Ünye (District)

Ünye is a district located in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region, known primarily for hazelnut cultivation. In addition to its agricultural production, the district plays a regional role through its industrial and commercial activities. Ünye’s historical and geographical features are significant factors influencing its position within the Black Sea Region. Hazelnuts are a major agricultural product in the district, and industrial and commercial activities contribute to diversifying the local economy.

Ünye (Source: Ünye Municipality)

History

Ünye is a district situated along the Black Sea coast, and research indicates that its surroundings are among the earliest settlement areas in Anatolia. Excavations conducted by Professor Dr. İ. Kılıç Kökten in the Cevizdere Valley have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to the 15th millennium BCE. Artifacts discovered include flaked and polished stone tools, weapons, pottery, and human and domestic animal skeletons. A hand axe made of flint from the Lower Paleolithic period is the oldest such find ever uncovered on the Black Sea coast.

Ünye in History (Source: Ünye Municipality)

In written records, the earliest group mentioned in Ünye and its surroundings are the Kashkans (circa 2000 BCE). Subsequently, the region was dominated by the Hittites, Scythians (Sakas), Cimmerians, Halizians, Greeks (during the colonization period, 8th century BCE), Persians, Pontic rulers, and Romans. Around 750 BCE, Milesian colonists established a trading colony named Oinoie. The name derives from the Luwian word “Oinos,” meaning “vineyard, grape, wine,” reflecting the region’s significance in antiquity. Following the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE, Ünye became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.

During the Turkification of Anatolia, Ünye and its surroundings became a battleground between the Danismendids and the Anatolian Seljuks. In 1080, the Black Sea coast was incorporated into the Great Seljuk Empire. Turkish dominance in the region began with the conquests initiated by Malik Ahmed Gazi of the Danismendids. During the reign of Malik Yağıbasan (1150–1164), Bafra, Samsun, and Ünye were recaptured, but due to alliances with the Byzantines, these areas were intermittently lost and regained. By 1178, all Danismendid territories were integrated into the Anatolian Seljuk State.

With the decline of the Anatolian Seljuks, the region entered the period of the Canik Beyliks. Ünye came under the control of the Hacı Emir Beylik and was definitively conquered by Hacı Emir Bey in 1346. The Hacı Emir Beylik became subordinate to the Eretna State and the State of Kadı Burhaneddin, and later recognized Ottoman authority as the Ottomans advanced into the region. In 1398, following Yıldırım Bayezid’s campaign in Canik, Süleyman Bey of the Hacıemiroğlu joined the Ottomans along with other Canik beyliks. In 1461, during Fatih Sultan Mehmed’s campaign against Trabzon, the Hacı Emir Beylik was abolished and Ünye was directly incorporated into the Ottoman State.

Under Ottoman rule, Ünye enjoyed a prolonged period of stability as an important port and commercial center. In the 16th century, the Canik Sanjak was subordinate to the Sivas Province. The Ünye shipyard played a vital role in constructing warships for the state. With the weakening of central authority in the 18th century, local notables such as the Caniklioğulları (the family of Hacı Ali Pasha) gained power in the Canik region. However, by the early 19th century, the influence of the Caniklioğulları had ended.

In the 19th century, administrative reorganizations occurred: Ünye briefly attained the status of a sanjak before being reverted to a kaza. Following Russia’s occupation of the Caucasus, Circassian and Georgian migrations took place in the region.

During World War I, Ünye was bombed by Russian ships. During the War of Independence, Hasan Fehmi Efendi of Ünye served as a deputy for Canik in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Residents of Ünye participated in resistance organizations against Pontic activities. After the proclamation of the Republic, Ünye became a district subordinate to Ordu Province. In 1954 and 1990, parts of its territory were separated to establish the new districts of Akkuş, Çaybaşı, and İkizce. Ünye’s population declined in the early years of the Republic but later increased again, and further grew following Ordu’s designation as a metropolitan municipality.

