Located on the Black Sea coast in the east of Samsun province, the district of Terme is approximately 60 kilometers from the city center and takes its name from the Terme River, which flows through it. Geographically situated on the fertile Terme Plain, the district is one of Türkiye's leading rice-producing regions and is known for its "Terme rice." Hazelnuts and corn are also major agricultural products. Historically associated with the ancient city of Themiscyra and mentioned in narratives about the Amazons, the region boasts historical structures such as the Pazar Mosque in the district center and natural features such as Lake Simenit (Akgöl) along the coast. The district's economy is largely based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing.
Terme (Source: Samsun Governorship )
History
The history of the Terme district of Samsun province has been shaped by its geographical location and the political and cultural processes the region has undergone. Located in the valley and delta of the Terme River (ancient Thermodon), the region has been inhabited since ancient times and has been influenced by various civilizations. The sources provided summarize the district's history, beginning with the ancient city of Themiscyra and narratives about the Amazons, and extending to the Ottoman and Republican periods.
Ancient sources describe the Terme River (Thermodon) valley as the home of a community of legendary female warriors known as the Amazons and mention a city called Themiscyra in the region. These narratives are found in the texts of ancient writers such as Herodotus and Strabo. This information provides insight into the region's perception in the ancient world and its place in mythological narratives, but the Amazons' historical existence is considered a mythological theme. The existence of the city of Themiscyra, however, is mentioned in ancient sources and points to the region's ancient settlement history.
Throughout history, the region has been under the rule of various powers, including the Persians, Macedonians, the Pontic Kingdom, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire. It appears that settlements continued in the region, particularly during the Pontic Kingdom and Roman rule. Sources lack detailed information on archaeological findings or specific settlement remains from these periods.
With the settlement of Turkish communities from Central Asia in Anatolia, Terme and its surrounding area came under Turkish rule. The region remained under the rule of local Turkish principalities such as the Seljuks and then the Canik Principalities, before being incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, Terme assumed administrative status as a district or sub-district center, becoming a settlement where agricultural activities (especially rice and hazelnuts) and trade flourished. Information is available regarding the origin of the district's current name and its administrative structure during the Ottoman period. Architectural structures such as the Pazar Mosque from this period are also known. Following the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye, Terme became a district of Samsun Province. During the Republican era, the district maintained its economic structure, primarily based on agricultural production, and its transportation infrastructure and settlement pattern developed over time.
Geography and Climate
Located on the Black Sea coast east of Samsun province, Terme exhibits typical characteristics of the Central Black Sea Region in terms of its geographical location, landforms, water resources, and climate. The district is located a short distance from Samsun city center and borders Ordu to the east, Salıpazarı and Akkuş (Ordu) to the south, and Çarşamba to the west.
The most distinctive feature of the district's landforms is the Terme Plain, formed by alluvial deposits carried by the Terme River and extending towards the Black Sea. This plain, along with the Çarşamba Plain, forms one of the region's extensive delta plains. The elevation is quite low from the coast, and the plain continues with a gentle slope inland. The southern part of the district consists of more rugged, hilly, and mountainous terrain, corresponding to the northern foothills of the Canik Mountains. These mountainous areas are distinctly distinct from the plains.
Hydrographically, the district is shaped by the Terme River, from which it takes its name, and its tributaries. The Terme River flows through the district and flows into the Black Sea, a primary factor in the formation of the plain. Furthermore, along the Black Sea coast, there are lagoon-type lakes formed by the influence of the sea and rivers. Of these, Lake Simenit (Akgöl) and Lake Akçagöl are important wetlands within the district's borders. The coastline is generally sandy.
The Terme district has a Black Sea climate. This climate is characterized by rainfall in all seasons and moderate annual temperature variations. Winters are generally mild and rainy, while summers are hot and humid. Total annual precipitation is high, and it tends to be evenly distributed throughout the year. The humid Black Sea climate is felt throughout the district. The mountainous areas to the south of the district can create local variations in climate conditions, and the continental influence can increase somewhat as one moves inland.
Natural vegetation varies depending on climate and landforms. Because agricultural activities (especially rice and hazelnut farming) are prevalent in the plains, the natural vegetation has changed significantly. However, floodplain forests or moisture-loving species such as alder can be found along riverbanks and in coastal areas. The higher, more rugged areas south of the district contain deciduous forests such as beech, hornbeam, and oak, typical of the Black Sea forests.
Population and Demography
Terme district of Samsun province has a total population of 71,720 as of 2024. Of this population, 35,730 are male and 35,990 are female, and the gender distribution is quite balanced at 49.82% male and 50.18% female.
