Boztepe is a modest residential neighborhood and hilltop park in the Altınordu district of Ordu province. Administratively it is a mahalle (neighborhood) about 6 km inland from Ordu’s coastal center. In 2022 the Boztepe neighborhood population was recorded as only around 599 people, underscoring that this is primarily a scenic and recreational site rather than a dense urban area. Originally an outlying village on the hills above Ordu, Boztepe is now integrated into the city’s outskirts. The name Boztepe means “Gray Hill” in Turkish, likely referring to the color of the bare rocks or leafless woods seen from certain angles. Over time it has become the landmark symbol of Ordu. The city of Ordu (often referred to by its district name Altınordu) is the capital of the province and an important port on the Black Sea. Visitors note that much of Ordu actually lies on the flanks of Boztepe, which provides a natural vantage point overlooking the town.

Ordu itself is a large city (urban population ~235,000) on the Turkish Black Sea coast. Its story stretches back to ancient times, but for travelers today it is known for its mild coastal climate, verdant hills, and industry (hazelnuts in particular). The construction of the Boztepe cable car in 2012 was a modern effort to make this high point accessible to all, cementing Boztepe’s role as Ordu’s signature attraction. In this way, the context for Boztepe is both geographic (a hill of Ordu city) and cultural (a popular viewpoint for locals and tourists alike).

The Landscape of Boztepe

Boztepe rises almost 500 meters (about 1,600 feet) above the Black Sea coast. The mountain station of the Boztepe gondola is at 498 meters altitude, and local descriptions often cite it as roughly 450–550 m above sea level. Its slopes are typical of the Eastern Black Sea region: dense stands of fir, pine and beech forest cling to the steep sides, while the very topplateau opens out into meadows and parkland. Roads and trails wind through dark forests of spruce and Scotch pine (the Abies nordmanniana and Pinus pinea species are common here), broken by rocky outcrops.

From above the tree line, Boztepe’s summit is comparatively bare and grassy. This upper area (sometimes called the Boztepe picnic area) features patches of grass interspersed with scattered pines and hazelnut shrubs. Hazelnut trees, which thrive in Ordu’s mild climate, are evident on many of Boztepe’s terraces and slopes. The cooler, mist-laden air at this elevation creates a moist microclimate that keeps the slopes lush even in summer. Because the hill juts out right at the coast, it effectively forms a peninsula: on its summit one truly feels surrounded by the sea on one side and forests on the others. This unique topography – a mountain carving into the Black Sea – is why a local photographer aptly named Boztepe “the point where green and blue meet.” The vivid green of its forests meets the deep blue of the sea in a single panoramic scene, giving visitors a full sense of the region’s landscape.

Panoramic Vistas of Ordu and the Black Sea

From Boztepe’s observation decks one enjoys an unrivaled view over Ordu. Looking westward across the summit, the entire city unfolds below like a toy model: the river, the harbor, and the network of streets climbing the gentle hills. Ordu’s older stone houses, its mosques, and the full length of the Black Sea boardwalk (İskele) all lie in view. On a clear day, the sight extends for tens of kilometers along the coast. To the left (north) one sees the jutting headland of Yoroz, while on the right (east) the green ridges stretch toward Altınordu and eventually the mountains near Giresun. The Black Sea itself fills the horizon; its surface can be glassy blue on calm days or rippled by the sea breezes typical of the region. In fact, photographers often remark that the skyline looks like the Turkish phrase on the summit photo – “the point where green meets blue” – because one side is forested mountain, the other is open water.

During daylight, the vista is extraordinary. It is possible to stand at the cable car’s upper station and take in a 360° panorama. The former image from Boztepe (with Ordu below) illustrates how the city appears as if nestled in a bowl with the sea meeting the land. In the morning light, the city glitters and landmarks like the ancient Taşbaşı Mosque and the 18th-century Paşaoğlu Mansion are visible. Clouds rolling off the hills can create dramatic skies. For planning photography, the eastern orientation means sunrises occur to the right of the viewpoint, while sunsets illuminate the city side in golden glow.

The day-trip nature of Boztepe means many visitors pause here to drink in the view. Local guidebooks and reviews emphasize it as “the perfect place to spend a good time, enjoying the stunning views of the city” and often mention that an afternoon tea on the terrace is a must while gazing over Ordu. TourTurka, a travel portal, notes that at Boztepe one can sip tea or coffee while taking in breathtaking vistas. Indeed, between the vantage points and the amenities, Boztepe’s panoramic outlook is its greatest draw. By evening, as city lights begin to twinkle, the panorama shifts: the city below becomes “a field of jewels,” as visitors often describe, with the Bosphorus of stars overhead reflected in the bay.

