Highlights
Don't Return Without Doing: Tokat
Tokat is a small, cozy and green province located in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey.
Believed to have been founded by the Togayits in the early ages, the city has been home to many civilizations over the years. This small Anatolian city, which bears the traces of the civilizations established on it, promises different experiences to its visitors with its natural beauties and local tastes as well as its historical texture.
We have compiled a list of must-see places for you if you happen to visit this beautiful, modest city of the Black Sea.
1- Ballica Cave
Ballıca Cave is located in Ballıca Village of Pazar district, 26 km. southwest of Tokat. The 8 km road leading to Ballıca Cave passes by a Seljuk Period bridge that connects to the King's Road. The 8 halls of Ballıca Cave, which are open to visitors, are 680 m. long and 95 m. high.
Ballıca Cave is known to have areas that are still not opened to visitors. 3.4 million years old, this natural beauty is also of great cultural importance. Onion Stalactites in the cave are of international importance. In addition to all its beauties, the cave is also thought to be good for the respiratory tract. If you go to Tokat, you should definitely visit Ballıca Cave.
Ballica Cave address: Ballıca Village Road D:no 1, 60800 Ballıca/Pazar/Tokat
2- Ali Pasha Hamam
One of the most important structures that come to mind when it comes to Tokat is undoubtedly the baths. The public baths located at different points in the city have an important place in the daily lives of the people of the city, and they are also frequently visited at special times such as holidays and weddings, and these visits have become traditional.
When you are on your way to Tokat, you should enjoy a bath in Ali Pasha Bath, which was built in 1572 and has survived to the present day with the renovations made.
Ali Pasha Hamamaddress: Alipasa, 60200 Tokat Merkez/Tokat
3- Yazmacılar Inn Hotel & Restaurant
Thought to have been built in the 13th century, the inn was restored and put into service between 2010-2019. You can taste Tokat's traditional dishes and experience the historical texture of the city in the inn, which has a boutique hotel and restaurant inside.
Yazmacılar Hanı Hotel & Restaurant address: Kabe-i Mescid Mahallesi Halit Sokak No:3 Tokat/Merkez
4- Tashan
Taşhan, one of the largest city inns in Anatolia, is an Ottoman work built in the 17th century. It is a two-storey building with an open courtyard in a north-south position, rectangular plan with cut stone and brick. Today, the courtyard of the 112-room building is used as a tea garden and the rooms are used as shops and workshops where Tokat-specific handicrafts and local products are manufactured and sold.
You can take a small break in Taşhan, located in the center of the city, and buy local products for yourself and your loved ones as a souvenir of Tokat.
Taşhan address: Kabe-i̇ Mescid, 60200 Tokat Merkez/Tokat
5- Zile Castle
Zile Castle, the castle where the famous Roman Emperor Julius Caesar said the famous "Veni, Vidi, Vici" (I came, I saw, I defeated), is one of the structures you must see when you visit Tokat.
Zile Castle, located on a mound in the center of Zile District, contains architectural elements from the Roman and Byzantine periods. You can feel the historical texture by visiting Zile Castle, which is 74 km from the center of Tokat.
Zile Castle address: Sakiler, Sakarya Cd. No:76, 60400 Zile/Tokat
6- Goose Lake
Kaz Golü, located 39 km from Tokat, is a lake where you can have the chance to see 108 different bird species such as magpie, white stork, black stork, peregrine falcon, peregrine falcon, wagtail, water fowl, willow sparrow, blackbird, diamondhead, duck and goose species, snipe, sparrow.
There are 2 observation towers among the lush reeds around the lake, which is 19 km from Turhal and 9 km from Pazar, and many bird watchers prefer this place. If you want to take a journey to the heart of nature, you should definitely visit Lake Kaz.