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5 places to visit in the Niksar district of Tokat: Melik Gazi Tomb, Niksar Castle and Yağıbasan Madrasa. Plan your trip to Niksar with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Niksar is a district of Tokat province, and the settlement that forms the centre of that district.

History

The Romans named the town Neocaesarea, and over time this name evolved into Niksar. The true conqueror of Niksar was Gümüştegin Melik Ahmed Gazi, the founder of the Danishmendid State.

History and Culture

In the Kingdom of Pontus period, Niksar was known as Caberia, and many temples and palaces were built there. The third of the Mithridatic Wars, fought between the Romans and the Pontians in 72 BCE, took place at Niksar. The Romans named the town Neocaesarea (the new city of the Kaiser), and over time this name evolved into Niksar. After capturing Niksar, Danishmend Gazi chose it as both a castle base and the capital of his state. In the Danishmendid period, Niksar became a centre of learning and culture. After Kadı Burhaneddin, who took Niksar in 1387, was killed, the region came under Ottoman rule. On 16 June 1919, one of the first rallies in Anatolia, held in protest at the occupation of İzmir, took place in Niksar.

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Places to Visit in Niksar

  • 3 Historic
  • 2 Religious
Religious

Melik Gazi Tomb

A tomb from the Danishmendid period.

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Historic

Niksar Castle

Built over the ancient city of Cabira/Neocaesarea, the castle has a history reaching back to the time of Mithridates, King of Pontus. Expanded during the Danishmendid period, its 1,200-metre-long walls make it one of the largest castles in Anatolia.

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Historic

Yağıbasan Madrasa

Commissioned in 1157 by the Danishmendid emir Yağıbasan, this madrasa is considered the first Turkish madrasa in Anatolia. Its stonework and domed structure make it the most important work of Danishmendid architecture.

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Historic

Çilehane Cave

Located in the cliffs south-west of Niksar Castle, this cave was used in the Byzantine period as a place where monks undertook spiritual retreats. Byzantine-era frescoes survive on the cave walls.

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Religious

Niksar Grand Mosque

A 12th-century building constructed in the Danishmendid period. A centre of learning and culture, it is one of Niksar's most important religious buildings.

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Places to Visit Around Tokat Province

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While you are in Niksar, you can also see the highlights of Tokat province. These places are in other districts; Niksar is about 55 km from the provincial centre.

  • Tokat Castle — The oldest traces of the castle date from the 5th–6th centuries; the rocky outcrops serve as a natural fortress, while the walls and chambers are man-made.
  • Gök Madrasa — An Anatolian Seljuk madrasa built in 1277 on two storeys.
  • Ali Paşa Mosque — A mosque on the city square, built in 1572 in the reign of Selim II; it is known for the centuries-old tree in front of it.
  • Taşhan (Voyvoda Han) — An Ottoman caravanserai built in the 17th century of cut stone and brick, with two storeys and an open courtyard.
  • Ballıca Cave — A cave 33 km from Tokat city centre, about 680 metres long, with 5 levels and 9 halls.
  • Sulusokak and Deveciler Caravanserai — The street that forms the old city centre and bazaar, home to historic buildings such as the Arasta, Deveciler Caravanserai and Çukur Madrasa.

Practical Information for Visiting Niksar

Suggested time
1-2 days
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn (April-June, September-October)
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Niksar

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  • Niksar Pidesi

    Made with thin dough and baked in a stone oven, Niksar pide comes in minced meat and kaşar cheese varieties and is among the region's best-known dishes.

  • Keşkek

    A traditional dish prepared by simmering cracked wheat and lamb for a long time, keşkek is the crowning dish of weddings and festivals in Niksar.

  • Cevizli Sucuk

    A traditional sweet made from strings of walnuts dipped in a mixture of grape molasses and starch. It is a product of Niksar's viticulture culture.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Niksar

  • Danishmendid Heritage

    Niksar was the capital of the Danishmendids, one of the first Turkish beyliks established in Anatolia after 1071. Structures such as the Yağıbasan Madrasa and the Melik Gazi Tomb carry the cultural heritage of this period to the present day.

  • Niksar Apple Festival

    Held every year in autumn, the festival is organised to draw attention to the district's apple production. It features apple competitions, concerts and stalls selling local products.

Local Products

  • Niksar Walnut — Niksar Walnut was registered as a protected designation of origin on 17 December 2013 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 177). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Niksar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Niksar Vine Leaf — Leaves gathered from the district's vineyards are pickled and sold. They are a quality product preferred for making sarma.

Economy

Niksar's economy is based on agriculture and trade. Walnut, apple and vine leaf production are the main sources of income. There are food processing and agricultural product packaging facilities in the district. Cultural tourism is also developing thanks to its historical wealth.

How to Get to Niksar

Niksar is 55 km from Tokat city centre. It lies on the Tokat-Ordu highway. Intercity bus services connect it to major cities. The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport.

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Niksar: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Niksar?

The 5 highlights of Niksar: Melik Gazi Tomb, Niksar Castle, Yağıbasan Madrasa, Çilehane Cave and Niksar Grand Mosque.

What should I eat in Niksar?

Niksar Pidesi, Keşkek and Cevizli Sucuk are the standout dishes on Niksar's tables.

What is Niksar famous for?

Niksar is known for Niksar Walnut and the Danishmendid Heritage. It is a product registered as a protected designation of origin with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Niksar?

Niksar is 55 km from Tokat city centre. It lies on the Tokat-Ordu highway. Intercity bus services connect it to major cities. The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport.

How much time should I spend in Niksar?

Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-June, September-October).

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