Ordu history

The history of the city of Ordu is rooted in deep antiquity. The first known settlement on the territory of modern Ordu, Cotyora, was founded in the 8th century BC by Greek colonists from the city of Sinop. This ancient polis is mentioned in the famous work of the ancient Greek historian Xenophon, "Anabasis". It recounts how ten thousand Greek mercenaries stayed in Cotyora for 45 days in 401 BC during their retreat from Persia.

Key factors in the city's establishment were its advantageous geographical position and trade. Its location on the Black Sea coast in a sheltered bay made Cotyora, and later Ordu, a strategically important trading point and port. The city was involved in maritime trade, and the surrounding lands were known for their resources; in particular, the local Chalybes tribes were famous for their skill in mining and processing iron.

Throughout its long history, the city was part of the Kingdom of Pontus, and the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Around 180 BC, the inhabitants of Cotyora were resettled by King Pharnaces I to the new city of Pharnacia. In the Middle Ages, the region passed under the control of Turkish beyliks, and later, in the 15th century, became part of the Ottoman Empire, receiving its modern name Ordu, which translates to "army".

Initially, Cotyora was a small Greek colony with a characteristic Hellenic culture, and its economy was closely linked to the sea — fishing and trade. After becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, the city remained a small settlement for a long time, inhabited predominantly by Pontic Greeks. Its active growth and development began significantly later, but the historical heritage of ancient Cotyora remains an important part of Ordu's identity to this day.

Timeline: Key Dates in History

• 8th Century BC — Greek colonists from Sinop found the settlement of Cotyora, which is considered the ancient predecessor of modern Ordu.
• 401 BC — Xenophon's "Ten Thousand" Greek mercenaries stay in the city, thanks to which a description of Cotyora appears in the famous work "Anabasis".
• 63 BC — After the military campaigns of Pompey the Great, the region passes under the rule of the Roman Empire, joining the global trade routes of antiquity.
• 1204 — Following the fragmentation of Byzantium, these lands become part of the Empire of Trebizond, retaining significant strategic importance in the Pontus region.
• 1380 — The territory passes under the control of the Turkish Hacıemiroğulları beylik, marking the beginning of the region's Turkification.
• 1461 — Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror) annexes Trebizond and the surrounding lands to the Ottoman Empire, establishing Ottoman rule here.
• 1869 — The city officially receives the name Ordu and the status of a district administrative center, which contributes to its bureaucratic and economic growth.
• 1883 — A massive fire destroys a significant part of the wooden buildings, after which the city is rebuilt according to a more modern plan.
• 1920 — Ordu is separated from Trabzon and becomes the center of an independent province, strengthening its political status.
• 1923 — As a result of the population exchange, the demographic appearance of the city changes: the Greek community leaves the region, giving way to Muslim settlers.
• 2006 — The opening of Ordu University gives a powerful impulse to the development of education and cultural life in the province.
• 2015 — The Ordu-Giresun Airport is put into operation, becoming the first airport in Turkey and Europe to be built on an artificial island in the sea.

Stages of Transformation: From Trading Port to Modern Center

The development of Ordu is inextricably linked to its geographical location and natural resources. The city has journeyed from a local trading harbor to an important economic and tourism hub of the Black Sea region. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance of the city:

• Becoming the "Hazelnut Capital" (19th–20th Centuries). The massive transition to hazelnut cultivation became the foundation of the regional economy. This not only secured the city's status as a world leader in hazelnut production but also promoted the development of the port and trade relations, laying the financial groundwork for further growth.
• Obtaining Administrative Center Status (1920). The designation of Ordu as a separate province (independent of Trabzon) kickstarted the formation of its own state institutions. This event accelerated urbanization and strengthened the city's political significance on the scale of Turkey.
• Founding of Ordu University (2006). The opening of a major state university became a powerful driver of cultural and social change. The influx of youth and the academic community revitalized the urban environment, stimulating the real estate market and the service sector.
• Launch of the Cable Car to Boztepe Hill (2011). This urban planning project became a turning point in tourism development. The cable car connected the city center with its main observation deck, turning Boztepe into an accessible and popular attraction that drew thousands of new visitors.
• Construction of Ordu-Giresun Airport (2015). The opening of Europe's first airport built on an artificial island in the sea solved the long-standing problem of transport isolation. This infrastructure breakthrough radically improved logistics, opening the region to investors and international travelers.
• Comprehensive Waterfront Reconstruction. The transformation of the coastline into an extensive recreational zone with parks and bicycle paths changed the quality of life for citizens. The waterfront became the main public space, connecting the urban landscape with the sea and creating a modern resort atmosphere.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Ordu represents a harmonious blend of traditional Black Sea building styles and modern urban solutions. The urban development of the city has been dictated for centuries by the complex landscape: a narrow coastal strip wedged between the waters of the Black Sea and steep mountain slopes forced architects to find a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Historical Eras and Styles

