Cape Yason is a peninsula located in the Çaytepe village of the Perşembe district, in Ordu province, Türkiye. Situated on the Samsun-Ordu highway by the sea, it is 28 km from the center of Ordu and 15 km from the center of Perşembe. The peninsula has been registered as a 1st-degree archaeological and 2nd-degree natural protected site. It is the only peninsula along the Black Sea coast that has a church on it.
Cape Yason, Ordu, Türkiye. (Source: Anadolu Agency)
History
The history of Cape Yason is intertwined with many legends and historical events. The first written sources date back to 400 BC and appear in the work "Anabasis" by the Greek historian Xenophon. Xenophon mentioned that Jason’s ship approached this cape. Cape Yason is also mentioned in "Geographica," written by Strabo in 18 AD. These sources provide important clues about the historical significance of the cape.
Cape Yason’s history is also linked to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, which holds a prominent place in Greek mythology. According to the myth, Jason set out on a journey aboard the ship Argo to reach Colchis and approached Cape Yason during this voyage. This mythological connection enhances the historical and cultural value of the region.
The Legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece
Jason is a famous hero of Greek mythology who lived in the 4th century BC. He embarked on a journey with 50 warriors known as the Argonauts to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. During this voyage, Jason’s ship is believed to have approached and possibly anchored at Cape Yason. Due to this legend, Cape Yason has become a mythologically significant site. The area around Cape Yason is also known as a location associated with the Golden Fleece legend.
Yason Church
Yason Church was built on Cape Yason in 1868. The church is in a domed basilical style and has a three-nave plan. The entrance on the west-facing outer wall stands out with a door enriched with embossed decorations. Windows and doors are located on the south and north-facing outer wall, both of which show signs of restoration. There are three apses on the east-facing outer wall: the main apse is large, while the side apses are smaller and adorned with windows. The interior of the church is structured in three sections and is supported by metal ties between the columns. The roof is covered with a dome on a circular drum. There are no mosaic or fresco decorations in the interior of the church.
Yason Church was restored in 2004 and is a significant tourist attraction as it is located on the only peninsula along the Black Sea coast with a church. The restoration and landscaping of the church, which was built in 1869, have made the area an important point of interest for tourism.
Yason Church. (Source: Anadolu Agency)
Geographical and Natural Significance
Cape Yason is also notable for its natural beauty. The peninsula provides a clear view of the Black Sea coastline, allowing both sunrise and sunset to be observed during the summer months. Along the coast and surrounding the peninsula, there are picnic areas, food and beverage establishments, and parking facilities. The area features venues that serve traditional Turkish and Black Sea cuisine.
Touristic Importance
Cape Yason is a prominent site located within the borders of Ordu Province, attracting a considerable number of visitors annually, including international tourists. The area is notable for its combination of natural landscapes and cultural heritage. One of the key landmarks is Yason Church, a 19th-century Greek Orthodox structure that holds religious and historical significance, particularly for Christian visitors. In addition to its religious and architectural value, Cape Yason holds a place in classical mythology. It is traditionally associated with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, and is considered by some sources to be one of the potential locations linked to the quest for the Golden Fleece. Today, the site is among the most frequently visited destinations in the region. It offers opportunities for visitors to engage with both the area's historical context and its coastal natural environment, including panoramic sea views, walking paths, and preserved architectural remains.