Geography and Climate

Ünye is located between 41°09′ North Latitude and 37°88′ East Longitude. The district center is situated on the Black Sea coastal strip, adjacent to the districts of Fatsa and Terme, and shares borders with Akkuş, İkizce, and Çaybaşı in the inland areas. It is approximately 61 km from the provincial capital of Ordu and covers a total area of 487 km². Following Ordu’s acquisition of metropolitan status in 2013, Ünye had 85 neighborhoods as of 2017.

Administratively, the southern, eastern, and western boundaries of Ünye district center are defined by rivers, while the northern boundary is the Black Sea and the southern boundary is the North Anatolian Mountains. The district center is built on a wide crescent-shaped bay. Its nearly flat topography distinguishes it from the typical geographical structure of Eastern Black Sea. The Tabakhane Creek, flowing through the district, divides the settlement approximately into a one-third eastern and two-thirds western section. The Akçay River to the west forms the natural boundary between Ünye and Terme. Within the district boundaries, there are several elevated areas including Çet Hill (402 m), Kızılkaya Hill (392 m), and Erkiz Hill (391 m).

Ünye lies under the influence of the Black Sea climate. Due to its maritime location and low elevation, humidity levels are high. The annual average temperature is 14.4 °C, and the average annual rainfall is approximately 1,183 mm. Important rivers in the region include the Lahna, Tabakhane, Curi, and Ceviz Creeks.

The soil structure is generally composed of gray-brown podzolic, brown forest, and alluvial soils. The area on which the district center lies is formed of alluvial material deposited by rivers.

Vegetation

The vegetation reflects the typical characteristics of the Black Sea Region. Mixed forest types are common, along with fir, cedar, coastal pine, and forest roses. The extensive areas of agricultural and forest land have limited the expansion of settlement zones. However, human activities have led to deforestation and land conversion for residential development in forest and agricultural areas. More than 50% of the district’s land is used for agriculture.

Population and Demographic Structure

According to 2024 data, Ünye’s total population is 132,915. The population density is calculated at 230.75 people per km². In terms of gender distribution, approximately 50% of the population is female and 50% is male, indicating a balanced gender ratio.

When analyzed by age groups, 32% of the population is young (0–24 years), 48% is of working age (25–64 years), and 20% is elderly (65 years and over). These figures highlight the significant proportion of the working-age population.

Regarding education levels, 14% of Ünye’s population has completed university or higher education. The largest segment, 69%, has received primary, secondary, or high school education. The remaining 17% fall into other educational categories. These figures indicate that secondary education is widespread in the district, while higher education rates remain relatively low.

Transportation

Due to its location on the Black Sea coastal highway, Ünye holds a strategic position in transportation, and increasing attention and quality improvements in its transport systems are notable.

Road Transport

Ünye is integrated into a well-developed road network. The D010/E70 highway passes through the district center, directly connecting it to major cities such as Samsun to the west and Ordu, Giresun, and Trabzon to the east. Regular bus services operate between Ünye and Ordu, approximately 61 km away. Similarly, frequent bus connections are maintained toward Samsun. Local transportation within the district is provided by municipal and private minibuses, which link the district center with surrounding neighborhoods and rural settlements. Taxi stands operate in the district center and designated locations.

Maritime Transport

Historically, Ünye served as an important trading port. Today, Ünye Port continues to function primarily for commercial activities and as a fishing harbor. Although there are no regular passenger ferry services, infrastructure exists to accommodate private vessels such as boats and yachts.

Air Transport

The nearest civilian airport to Ünye is the Ordu-Giresun Airport, located approximately 70 km away. Access to Ünye district center is possible via private car, taxi, or airport shuttle services. Ordu-Giresun Airport offers regular scheduled flights to major cities, primarily Istanbul and Ankara.

Urban Transport

Transport dynamics within Ünye district center are based on pedestrian movement and public transit. The relatively low population density of the center allows easy access to many locations on foot. The public transport system relies primarily on municipal buses and private minibuses, which operate routes connecting the district center with surrounding settlements. Taxi services are available 24 hours a day as an alternative for urban mobility.