The appearance of the historical center was formed primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, the city experienced an economic boom, which was reflected in the construction of wealthy mansions and public buildings. The main architectural trends include:

• Traditional Ottoman Architecture (19th Century). Characterized by the use of local materials: stone for the ground floors and wood for the upper levels. A typical example is mansions with projecting bay windows (cumbas), tiled roofs, and wide eaves. This style dominates the residential buildings of the old quarters.
• Neoclassicism (Late 19th Century). Manifested in the architecture of religious and public structures left by the city's Greek community. The buildings are distinguished by strict symmetry, the use of columns, pilasters, and arched windows.
• Modern Functionalism (20th–21st Centuries). With population growth, the city began to expand vertically. Modern districts are built up with multi-story residential complexes made of concrete and glass, while the waterfront has been transformed into a vast recreational zone with parks and modern urban sculpture.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Several key landmarks and quarters form the recognizable silhouette of Ordu and serve as living illustrations of its architectural history:

• Taşbaşı District. The historical heart of the city, preserving the atmosphere of the past. Here, narrow cobblestone streets wind between restored ancient houses. The main dominant feature of the district is the Taşbaşı Church (now a cultural center), built in 1853. It is a striking example of a basilica with neoclassical elements, constructed from cut stone.
• Paşaoğlu Mansion (Ethnographic Museum). Built in 1896, this mansion is considered a masterpiece of Ordu's civil architecture. The building is famous for its exquisite stonework (stones were brought from Ünye quarries in Turkey), rich wooden interior decoration, and painted ceilings. It vividly demonstrates the luxurious lifestyle of the local nobility at the end of the 19th century.
• Aziziye Mosque. Erected during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, the mosque combines Ottoman traditions with Baroque elements, which is visible in the design of the minaret and window openings.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Ordu

The city of Ordu and its surroundings have gifted Turkey with many bright names in the fields of culture, arts, and politics. These individuals have made a significant contribution to the development of the country, leaving a noticeable mark on its history.

• Kadir İnanır — Actor and director. Born in Fatsa, a district of Ordu province. He is one of the most iconic figures of Turkish cinema's "Yeşilçam" era, having starred in more than 180 films. His charismatic roles and acting skills have earned him numerous awards and nationwide love.
• Ertuğrul Günay — Politician and lawyer. A native of Ordu, he served as the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure, important projects regarding the preservation of cultural heritage and tourism development were implemented, and many archaeological artifacts were returned to Turkey.
• Hekimoğlu İbrahim — Folk hero. A legendary figure from Fatsa who rebelled against the injustice of local feudal lords in the early 20th century. His story of courage and protection of the poor became the famous folk song "Hekimoğlu Türküsü," turning him into a symbol of the struggle for justice in Turkish folklore.
• İdris Naim Şahin — Politician. Born in Ünye, a district of Ordu province. He served as the Minister of the Interior of Turkey, playing an important role in the country's political life in the early 2010s.
• Onur Akın — Musician and composer. Originally from Ordu, he is one of the prominent representatives of original (özgün) and protest music in Turkey. His songs, often based on the verses of famous poets, enjoy great popularity.
• Mabel Matiz — Singer and songwriter. Although born in another region, his family originates from Ordu. He is one of the brightest and most influential figures in modern Turkish pop music, known for his unique style and profound lyrics.