HISTORY

Though there are no precise historical data, it is believed that this town was a settlement since the fourth millennium BC. Hittite, Phrygian and Persian rules are followed by the Roman and Byzantine Empires. In 1425, the town was conquered by the Ottomans.

The municipal organisation was established in this town in 1925.

GEOGRAPHY

The town sprawls at both sides of Yeşilırmak River along Samsun -Ordu interstate highway. Black Sea, Terme, Ayvacık and Salıpazarı, Tekkeköy encircle Çarşamba sub-prefecture clockwise from the north. The town is located on the riparian deposits brought by Yeşilırmak. Many delta lakes are formed in sections near the sea.

CLIMATE

A marine climate prevails in Çarşamba. Rains abound in all seasons. Summers are warm and winters are tepid. July and august are the warmest months while coldest weather is encountered in january and february.

SOCIO -ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

The fertile delta on which the town is erected made the inhabitants mainly farmers. Wheat, barley, rice, beans, chickpeas, sugar beets, sunflowers, peaches, apples and hazelnuts are the main products. The bulk of maize production, of which 39 percent is accounted for by Samsun, is raised in Çarşamba. 45 hectares of tobacco farms produce around 45 tonnes of tobacco perannum.

Vegetables are shipped to all parts of the country. Poplar plantations have begun to expand in the recent past. Three hazelnut processing plants and two sea food factories operate mainly for the export trade.

TRANSPORTATION

Çarşamba is 37 kilometres away from Samsun, to which the access is via Samsun -Ordu highway. There is also a railroad connection to Samsun.

SIGHTSEEING

Tepecik, Kilistepe and Tünbütepe mounds represent the earliest bronze age settlements within this sub-prefecture.

The Göğceli Mosque is one of the best examples of anatolian wooden architecture. Dating back to 1206, it was constructed as a single-story building with 25 metre lumber blocks without use of any nails. Another similar mosque is in the Yağcılar village. There are likewise scores of shrines scattered across the whole subprefecture dedicated to local saints.

The downtown mall from 1826 still houses many commercial enterprises.

The name Çarşamba, meaning Wednesday, is derived from the fairs held on every Wednesday since 1370.

The Yeşilırmak culture and art festival, sponsored by the municipality and held from 20 to 23 may every year, is an important occasion where local products, folkloric manifestations, concerts and exhibitions are organised.

OVERNIGHTING AND MEALS

Arslan Hotel with 42 and Sugar Factory Guesthouse with 160 beds are important overnighting facilities together with the Teachers' Club. There are many recommended restaurants in the city.

Wheat grout with lamb, maize pâté and soup, black cabbage soup and roasted goose are famous local dishes.