TR RU

5 places to visit in the Reşadiye district of Tokat: Reşadiye Castle, Kelkit Valley Viewpoints and Reşadiye Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Reşadiye with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Introduction

Reşadiye, formerly known as İskefsir, is a district of Tokat in the central part of the Black Sea region. It lies within the bend of the Kızılırmak and in the historical territory of Cappadocia.

History

Over the centuries the former Cappadocian territory was ruled in turn by the Hittites, Persians, Macedonians, the Kingdom of Pontus, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Seljuks, the Danishmendids, Kadı Burhâneddin and the Aq Qoyunlu. The history of İskefsir, the former name of Reşadiye, goes back to the 15th century. In 1939, the 1939 Erzincan Earthquake affected Reşadiye and its villages, and not a single building was left standing.

Economy

Reşadiye’s economy rests on agriculture, livestock farming and mining. The rich bentonite deposits in the district are of great importance for the regional and national economy. Minerals extracted from Reşadiye, which holds a significant part of the world’s bentonite reserves, are exported to more than 70 countries.

Geography

The highest peak in Reşadiye is Erdem Baba Hill, at 2,183 metres. Lake Zinav lies within the district boundaries. The average elevation of the district centre above sea level is 522 metres. Reşadiye is very rich in plateaus; the best known are Cimban, Selemen, Gedik, Hasanşeyh and Batmış.

History and Culture

The 1939 Erzincan Earthquake affected Reşadiye, and the district centre was therefore moved north. In 1514, Yavuz Sultan Selim performed Friday prayers on Selemen Plateau, and the plateau market began with this event. Reşadiye’s bentonite mines are an economic resource, with exports to more than 70 countries.

Notable Facts

Reşadiye was founded in 1906 on the instructions of Sivas Governor Reşit Akif Paşa. Forests are found mostly around the districts of Almus, Reşadiye and Niksar.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Reşadiye

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Nature
Historic

Reşadiye Castle

Standing on the hill north of the district centre, the castle contains Roman and Byzantine remains. It was also used in Ottoman times, and visitors can enjoy a wide panorama of the Kelkit Valley from the castle.

View on map
Nature

Kelkit Valley Viewpoints

Reşadiye lies in one of the narrowest and deepest sections of the Kelkit Valley. The valley's green slopes and the banks of the Kelkit Stream offer ideal routes for nature photography and walking.

View on map
Religious

Reşadiye Grand Mosque

Built in Ottoman times, the mosque reflects traditional Anatolian mosque architecture with its stone walls and wooden minbar. It is one of the oldest places of worship in the district.

View on map
Nature

Selemen Plateau

A plateau at 1,700 metres between Reşadiye and the Ordu border. From spring until the first snow, a traditional plateau market is set up every Friday.

View on map
Nature

Lake Zinav

A freshwater lake protected as a Nature Conservation Area. It is a resting place for migratory birds, and fish such as carp and yayın live in it.

View on map

Places to Visit Around Tokat Province

See all →

While you are in Reşadiye, you can also see the highlights of Tokat province. These places are in other districts; Reşadiye is about 85 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 Reşadiye

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May–September)
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Reşadiye

Food guide →

  • Keşkek (wheat and lamb dish)

    Cracked wheat and lamb cooked slowly for a long time, the centrepiece of wedding and festival tables in Reşadiye.

  • Erişte (hand-cut noodles)

    Handmade dough cut into thin strips and dried, served with butter and cheese. This winter dish is prepared by local families on special occasions and is a symbol of hospitality.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Reşadiye

  • Kelkit Valley Way of Life

    For centuries, the people of Reşadiye have made their living from farming and livestock on the fertile lands of the Kelkit Valley. Traditional plateau migration and harvest festivals are important parts of cultural life.

Local Products

  • Reşadiye Bath Mitt — The Reşadiye Bath Mitt (Reşadiye Hamam Kesesi) was registered as a protected geographical indication on 21 August 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1454). Product group: handicrafts other than carpets, kilims and textiles. Registered by: Reşadiye Municipality.
  • Reşadiye Red Pezik Pickle — Reşadiye Red Pezik Pickle (Reşadiye Kırmızı Pezik Turşusu) was registered as a protected geographical indication on 21 August 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1455). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Reşadiye Municipality.

Economy

Reşadiye's economy is based on farming and livestock. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are the main crops. Cattle and sheep farming are an important source of income. Walnut production also contributes to the district's economy.

How to Get to Reşadiye

Reşadiye is 85 km from Tokat city centre and lies on the Tokat–Sivas road. Regular minibus services run from Tokat. The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Tokat

Reşadiye: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to see in Reşadiye?

The top 5 places in Reşadiye are Reşadiye Castle, Kelkit Valley Viewpoints, Reşadiye Grand Mosque, Selemen Plateau and Lake Zinav.

What should I eat in Reşadiye?

Keşkek and Erişte are the standout dishes on Reşadiye's tables.

What is Reşadiye famous for?

Reşadiye is known for the Reşadiye Bath Mitt and the Kelkit Valley way of life. The bath mitt is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Reşadiye?

Reşadiye is 85 km from Tokat city centre and lies on the Tokat–Sivas road. Regular minibus services run from Tokat. The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport.

How long should I spend in Reşadiye?

Recommended visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Tokat

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.