Climate

Although it lies in the Black Sea Region, along the Kızılırmak valley it shows the characteristics of a Mediterranean climate. Winters in Vezirköprü are colder than on the coast (average January temperature 2.5°C) and summers are hotter (average August temperature 22.3°C).

Tourism

The region has an important place in historical tourism, and the works commissioned by the Köprülü dynasty, who for a time served as grand viziers in the Ottoman Empire, are valuable. The historic Arastalı Bedesten, dating back to 1160, is located in the district centre. Comprehensive festivals have been held in the Şahinkaya Canyon in the region, and it is possible to take boat trips along the canyon.

History and Culture

It is thought that Vezirköprü may have been the site of Nerik, the Hittite city. Vezirköprü was attached to Samsun province in 1925, having previously been a sub-district of Amasya.

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Places to Visit in Vezirköprü

  • 2 Ancient City
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Cultural
Ancient City

Oymaağaç Höyüğü (Nerik)

The archaeological site where clay tablet fragments inscribed in cuneiform were found for the first time in the Black Sea Region.

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Şahinkaya Canyon - Vezirköprü Photo: sami yılmaz (CC BY 3.0) · Source
Nature

Şahinkaya Canyon

A natural area where boat trips can be taken along the canyon, which hosts various festivals.

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Cultural

Arastalı Bedesten

A building in the district centre dating back to 1160.

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Ancient City

Adatepe

A hill very close to the district centre, with traces of settlement from the Chalcolithic period.

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Places to Visit Around Samsun Province

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While you are in Vezirköprü, you can also see the highlights of Samsun province. These places are in other districts; Vezirköprü is about 110 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.
  • 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.
  • Gazi Museum — A two-storey building, built in 1902 as a hotel, the Mantika Palas, where Atatürk stayed in Samsun on 19 May 1919; it was opened as a museum in 1940.

Practical Information for Visiting Vezirköprü

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Vezirköprü

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  • Vezirköprü Mantısı

    Vezirköprü mantı, prepared with hand-rolled yufka dough, is served with yoghurt and a butter sauce.

  • Keşkek

    Keşkek, prepared by slowly cooking and pounding wheat and meat, is an essential part of wedding feasts. Small differences in each village's keşkek recipe add to the richness of the dish.

  • Samsun Pidesi

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

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Vezirköprü

  • Hittite Heritage

    Vezirköprü is the region where Nerik, the holy city of the Hittites, was located. Archaeological excavations show the district's importance in prehistoric times.

  • Ottoman Architectural Heritage

    The historic houses and bazaar of Vezirköprü offer important examples of civil architecture from the Ottoman period.

Local Products

  • Vezirköprü Semaveri — Vezirköprü Semaveri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 27 December 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 299). Product group: handicrafts other than carpets, kilims and textiles. Registered by: Vezirköprü Municipality.
  • Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi — Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 23 December 2019 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 476). Product group: textiles. Registered by: Vezirköprü Municipality.
  • Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilimi — Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilimi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 23 December 2019 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 477). Product group: carpets and kilims. Registered by: Vezirköprü Municipality.

Economy

The economy of Vezirköprü is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Rice, tobacco and wheat are the main agricultural products. Small-scale industry and trade also contribute to the economy.

How to Get to Vezirköprü

Vezirköprü is 110 km from Samsun city centre. It is 70 km from Amasya. The D-030 highway passes through the district.

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Vezirköprü: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Vezirköprü?

The 4 highlights of Vezirköprü are: Oymaağaç Höyüğü (Nerik), Şahinkaya Canyon, Arastalı Bedesten and Adatepe.

What is there to eat in Vezirköprü?

Vezirköprü Mantısı, Keşkek and Samsun Pidesi are the standout dishes on Vezirköprü tables.

What is Vezirköprü famous for?

Vezirköprü is known for Vezirköprü Semaveri and its Hittite Heritage. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Vezirköprü?

Vezirköprü is 110 km from Samsun city centre. It is 70 km from Amasya. The D-030 highway passes through the district.

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

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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