Havza
Havza offers an extraordinary national independence history, healing geothermal thermal spa resort, and high plateau experience. Its crowning historic landmark is the Havza Atatürk House & Museum (Mesudiye Oteli)—where Atatürk stayed in 1919 to coordinate the national liberation struggle. Visitors can also relax at Havza Thermal Spa Resort (Havza Kaplıcaları)—famed since Roman times for mineral-ri
Tourist experience
Havza offers an extraordinary national independence history, healing geothermal thermal spa resort, and high plateau experience. Its crowning historic landmark is the Havza Atatürk House & Museum (Mesudiye Oteli)—where Atatürk stayed in 1919 to coordinate the national liberation struggle. Visitors can also relax at Havza Thermal Spa Resort (Havza Kaplıcaları)—famed since Roman times for mineral-rich healing waters used in rheumatology and hydrotherapy—or explore ancient Seljuk mosques. Gastronomy features Havza Keşkeği, local lamb dishes, and thermal spring teas.
Key points of interest
Investment outlook
Havza holds an impressive Transparent Investment Score of 91.5/100, recognized as Central Türkiye's premier geothermal thermal health tourism, Organized Industrial Zone (Havza OSB), and national history pilgrimage market. Driven by expanding thermal hotel investments and Havza OSB manufacturing, land and residential buy prices average $1,100/m² with rapid annual capital appreciation (~46.2% YoY in USD). All new building stock features post-2023 seismic engineering.
Living here
Residing in Havza offers a comfortable, safe, and culturally rich small-city lifestyle with natural geothermal heating infrastructure in modern housing. Neighborhoods feature brand-new residential apartment compounds, thermal spa hotels, and safe streets. Residents benefit from comprehensive healthcare at Havza State Hospital, clean plateau air, and fast 45-minute highway links to central Samsun.
History & cultural identity
Havza, strategically set in a high mountain plateau valley along historic inland highway corridors in southern Samsun, holds an immortal place in modern national history and ancient thermal spa heritage. Known historically for its healing geothermal mineral hot springs under Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule, Havza became the first official headquarters of the Turkish War of Independence when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived on May 25, 1919, establishing his command post in the historic Mesudiye Hotel (Atatürk Evi) to issue the national resistance circulars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of Havza in the War of Independence?+
Havza was the very first official headquarters of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk after leaving Samsun in May 1919, where he issued circulars organizing national resistance.
What are the therapeutic benefits of Havza Thermal Springs?+
Havza's mineral-rich thermal hot springs (effective at 54°C) are celebrated for treating rheumatic disorders, neuralgia, and postoperative rehabilitation.
How far is Havza from Central İlkadım?+
Havza is located 85 kilometers (a 55-minute drive) south of central İlkadım along the smooth D-795 highway.