Sucuali Rock Tomb is an ancient rock-cut tomb chamber, approximately 2x2 meters, located in the Çamaş district of Ordu, whose circular opening in the ceiling remains unsolved to this day.
Sucuali Rock Tomb is located in the İnüstü area of Sucuali Neighborhood, Çamaş district. The nearly square-planned tomb chamber is approximately 2x2 meters. Its entrance is also small: one enters through a narrow opening of 40x35 centimeters. The front facade is carved 60-70 centimeters into the main rock, designed like a kind of antechamber.
The most interesting part of the tomb is its ceiling. In the middle of this saddle-roof-shaped ceiling, there is a circular opening about 30 centimeters in diameter, drilled all the way through the rock. The purpose of this detail, which is not found in other rock tombs in the region, has not been solved to this day. The interior of the tomb chamber is filled with water and stones, so no one can determine if there are benches inside. The tomb still partially keeps its secret.
The tradition of rock tombs in Ordu is actually quite rich. Besides Sucuali, similar structures like Delikkaya, Dikenlice, and Tozkoparan are also found in the region. This suggests that the lands of Ordu might be connected to the ancient tomb tradition in the Paphlagonia region. History enthusiasts generally prefer to visit these tombs on a single route.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Historical places in Ordu, Perşembe Plateau.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The tomb is in an open area and can be visited all year round. However, considering the humid climate of the Black Sea, spring and autumn months are more comfortable for both walking and photography. In summer, the vegetation in the region intensifies, which may make approaching the rock a bit more difficult.
How to Get There?
From Ordu city center to Çamaş district, it's approximately 55 kilometers by road. After arriving in Çamaş, proceed on local roads to the İnüstü area of Sucuali Neighborhood. Public transportation is not frequent on this route. Going by your own vehicle or with a local guide is the safest option. Since signage may be scarce, asking a local in the neighborhood for directions will make your job easier.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
The tomb itself is small, and a visit can be completed in 15-20 minutes. While you're in the region, you can plan a rock tomb tour lasting one day by including other rock tombs in and around Çamaş (such as Delikkaya, Dikenlice) on the same day.
Rock Tombs Route
The rock tomb tradition in Ordu doesn't end at one point. Besides Sucuali, the Delikkaya, Dikenlice, and Tozkoparan tombs near Ünye also show similar craftsmanship. Combining these points with a one-day plan allows you to see the region's ancient tomb culture more comprehensively. Placing Sucuali at the beginning or end of your route ensures that your journey to Çamaş is not wasted.
Things to Pay Attention To
The interior of the tomb chamber is filled with water and stones, so it is not possible to enter. The visit relies on observation from the outside. Since the area can be rural and steep, wearing appropriate footwear will make your visit easier. The location may not be clearly marked with a sign; it is helpful to ask local people in the neighborhood for directions.
Tips for Photography
The rock-cut texture of the tomb and the mysterious opening in the ceiling are interesting for close-up photos. Morning light shows the details on the rock surface more clearly. Shots taken with the surrounding vegetation also reflect the structure's natural setting.
Why Should It Be Visited?
Sucuali Rock Tomb is not a large-scale ancient city ruin, but it holds a riddle within itself. The fact that the function of the 30-centimeter circular opening in its ceiling is still not understood transforms the visit from an ordinary historical stop into a small point of curiosity. It is the right choice for travelers looking for a lesser-known, quiet route.
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