Vezirköprü , the largest district in Samsun province by area, is located inland, approximately 110 kilometers west of the city center. Named after Ottoman Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmet Pasha, the district, with finds at Oymaağaç Mound, suggests a historical past dating back to the Hittite period and possibly to the holy city of Nerik. It contains architectural structures such as Taşhan, Taş Madrasa, and Kale Mosque dating from the Ottoman period. Geographically, the district consists of mountainous areas and plains, and within its borders lies Şahinkaya Canyon, known for its steep walls, situated on the Altınkaya Dam Lake. The district's economy is based primarily on agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry.

^{Vezirköprü (Samsun Governorship)}

History

The Vezirköprü district of Samsun province has hosted diverse civilizations throughout history and served as an administrative, commercial, and cultural center at various times. The district's history can be traced from ancient times to the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Türkiye through archaeological finds and written sources.

Information regarding the district's earliest history is particularly relevant to the archaeological excavations conducted at Oymaağaç Mound. The findings at this mound indicate that it was an important center during the Hittite Empire. Based on the excavation results and references in some Hittite texts, it is suggested that Oymaağaç Mound may be the same location as Nerik, one of the Hittite sacred cities. After this period, the region also came under Paphlagonia, Rome, and Byzantine rule.

After the entry of the Turks into Anatolia and the Seljuk domination, the region came under the rule of various principalities and then the Ottoman Empire.

The settlement, known as "Gedikara" or "Gedegra" during the Ottoman period, was renamed "Vezirköprü" in the 17th century due to Köprülü Mehmet Pasha's involvement with the region, his appointment as Grand Vizier, and the contributions he and his family made to the region. It is stated that Köprülü Mehmet Pasha and his family contributed structures such as an inn (Taşhan), a madrasa (Taşmedrese), a mosque, and a bridge (repair or reconstruction of the existing bridge). Following these developments, the settlement began to be known by this new name. Within the Ottoman administrative structure, Vezirköprü held a certain administrative importance as a district or sanjak center. Structures such as the Kale Mosque, the Fazıl Ahmet Pasha Madrasa (Taşmedrese), and Taşhan, built during this period, are part of the district's Ottoman architectural heritage. With the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye, Vezirköprü maintained its administrative status as a district of Samsun Province. The district has survived to the present day with its historical layers and cultural heritage. Especially the archaeological works in Oymaağaç Mound and the architectural structures from the Ottoman period are the basic elements that constitute the historical identity of the district.

Geography and Climate

Vezirköprü, the largest district in Samsun Province by area, is located in the western, inland region of the province. Located a short distance from the city center, the district is geographically characterized by mountainous areas and a plain (Vezirköprü Plain). The district's overall topography is rugged and its average elevation is high. Mountain ranges such as the Kunduz and Tavşan Mountains extend around it. This mountainous terrain is one of the primary factors influencing the district's climate and vegetation.

The Kızılırmak River and the Altınkaya Dam Lake, built on this river, play a decisive role in Vezirköprü's hydrographic structure. The dam lake forms part of the district's borders and encompasses, in particular, the area where Şahinkaya Canyon is located. Şahinkaya Canyon is a steep-sided canyon formation located above the dam lake. The district also contains smaller streams such as the İstavloz Stream.

The district's natural vegetation varies depending on the geography and climate. Large areas are covered with forests, including pine, oak, and beech. The Vezirköprü Plain is the area where agricultural activities are concentrated. Pastures and meadows also exist in the mountainous areas and plateaus.

Vezirköprü's climate exhibits a transitional characteristic between the Black Sea climate and the Central Anatolian continental climate. Due to its inland location at a higher elevation, it exhibits more continental influences than coastal areas. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are generally hot and dry. Annual temperature and precipitation reflect this transitional climate. More pronounced temperature differences and winter conditions are observed compared to the coast.

Population and Demography

Vezirköprü district has been an agricultural settlement since its founding, but has shown a significant population decline over the last seventeen years. The district's population, which peaked at 107,868 in 2007, has declined steadily in subsequent years, reaching 99,904 in 2014, 95,569 in 2018, 90,308 in 2022, and finally reaching 88,564 in 2024. During this period, the total population has decreased by approximately 17%, with an average negative annual growth rate of over 1%.

