Dündar Tepe / Öksürük Tepe

Dündar Tepe is a mound located in Samsun's İlkadım district, extending towards the south of the city. Also known as Öksürük Tepe (Cough Hill), this area earned its second name due to a buried saint on the hill, believed by locals to cure coughing children. The fact that the mound bears two names is an interesting example of how deeply local folk culture can intertwine with an archaeological site.

An excavation site, Dündar Tepe, although now within the urban fabric of the city, harbors traces of settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Considered within the scope of nature-culture tourism, this site is an easily accessible stop for history enthusiasts visiting Samsun, thanks to its proximity to the city center.

Dündar Tepe Mound was systematically studied through archaeological excavations carried out in 1940-1941. These excavations revealed that the mound experienced intensive settlement between the Chalcolithic Age and the Early Bronze Age. These periods roughly correspond to 5000-2000 BCE, offering valuable clues about the lifestyles of early human communities in the Black Sea basin.

The 15-meter-high mound consists of cultural layers piled one on top of another. Each layer contains traces of settlements, ceramic fragments, and daily life remnants from different periods. Dündar Tepe continues to be one of the reference points in the region for understanding the prehistoric period of Samsun and its surroundings.

Since Dündar Tepe is an open-air mound, weather conditions directly affect the visit. The periods of April-June and September-October, combined with Samsun's mild climate, are a good choice for both a comfortable trip and the green appearance of the surroundings. In summer, despite being on the Black Sea coast, Samsun can be quite humid and hot; therefore, it is better to prefer morning hours. In winter, frequent rainy weather in the region can make walking on the earthy ground difficult.

Dündar Tepe is located 3 kilometers southeast of Samsun İlkadım district center, in Kılıçdede Neighborhood. It is approximately 8 km from Samsun bus terminal and approximately 23 km from Çarşamba Airport.

To reach it from within the city, you can use public transportation lines going to İlkadım center, then take a taxi or private car to the mound. Searching for "Dündar Tepe" or "Öksürük Tepe" on navigation apps will direct you directly to the area. Parking may be available for those coming by car; however, due to the area being within the urban fabric, parking options might be limited.

Dündar Tepe is a relatively modest-sized mound, situated within the city, rather than an extensive archaeological site. 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient to explore the area and take a short walk around it. It can be combined with other historical and cultural sites in Samsun for a half-day city tour. Those with a special interest in archaeology or the prehistoric period may wish to allocate a little more time for a more detailed examination of the surroundings.

You can have a productive day by combining Dündar Tepe with other historical and cultural sites in Samsun. After visiting the mound, you can return to the city center to visit the Samsun Museum, then add the May 19th Monument, symbolizing Atatürk's arrival in Samsun, and the Bandırma Ferry Museum to your itinerary. For those heading towards Bafra, the Tobacco Museum can also be an interesting stop. This route offers both the prehistoric and recent history of Samsun together.

Dündar Tepe is not an active excavation site or a structured museum; therefore, visitor infrastructure is quite limited. We recommend researching in advance whether there are guided tours, exhibitions, or information panels in the area. Since the mound is within the urban fabric of the city, it is located among surrounding roads and neighborhood streets; using a navigation app will make it easier to find the area. As the ground may be earthy and sloped, wear comfortable walking shoes. Confirm entrance fees and visiting hours with official sources before you go.