Population data for the period 2007–2024 show significant fluctuations in the district. The population, which was 74,833 in 2007, reached the highest point of the period, increasing to 77,517 in 2008; it decreased somewhat to 77,178 and 74,912 in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Between 2011 and 2013, the population fluctuated between 73,000–74,000, followed a relatively stable course between 72,000–73,000 in the period 2014–2018, and although it decreased to 71,492 in 2019, it recovered to 71,938 in 2020. The population, which maintained its level of approximately 71,000 in 2021–2022, increased to 73,120 in 2023 and decreased to 71,720 in 2024. These long-term fluctuations reveal that the district's population dynamics are subject to short-term periods of increase and decrease, while the total population size exhibits relative stability in the 70,000–75,000 range.
In terms of gender distribution, women have consistently had a slight advantage since 2007. The fact that the female population will exceed the male population by 0.36% (260 people) by 2024 is not a notable deviation in terms of gender balance in the district, but it remains a factor that should be taken into account in the evaluation of the demographic structure.
Economy
The economy of Terme, a district of Samsun province, is largely built on the agricultural potential of the fertile Terme Plain. While agriculture and agriculture-based industry constitute the primary focus of the district's economy, the organized industrial zone, industrial diversification, and services sectors also contribute to the economic structure.
The agricultural sector is the cornerstone of Terme's economy. The Terme Plain, named after the district, offers particularly suitable conditions for rice cultivation, thanks to its alluvial soil and water resources provided by the Terme Stream. Rice is the district's most characteristic and economically valuable agricultural product. With a limited cultivation area, Terme's rice production accounts for a significant share of Türkiye's total rice production. Numerous rice mills operate in the district to process the rice produced. In addition to rice, hazelnuts also play a significant role in the district's agriculture. Hazelnut cultivation is widespread, especially on the sloping lands outside the plain, and is a significant source of income. In addition to these two main crops, corn, wheat, soybeans, various vegetables, fruits, and forage crops are also grown. Livestock farming is also a part of the agricultural economy, with cattle, sheep, and poultry being raised. The district's location on the Black Sea coast and its presence inland waters such as Lake Simenit also contributes to fishing.
The industrial sector in Terme is developing alongside the agriculture-based industry. Rice mills and hazelnut processing facilities are the primary industrial establishments that add value to agricultural products. Furthermore, the Terme Mixed Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) established in the district aims to attract industrial investments and create employment. The OIZ, which has a specific area and number of parcels, has completed or is currently underway for infrastructure work. The OIZ houses businesses operating or planned to operate in various sectors, including food, metal, machinery, and forest products. The lumber and other forest products industries have also developed due to the presence of forests.
The trade and services sector supports agricultural production and industrial activities. Rice and hazelnut trade, in particular, creates significant dynamism in the district's economy. Services such as retail trade, transportation, banking, accommodation, and food and beverage are offered in the district center and on main transportation routes.
Tourism-Culture-Cuisine
The Terme district of Samsun province offers a distinct tourism and cultural profile thanks to its location on the Black Sea coast, its agricultural identity on the Terme Plain, its natural landscapes, and its local cuisine. Among the elements that shape this identity are the Gölyazı (Lake Simenit) region, its coastline, historical references, and local cuisine. The resources provided provide a variety of information on these elements.
Terme's natural assets include the Gölyazı region and Lake Simenit (Akgöl), located near the town center and on the Black Sea coast. Lake Simenit, a lagoon lake, and its surrounding wetlands provide a habitat for a variety of bird species. This area offers potential for recreational activities (e.g., picnics) and nature observation. The district's Black Sea coast also includes sandy beaches, and arrangements for summer use may be in place.
Culturally and historically, Terme is associated with the ancient city of Themiscyra and the Amazon narratives associated with it. These historical and mythological references are cited as part of the district's cultural identity. Symbolic structures or arrangements related to this theme can be found throughout the district. Regarding architectural heritage, sources mention the existence of historical structures such as the Pazar Mosque in the district center, but these specific sources lack detailed architectural descriptions. These sources also do not provide detailed information about other historical remains or structures.
The culinary culture of Terme is based on local products and the traditions of the Black Sea cuisine. The district's role in rice production is also reflected in the cuisine. Some Terme dishes mentioned in sources include Terme Pidesi, a type of flatbread unique to the district; Lepsi, usually made with corn flour and various herbs; Mamursa; Tirit or Goose Pilaf/Goose Bread, prepared especially with goose meat; Keskek, a wheat- and meat-based dish; Hamsi Tavası (Fried Hams); Pickled Turşu Kavurması, prepared by roasting various pickled vegetables; and Höşmerim (a dessert). These dishes constitute Terme's gastronomic inventory.