This population decline over time is primarily driven by internal migration from rural areas to urban centers. While there was an average annual decrease of 1,000–2,000 people between 2007 and 2014, this decrease increased to 1,500–2,500 between 2015 and 2021. The total population, which fell to 91,978 in 2021, suggests that mechanization in agricultural production and fluctuations in seasonal labor demand are driving the rural population outward. While a relatively stable outlook is observed in the 2022–2023 period, a further decline of 1,800 people is recorded by 2024.

Looking at the gender composition of the 2024 population, 44,214 were male and 44,350 were female. In this case, women, at 50.08%, slightly outnumber men (49.92%). However, when compared across years, the percentage difference in favor of women was larger in 2007, when the male population was 53,230 and the female population was 54,638. This difference has narrowed over time, and the gender distribution has gradually balanced between 2020 and 2024. This change may be due to the migration of the migrant population, largely driven by economic reasons, and the relatively high share of young men among migrant groups.

While detailed information on age groups is lacking, the overall population decline and the persistence of rural demographics suggest that younger age groups are turning to larger cities, particularly Samsun, for education and employment opportunities. This trend, coupled with the decline in the working-age population through migration, hinders the revitalization of economic activity within the district; the share of the elderly and dependent population in the total is likely to increase.

Economy

According to 2024 data, the total population is approximately 106,000 people, 79,166 of whom reside in rural settlements, showing the weight of agriculture-based economic activity in local employment.

Beyond the primary sector's dominance, steps have been taken to enhance industrial infrastructure to support regional development. The Vezirköprü Mixed Organized Industrial Zone project is planned to provide investors with the opportunity to establish facilities and quickly begin operations, once the infrastructure is complete. This initiative is being implemented with the goal of providing diversified employment opportunities and contributing to non-agricultural economic growth in the district.

The district's natural and cultural assets provide the foundation for the development of the tourism sector. Within the Vezirköprü Tourism Center, small streams, grassy vegetation, and pine trees exceeding 60 meters in height offer an environment with ecotourism potential. Furthermore, the region's deer breeding station provides a model that functions both for agricultural production and nature tourism. Şahinkaya Canyon, located on the Altınkaya Dam, provides suitable facilities for water tourism and adventure sports, enabling the diversification of the service sector.

Tourism and Cuisine

The Vezirköprü district of Samsun province boasts a tourism and cultural profile shaped by its rich historical layers, Ottoman-era architectural heritage, and natural and geographical formations. The district bears traces of historical processes stretching from the Hittite civilization to the Ottoman Empire. The resources provided provide information about these elements of the district, as well as its natural areas.

Oymaağaç Mound holds a significant place in the district's archaeological and historical heritage. Research at this mound suggests that Nerik, one of the Hittite holy cities, was located there. Furthermore, there are rock tombs in the Esen neighborhood that date back to the Paphlagonian period. In terms of Ottoman-era architecture, Vezirköprü is notable for the structures built by Köprülü Mehmet Pasha and his family, from whom it takes its name. Taşhan, located in the district center, is a caravanserai built by Köprülü Mehmet Pasha in the 17th century. The Taşmedrese, also built during the same period, exhibits the characteristics of Ottoman madrasa architecture. The Historical Arasta (Istanbul Bazaar) and Bedesten (Covered Bazaar) that formed around these structures are architectural elements that reflect the commercial fabric of the period. Other structures, such as the Kale Mosque and the Fazıl Ahmet Pasha Madrasa/Library, can also be found in the district's Ottoman-era inventory. The Historical Vezirköprü Houses, examples of traditional civil architecture, are also integral to the district's cultural fabric.

In terms of natural resources, Şahinkaya Canyon is one of the district's most well-known geographical features. Located on Altınkaya Dam Lake, this canyon is a steep-walled valley formed by the Kızılırmak River's erosion and can be visited by boat tours. Another natural area in the district is the Kunduz Forests. Located on Kunduz Mountain, these forested areas contain tree species such as pine, beech, and oak, and provide habitat for wildlife (deer, roe deer, and wild boar are mentioned). These areas offer potential for recreational activities such as hiking and camping. Vezirköprü's cultural heritage may also include specific festivals or handicrafts.