Ascending Boztepe: The Cable Car

The most distinctive way up to Boztepe is the Ordu Boztepe Gondola, a bi-cable detachable gondola system built by the Italian company Leitner Ropeways. Opened in June 2012, the gondola quickly became a symbol of modern Ordu. It runs between two stations: one at the city level on the Black Sea coast (at about 0 m elevation) and the other at the summit (498 m elevation). Over its 2,350-meter (7,710 ft) line it carries 28 cabins, each seating eight passengers, on 7 support towers. At full capacity it can transport about 1,800 people per hour round-trip. A one-way trip takes roughly 6–7 minutes, offering riders a gradually ascending panorama of Ordu below.

Construction of this lift – a long-held dream of local planners – cost around ₺11 million and was completed in 2012. Since then it has operated as a public attraction. In terms of experience, passengers step into a modern glass-enclosed gondola (the cabins bear the name “Batumi” in honor of Ordu’s sister city) and float steadily upward. Windows on all sides ensure unobstructed scenery. After leaving the park-like city station (with its parking lot for some 180 cars), the line rises steadily above urban edges, eventually emerging above the tree line for the final ascent to Boztepe’s platform.

Ticketing for the gondola is a bit unique. Rather than a simple one-time fare, the system sells time-based passes valid for a certain number of hours. For example, a recent guide notes that a two-hour ticket costs about 20 TL and a 24-hour ticket about 50 TL. This allows a visitor to ride up, spend time at the top, and return on the same ticket if done within that period. Turkish citizens pay a lower rate, and foreign visitors pay somewhat higher (e.g. ₺25 vs ₺100 for a return, per an official 2013 note, though contemporary flat rates are shown in the municipal pricing). The cable car runs roughly from morning until late evening (around 9:00–23:30 in summer, slightly later start in winter). It operates seven days a week (though check for any Friday schedule in local sources) and can have queue lines on weekends or holidays. Still, it remains an efficient and scenic link: flying over Ordu’s streets and rooftops on the way to the hilltop provides a novel perspective even before the summit is reached.

Ascending Boztepe: Roads and Trails

Aside from the gondola, Boztepe is reachable by land. The original route was a winding mountain road. Recently the Altınordu city government upgraded an alternative access road to improve tourism comfort. As reported by the Altınordu municipality, about 3 km of previously dirt track have been paved with asphalt to link the Boztepe neighborhood to the Ordu–Samsun highway. The newly asphalted highway runs from the Ordu town area up around Boztepe, passing through the neighboring villages of Orhaniye and Kumbaşı. The project was explicitly aimed at giving visitors a “high-standard, comfortable route” to the hill. In practice, drivers now can follow navigational directions (the old GPS-suggested road) all the way up on good pavement.

From Ordu city, one would typically drive up from Atatürk Park toward the hills (though this was originally a pedestrian cable car park). The distance by road is about 6–7 km. The route climbs through the pine forests; most of the ascent happens in the final 2–3 km. The drive is scenic in itself, featuring hairpin turns around lush slopes. There is parking at the upper level near the summit facilities for those who wish to drive up. Note that traffic is now restricted on a new walking path: in mid-2023 the Boztepe road above the summit was closed to private vehicles and converted to a pedestrian promenade. In other words, one parks at the base of the summit area and walks the last section.

For hikers, there are trail paths through the forest. One informal path leads from the Mount Boztepe station of the gondola (near Altınordu central) to the peak, taking roughly 1–1.5 hours on foot. However, given the steepness, most tourists prefer the vehicle or cable car, especially since the road is now so accessible. The Ordu nature guidebooks note that reaching Boztepe by car or teleferik is common, but for the ambitious there is a dirt footpath starting near Tepebaşı (the Atatürk statue at the coast) that ascends the hillside through the shade.

At Boztepe’s Summit: Features and Facilities

Reaching the top of Boztepe rewards visitors with more than vistas: the summit area has been developed into a modest hilltop park. The cable car’s mountain station opens onto a broad plaza and observation deck paved with wooden decking. Here one finds benches, informational plaques, and panoramic signage pointing out distant peaks and landmarks. A café/restaurant building – often simply called Boztepe Restaurant – occupies a prime edge position. From its terrace tables and large windows, diners look straight down onto Ordu. This restaurant serves Turkish tea, coffee, soft drinks and typical regional dishes (such as kuymak cheese cornbread and hamsi dishes). It is common to see families or couples sitting on the terrace sipping tea as they overlook the Black Sea below.

