Komana Ancient City, located on a hill in the Gümenek area, 7 kilometers northeast of Tokat, is a cult center of the Mother Goddess Ma from the Pontus Kingdom period, containing layers spanning from the Hellenistic to the Seljuk era.
Komana Ancient City is situated on a hill in the Gümenek area, 7 kilometers northeast of Tokat. The known history of the city dates back to the Hellenistic period. Traces found beneath Byzantine structures in the upper part of Hamamtepe during 2018 excavations pushed the settlement's history back another 1300 years to the BCE period. Excavation work, led by Prof. Dr. Burcu Erciyas from METU for over a decade, reveals that Komana was an important cult center dedicated to the Mother Goddess Ma during the Pontus Kingdom period.
The city's layers do not belong to a single period. Found Knossos coins, votive terracottas, black-glazed Attic ceramics, and fragments of Ephesus ceramics indicate that Komana established trade relations with distant regions. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, under Danishmend and Seljuk rule, the city transformed into an important production, agricultural, and trade center; its location on the Niksar road made it a frequent stop for caravans and travelers. Pottery and ceramic fragments unearthed during excavations are exhibited today at the Tokat Museum.
The 8 gray columns used in the construction of Ali Paşa Mosque in Tokat city center are considered among the materials transported from the ancient city. This is concrete evidence of how Komana's stones blended into the urban fabric centuries later. The area is still an active excavation site, so it's advisable to confirm the current status and opening information before visiting.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tokat historical places, Halit Street-Sulu Street.
Guide's Note
About Komana Ancient City
Komana Pontika is built on a hill in the Gümenek area of Tokat. For a long time, the known history of the city was limited to the Byzantine period. However, traces found beneath Byzantine structures in the upper part of Hamamtepe during the 2018 excavation season showed that the settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period, and even earlier. According to excavation director Prof. Dr. Burcu Erciyas, these findings reveal Komana's identity as a cult center of the Pontus Kingdom.
The Knossos coin and Attic ceramics found in the city indicate that it was connected not only locally but also with distant geographies. The area is still an active site where excavation work continues.
When to visit
As it is an open-air archaeological site, spring and autumn months are more comfortable for walking. In summer, as shade decreases during midday, early morning or late afternoon hours can be preferred. Snowfall can be seen in the region during winter months, so it is useful to check road conditions beforehand.
How to get there
Minibus lines going from Tokat city center towards Gümenek operate regularly, making it a practical option for those who want to use public transport. If you are going by your own car, there is a short 7-kilometer road from the center. You just need to follow the signs directing to the site on the hill.
How much time to allocate
Komana Ancient City is a compact archaeological site. A visit of 1-1.5 hours is usually sufficient. You can combine it with other stops in Tokat city center (Tokat Museum, Ali Paşa Mosque) to plan a half-day trip.
Route suggestion
It makes sense to plan your Komana visit together with the Tokat Museum, as ceramic and pottery fragments found during excavations have been sent there. When you return to the city center, also see the Ali Paşa Mosque: the 8 gray columns used in its construction are counted among the materials transported from Komana. These three stops can be easily visited in one day.
Photo spots
Its location on the hill offers wide-angle shots of the surrounding agricultural lands and Tokat's rural texture. The architectural remains and layer cross-sections in the excavation area contain interesting details for photographers interested in archaeology.
Things to consider before visiting
As the area is still an active excavation site, access to some sections may be seasonally restricted. We recommend confirming the current opening status and possible entrance fee from official sources (komana.org) before your visit. Wearing sturdy shoes will make it easier on uneven ground.
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