Located in the interior of Samsun province, approximately 84 kilometers southwest of the city center, the district of Havza is situated on the highway connecting Samsun to the inland areas. The district is particularly known for its role in the founding of the Republic of Türkiye; after landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk came here, stayed for a while (present-day Atatürk House and Museum), and published the Havza Circular, one of the first documents organizing the Turkish War of Independence. Geographically located within a basin, the district is also known for its thermal springs, reportedly used since ancient times and reported to have therapeutic properties. Facilities for thermal tourism are located in the area surrounding these springs. The district's economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, thermal tourism, services derived from its transit location, and industrial activities.
History
The history of the Havza district is closely linked to its geographical location and, in particular, its thermal springs. The history of the district's surrounding region dates back to ancient times. Traces of Hittite, Phrygian, and Paphlagonian dominance can be found in the region. Records indicate that the settlement was known as "Therme" in ancient times, and it appears that it was known and used for its thermal springs during the Roman and Byzantine periods. There is evidence that the hot springs were used for health purposes from these early periods onward.
With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, the region came under the sovereignty of the Seljuk State. While detailed information about Havza's administrative status and development during the Seljuk period and the subsequent period of the principalities is limited in the available sources, it is known that the region remained under Turkish rule. During the Ottoman Empire, Havza was recorded as a settlement within the Sanjak of Canik. It is reported that during this period, construction activities were undertaken, particularly with the contributions of rulers such as Yörgüç Pasha, and structures such as mosques and baths were constructed. The use of thermal springs continued during the Ottoman period, and facilities developed around the hot springs. Over time, it gained administrative status as a sub-district and then as a district (kaza).
Havza's place in the history of the Republic of Türkiye is particularly defined by events during the Turkish War of Independence. After landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in Havza on May 25, 1919, as he advanced into Anatolia to organize the War of Independence. He stayed there for 18 days (until June 12 or 13, 1919) in the building then known as the Mesudiye Hotel and now the Atatürk House and Museum. During this time in Havza, he interacted with local officials and the public, and carried out activities in line with the aims of the War of Independence. The most well-known result of these efforts is the Havza Circular (Declaration), issued on May 28, 1919. Sources indicate that this circular took steps to protest occupations and raise national consciousness. Because of these events, Havza holds a special place in the history of the War of Independence.
During the Republican era, Havza maintained its district status and administrative structure. Its thermal springs and location on the main highway connecting Samsun to the interior regions played a role in the district's development. Investments in thermal tourism continued, and transportation infrastructure improved. Agriculture and animal husbandry also maintained their place in the district's economic structure. Today, Havza is a district known for both its thermal springs and its role in the War of Independence.
Geography and Climate
Located in the interior of Samsun province, Havza district, due to its geographical location and climatic characteristics, serves as a transition zone between the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions. The district is approximately 84 kilometers southwest of Samsun city center and approximately 80 kilometers from the Black Sea coast. It borders Kavak to the north, Vezirköprü to the west, Ladik to the east, and Suluova in Amasya province to the south. Its geographical location on the D795/E95 highway, which connects Samsun to the interior of Anatolia, makes it a transit point.
The district's topography, as its name suggests, resembles a depression (plain) surrounded by mountains. This basin is drained by the Tersakan River and its tributaries. The district center is situated at the base of this basin, at an average elevation of 675 meters. The mountainous masses surrounding the basin include Tavşan Mountain, Hacılar Mountain, and Deveci Mountain, some reaching elevations exceeding 1,300 meters. This rugged terrain forms the fundamental characteristics of the district's landforms. Hydrographically, the Tersakan River and its streams form the district's water network. Furthermore, the district is known for its thermal springs, which are related to its geological structure.
The Havza region's climate exhibits a transitional characteristic between the Black Sea and continental climates. The humid and temperate influences of the Black Sea coast have diminished in the district, while the influence of the continental climate of Central Anatolia has become more pronounced. This results in generally hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. Annual average temperatures and precipitation reflect this transitional characteristic. Frost is common in winter, and snow cover can linger for periods. Total annual precipitation is lower than along the Black Sea coastline, with precipitation concentrated primarily in spring and autumn. In summer, precipitation decreases, and drought can be experienced. Wind patterns and humidity levels also differ from coastal areas.
Natural vegetation also varies depending on climate and topography. The mountainous areas surrounding the district are forested, where tree species such as pine and oak can be found. At the basin floor and in lower elevations, elements of steppe vegetation, more resistant to continental climates, can be found. However, much of the plains are used for agricultural activities.
Population and Demography
The population and demographic structure of Havza, a district of Samsun province, demonstrates a striking transformation when analyzed in light of annual data from 2007 to 2024. The district's population, which reached its peak of 48,615 in 2007, began a general decline in subsequent years, falling to 38,493 by 2024. The total population loss over the seventeen-year period under review was 10,122, representing an average annual decline of several hundred people.