Beyond the main restaurant are smaller kiosks and snack bars that sell ice cream, cold drinks and local nuts. Public restrooms and a small souvenir stand are available near the plaza. Not far from the dining area one can find a “Atatürk Köşesi” – a small monument corner with Atatürk’s portrait and the Turkish flag, commemorating the founder of modern Turkey’s ties to the city (Atatürk visited Ordu in 1924). The presence of the flagpole and portrait is a familiar sight at Turkish parks.

Walking paths from the summit area allow visitors to stroll along a rim path through the trees. One notable new development is a pedestrian promenade circling the peak on what was once the old road. This kilometer-long wooden walkway (completed by Ordu Municipality in 2022) lets people walk uninterrupted around Boztepe’s crest. As one strolls, viewpoints open up at intervals, each offering a slightly different angle on the landscape. Glass railings protect the edge at steeper spots. On weekends the summit can become quite lively, with locals picnicking under pines and children running around. But the area is never so crowded as to spoil the sense of tranquility atop this green hill.

Boztepe Cuisine: Cafe and Dining Options

Food is an integral part of the Boztepe experience. Turkish tea (çay) in the morning breeze is almost a tradition here. The main restaurant at the summit offers hot beverages and a menu of Black Sea specialties. Since Boztepe lies within Ordu’s hazelnut-producing region, many desserts and snacks feature hazelnuts. Visitors can try fındıklı dondurma (hazelnut ice cream), fındıklı baklava, and sweet hazelnut cookies. For savory eats, local favorites are on offer: anchovy pilaf (hamsi pilavı), fried anchovies, grilled fish or meat, and Kuymak (a rich cornmeal-and-cheese dish).

The ambiance at the hilltop restaurant is casual and family-friendly. Long communal tables encourage conversation between travelers. Signs point out the view and locals at nearby tables often chat over tea. During late afternoon, the restaurant terrace becomes popular for watching the sunset. In fact, travel reviews commonly advise “to have a traditional Turkish tea at the hill restaurant at sunset” because of the spectacular sky paints.

For quick snacks, small open-air stalls sell roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob in winter months, and fresh fruit or bottled water in summer. On clear days the moist mountain air is cool, and a hot simit (sesame simit roll) or fresh tea feels invigorating after the cable car ride. Vegetarians will find suitable bread-and-cheese options; no matter dietary preferences, enjoying something to eat while gazing at the panorama is a highlight for many visitors.

Hiking and Picnicking at Boztepe

Surrounding the summit’s developed area are quiet forested spots used for picnics. Large metal barbecue grills and picnic benches are scattered under the trees a short walk from the restaurant. Families come prepared with picnic baskets to grill corn or meat on a summer afternoon. The mild climate (cooler than the city but rarely frosty outside winter) allows year-round enjoyment of these shaded nooks. In spring the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers, and in autumn the foliage turns gold and red, enhancing the picnic experience.

More adventurous visitors follow trails that loop through the mountain park. A popular loop trail begins at Boztepe’s base station and climbs through valleys to reconnect at the summit. This trail is well-marked and maintained, suitable for a moderate 3–4 hour hike one way. Along the way hikers pass small streams and rustic wooden bridges, with occasional side paths leading to quiet clearings. Local signage (in Turkish and English) points out tree species and altitude markers. While hiking, keep an eye out for native fauna: Boztepe’s forest is home to songbirds and sometimes foxes or wild boar (unseen but known to inhabit the area).

For cyclists, part of the old roads have been converted into bike trails. Enthusiasts sometimes cycle from Ordu up to Boztepe, using the asphalt climb route, then returning via a downhill forest track. In recent years, one new attraction has been a zip-line (teleferik) slide that runs a short distance down the hillside, providing a quick thrill ride for families—though this is a modest facility rather than an extreme sports venue. Overall, Boztepe offers a refreshing escape into nature even for urban visitors: it is a green picnic haven overlooking the sea.

Flora, Fauna, and the Nature Park

Boztepe’s environment is characteristic of northern Anatolia’s coastal ranges. The predominant trees are evergreens: Bosnian pine (Pinus peuce), spruce, and fir, creating a dense canopy. The understory includes holly, laurel, and abundant wild rhododendron shrubs. In spring and early summer the mountain is fragrant with rhododendron blossoms (pink and white) and other native flowers. The grassland summit opens onto patches of heather and wild lavender. The area is officially designated Ordu Boztepe Nature Park, highlighting its ecological value.