Economy

Agriculture

Agriculture holds a significant place in Ünye’s economy. Hazelnut production is a primary source of income for the district and region. Ordu Province is one of Türkiye’s major hazelnut-producing regions, and Ünye contributes significantly to this output. A substantial portion of the district’s agricultural land is dedicated to hazelnut orchards. High labor costs in hazelnut production and challenges faced by producers in price determination are notable concerns.

Industry

The industrial sector in Ünye is developing. The district hosts various industries including food processing, bentonite processing, and ready-made garment manufacturing. There are registered industrial enterprises. Industrial zones are located outside residential areas and in regions with suitable transportation access.

Commerce

Ünye functions as a commercial center serving surrounding areas. Commercial activity is concentrated primarily in the city center. The main provinces to which Ünye exports goods are Istanbul, Ordu, Samsun, Hatay, and Sakarya. The main provinces from which Ünye imports goods are Istanbul, Ordu, Trabzon, Giresun, and Hatay.

Other Economic Indicators

The proportion of Ünye’s population aged 15–64 years (working age) to the total population is 73.5%. The district has a population of college graduates. According to the Socio-Economic Development Index (SEDI), Ünye ranks in the middle among districts in Türkiye and third within Ordu Province, after Altınordu and Fatsa. Investments in the district benefit from support designated for Region 5 under Türkiye’s investment incentive system.

Tourism Potential

Ünye, located in the Black Sea Region, possesses diverse tourism potential.

The district features recreational areas such as Çamlık. Çamlık is a wooded area on a slope overlooking the sea and includes the Çamlık Motel as an accommodation facility. Çakırtepe is a hill offering panoramic views of the city and is known for its rest areas. Beaches such as Uzunkum, İncekum, İnciraltı, and Çınarsuyu offer opportunities for seaside tourism. Natural sites within the district include Asarkaya National Park and Yazkonağı Caves, the latter presenting potential for cave tourism.

Ünye also attracts interest through its historical and cultural heritage. Ünye Castle is a historical structure. Restored Ünye houses reflect traditional Black Sea architecture. The Yunus Emre Tomb is also located in the district. Historic streets such as the Anıt Çınar trees in the city center and Kadılar Yokuşu are notable. Additionally, historical structures such as churches and baths remain in the district.

Ünye has accommodation facilities including star-rated hotels and modern hotels/pensions. The Çınarsuyu Holiday Complex is an example of tourism infrastructure.

Museum of Living Cultural Heritage

The Ünye Museum of Living Cultural Heritage exhibits characteristics of 19th-century Classical Ottoman architecture. It was expropriated in 2009 and restored in 2013 with technical support from Professor Dr. Zeynep Ahunbay. In 2013, it received an award from the Union of Historic Cities in the Competition for Encouraging the Protection and Implementation of Historical and Cultural Heritage. The house was converted into a Museum of Living Cultural Heritage to preserve intangible cultural heritage and enhance tourism potential. It is the fourth such museum in Türkiye, the first in the Black Sea Region, and the only museum in Türkiye authorized to use the UNESCO logo.

Museum of Living Cultural Heritage (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Kadılar Yokuşu

Kadılar Yokuşu was a place in Ünye where many judges (kadı) were trained during the Ottoman period. The profession of kadı was passed from father to son in Ünye. Judges of the era and their descendants built residences along this slope, turning it into a neighborhood of judges. Many of these residences still stand today. Kadılar Yokuşu attracts attention with its original stone-paved path, examples of stone craftsmanship in entrance gates, and historic Ünye houses.

Kadılar Yokuşu (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Çifte Hamam

Çifte Hamam was constructed in the early 800s using cut stone quarried from Taşhane Point by Armenian stonemasons. Closed in the late 1930s and remaining unused since, the bathhouse has deteriorated over time due to lack of use. It has been placed under protection by Ünye Municipality.

Çifte Hamam (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Asarkaya Urban Forest

Asarkaya National Park and Recreation Area, located 9 km from the city along the Ünye-Fatsa highway, lies at an elevation of 360 meters. The park offers opportunities for picnicking and sports in close contact with nature. Accessible year-round, the area provides visitors with the chance to spend time immersed in nature.