The harmonious gender distribution also reveals details of the demographic profile. According to 2024 data, the district's population of 18,987 males and 19,506 females exhibits a fairly balanced structure, with a ratio of 49.33% male to 50.67% female. These ratios indicate that the gender distribution was largely maintained throughout the period, with a slight female majority.
Annual population data show that the continuous decline after 2007 accelerated between 2013 and 2015, with limited stabilization and small increases observed between 2016 and 2018. A downward trend then prevailed again between 2019 and 2022, followed by a temporary increase reaching 38,824 in 2023. This figure then decreased to 38,493 in 2024, revealing a graph showing a slight decline. These fluctuations reveal that, among the years in which population loss was monitored, some years experienced plateaus and limited recoveries.
While the analytical assessment of the district's demographic profile does not provide detailed data on age groups, it can be argued that the long-term population decline is reminiscent of the migration waves common in rural areas, changes in fertility rates, and an aging population structure. Furthermore, the nearly equal sex ratio indicates that both genders are able to maintain a presence and persistence in the district.
Economy
The economic structure of Havza, a district of Samsun province, is comprised of various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, forestry, industry, trade, services, and thermal tourism. The district's geographical location, agricultural potential, thermal water resources, and location on major transportation routes are factors that influence the direction and development of economic activity.
Agriculture and animal husbandry are among the fundamental components of the district's economy. Various field crops, primarily wheat, barley, sugar beets, corn, and sunflowers, as well as forage crops, vegetables, and fruits, are produced in the Havza Plain and surrounding lands. Agricultural production is used for both local consumption and trade. Livestock farming is also widespread, with cattle and sheep raising being a major source of income for the rural population, alongside agriculture. Forestry activities are also among the district's economic endeavors based on natural resources.
The industrial sector has been developing, especially with the commencement of the Havza Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ).
The Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) hosts companies from various sectors. Sources indicate that the OIZ includes facilities producing food, metalworking, machinery, automotive sub-industry, forest products, and building materials. The OIZ contributes to increased industrial production and employment in the district. Various small and medium-sized industrial enterprises may also operate in the district outside the OIZ.
The trade and services sector plays a significant role in the Havza's economic structure. The district's location on the highway connecting Samsun to the hinterland encourages transit trade and related services (accommodation, food and beverage, gas stations, etc.). Various commercial enterprises are located in the district center and along the highway. Agricultural and industrial goods are also traded. Banking, transportation, and other public and private services are also part of this sector.
Thermal tourism is another economic activity developing based on the thermal water resources of Havza. The hot springs in the district are used for health tourism. Thermal hotels, physical therapy centers, and other accommodation and service facilities operate around these springs. The thermal tourism sector is a source of income for the district through the employment it provides and its contribution to the local economy.
Tourism - Culture - Cuisine
The Havza district of Samsun province offers a distinct tourism and cultural profile thanks to its thermal springs, its place in the history of the Republic of Türkiye, and its architectural structures from various periods. Among the elements that shape the district's identity are its hot springs, museums, historic mosque, bridge, school, train station, examples of civil architecture, and local cuisine.
Havza's thermal springs are among the district's most well-known features. Known as Aslanağzı and Kızgözü, these springs are believed to have been used throughout ancient times (Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman). The thermal waters, with their specific temperatures and mineral content, have been reported to have therapeutic effects on a number of health issues, including rheumatic and skin conditions. Modern thermal facilities, along with structures such as the historic Vakıf Hamam (Vakıf Hamam), operate in the area surrounding these springs.
The district's place in modern Turkish history is embodied by the Havza Atatürk House and Museum. This building, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed in 1919 during the start of the War of Independence, is recorded as the location where the Havza Circular was drafted. Today, the building, which serves as a museum, displays Atatürk's belongings and documents from the period.
The historical architectural heritage includes various structures. The Yörgüç Paşazade Mustafa Bey Mosque dates back to the early 15th century. The Kurt Bridge, located over the Tersakan Stream, is thought to date back to the Seljuk or Beylik periods; the bridge is an arched structure made of stone. The Taş Mektep (Stone School), a stone building built as a school in the early years of the Republic, may now serve a different function (e.g., a cultural center). The historic Station Building, located on the Samsun-Sivas railway line, also reflects the architectural features of the period. The district also boasts the historic Havza Houses, built with materials such as wood and adobe, which exhibit the characteristics of traditional Ottoman residential architecture.
Regarding the cultural structure of the district, the sources provided do not include detailed information about specific festivals, handicrafts or other folkloric elements.
Havza cuisine encompasses dishes based on local produce. Some local dishes cited in sources include Tirit (usually prepared with goose broth and yufka), Kaz Ekmeği (a type of flatbread), Kaz Pilavı (a type of flatbread), Keşkek (a type of flatbread), pastries called Yağlı (a type of flatbread) or Çörek (a type of flatbread), and Halbur (a type of sweet dessert). These dishes form the basis of Havza's gastronomic identity.