Asarkaya Urban Forest (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Çamlık

Çamlık, located 2 km northwest of the district center at the point where the sea meets the forest, is a favored recreational and picnic area for residents of Ünye and surrounding regions. Named after the pines planted in the 1940s, Çamlık also contains Greek cemeteries dating back to the 1800s. It offers visitors sea views, walking and jogging paths, and shaded seating areas beneath the pines.

Çamlık (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Turkish-Japanese Friendship and Ertuğrul Frigate Martyrs Monument

The Turkish-Japanese Friendship and Ertuğrul Frigate Martyrs Monument was erected in 2014 in memory of Turkish sailors who died when the Ertuğrul Frigate sank after being caught in a typhoon off Kushimoto, Japan, on 16 September 1890, shortly after departing Yokohama Harbor.

Shortly after the sinking, in September 1891, a memorial monument was erected near the site where survivors reached shore and received initial medical care. The original monument bore inscriptions in Japanese and Turkish describing Osman Pasha’s mission and the disaster.

Turkish-Japanese Friendship and Ertuğrul Frigate Martyrs Monument (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Ünye Castle

Ünye Castle is a historical structure located approximately 5–7 km from the city center along the Ünye-Niksar highway, situated on a hill at an elevation of about 300 meters.

The castle’s earliest construction dates back to around 250 BCE and was built by King Mithridates II of Pontus. Throughout history, the castle was used by various peoples and underwent multiple modifications. Major powers that utilized the castle include the Romans, Pontians, and the Ottoman State, which gave it its final form.

The castle contains rock-cut tombs, carved into tall, pillar-like rocks. Near the summit, two passageways and a cistern are located, sloping at a 45-degree angle toward the northwest. One of the passageways is believed to have 420 steps leading down to the base of the castle.

Ünye Castle (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Historic Plane Tree

The historic plane tree in Ünye Square welcomes visitors. Its planting story is as follows: In 1461, while returning from his campaign against Trabzon, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, accompanied by Akşemseddin, arrived at Ünye Square and noticed the absence of trees. He then declared, “Let us plant a tree here so that when we return, we will have shade,” and personally planted a plane sapling.

This historic plane tree in Cumhuriyet Square is estimated to be approximately 556 years old. Its circumference is 9 meters, its diameter is 2.5 meters, and its height is 30 meters. However, in 1950, a lightning strike damaged and partially burned its trunk.

It is said that all roads in Ünye lead to this tree and that the surrounding area is known as the Square.

Historic Plane Tree (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Magnetic Beaches

Ünye, with its 27-kilometer coastline, is among Türkiye’s pristine coastal areas. One of its most distinctive features is its beaches. Ünye’s beaches have recently attracted global attention due to their magnetic properties and claims of therapeutic benefits for certain illnesses. The black sand, rich in minerals, is believed to stimulate the thymus gland and help alleviate stress, sleep disorders, rheumatism, and psoriasis.

Magnetic Beaches (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Magnetic Beaches (Source: Ünye Municipality)

Ünye Pier

Ünye Pier was constructed to support maritime trade activities of Ünye, once one of the Black Sea’s major ports. During the Ottoman period, goods such as hazelnuts, timber, and minerals were transported by ship from this region. In the Republican era, it became primarily a facility serving local transportation and fishing activities.

In its modern form, Ünye Pier is a mixed structure of wood and reinforced concrete. The entrance to the pier has been widened into a promenade, making it easily accessible to citizens. It is especially popular among photographers and pedestrians during sunset hours.

Today, Ünye Pier is used mainly as a social and tourist area. During summer months, concerts, cultural events, and various performances are held on the pier. It is also a significant attraction for amateur fishermen and those seeking to enjoy the seaside. Through renovations by Ünye Municipality, the pier has become a symbolic structure strengthening Ünye’s relationship with the sea.

Together with walking paths, cafés, and rest areas along the coast, the pier supports Ünye’s tourist identity. Combined with the region’s natural beauty, this structure further enhances the significance of Ünye’s position on the Black Sea coast.

Ünye Pier (Source: Ünye Municipality)