Bird life is plentiful. Visitors often see magpies, jays and sparrows; raptors like hawks or buzzards sometimes circle overhead, taking advantage of the thermal currents. In the morning one might hear woodpeckers at work. Mammals are shy: squirrels dash among the trees, and at dusk foxes may slip through the edges of the woods. The variety of habitats – from sea level up to mid-mountain – attracts diverse species, making Boztepe a quiet nature reserve as well as a park. Educational plaques on some trails describe local plants and the importance of conservation, reminding visitors to keep the area clean.

These forests not only provide atmosphere but also practical benefits: they keep the hillside from eroding and offer shade and fresh air. Even in Ordu’s fairly rainy climate, the trees ensure the summit feels much cooler and damper than the city below. Travelers note how the air at 500m is crisp and clear; few travel destinations offer both sea breezes and mountain woods simultaneously. It is precisely this combination that led TourTurka to recommend Boztepe Nature Park as a place to relax amid “lush greenery” and fresh air.

History and Culture

While Boztepe is foremost a natural landmark, it has cultural echoes in the life of Ordu’s inhabitants. Historically, Ordu’s older neighborhoods spread up this hill, and some century-old stone houses still cling to its lower slopes. The earliest days of Ordu (under its ancient name Kotyora) were likely concentrated on or near Boztepe, since the location commands the harbor. Today one can find Ottoman-era gravestones and mosque foundations near the foothills, though the summit itself has no monuments older than the 20th century.

The most salient historical note is that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Ordu (then in a new republic) on 19 September 1924. Records show he arrived by ship in the afternoon and addressed townspeople. This visit cemented Ordu’s status, and local pride in republican heritage manifests at Boztepe with the Atatürk corner. Beyond that, cultural life at Boztepe tends to be informal: locals might bring musical instruments up on weekends for tea-time folk music, or school groups may hike up to learn about ecology. There is no permanent museum or fort here; instead, Boztepe is woven into Ordu’s identity through its vistas and communal memory.

For storytellers, Boztepe is also a place of leisure narratives. Anecdotes circulate that it was once a battleground of sorts, given the name “Altınordu” itself comes from “Golden Horde,” an old Turkic confederation. Some say Boztepe served as a lookout point for nomads centuries ago. But these legends are secondary to the park’s main appeal: it is where residents of Ordu have long come to celebrate holidays (picnicking on national days), relax on summer evenings, and show visiting friends the best view in the province.

Ordu’s Hazelnut Heritage and Boztepe

Ordu province produces roughly 40% of the world’s hazelnuts, making it famous for this crop. While Boztepe is not a farm, it overlooks hundreds of fındık (hazelnut) orchards terraced on the coastal hills. From the summit, one sees these green groves in spring and their golden hazels in late summer. The nut theme continues at Boztepe’s shops and café: packaged roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut baklava, and even hazelnut oil for sale. Sampling these products connects the panoramic experience to the local economy. In fact, travel guides often mention Ordu’s “largest producer of hazelnuts” as part of the context for visiting Boztepe.

The importance of hazelnut farming also shaped Ordu’s landscapes. Many of Boztepe’s walking paths pass through old hazel orchards that shade the trails. Some rural vendors at the park entrance sell bags of fresh or dried nuts. Tourists and locals alike often pick up a small sack as a souvenir. Thus, visiting Boztepe doubles as visiting Ordu’s agricultural heart: one gaze looks out over city and sea, the other down into the green fields that drive the regional economy.

Boztepe After Dark: Sunset and City Lights

One reason Boztepe remains beloved is the way its scenery transforms after sundown. As evening approaches, the western horizon (over the Black Sea) lights up with streaks of pink and orange. Watching the sun set from Boztepe’s terrace is a ritual for many. (Reviewers on travel sites heartily recommend timing a ride for sunset, calling it an unforgettable experience.) When the sun dips, the spectacle of Ordu’s nightscape takes over. The entire city unfolds below in a sparkle of incandescent bulbs. The waterfront and bridges glisten along the bay, cars leave trails of light on curving streets, and at a distance one can see the lights of neighboring towns.

Photographers love to capture this “sea of lights,” and some bring tripods to the summit. The gondola remains open during evening hours (often until 23:00 or later), allowing people to safely return to town after enjoying the view. In winter, Boztepe may even get a light dusting of snow, making the night scene feel like a holiday postcard. Local cafes on Boztepe sometimes prepare hot corn or tea for chilly nights, and observers will often hear the murmur of delighted tourists exclaiming at the city lights. In sum, Boztepe’s atmosphere after dark is festive and romantic, a counterpoint to its daytime serenity.

Photography at Boztepe

For enthusiasts, Boztepe is one of the top photographic destinations in the region. Daylight photography benefits from its elevation and wide horizon: nearly every angle on the platform provides a different composition. Hikers and bloggers advise taking wide-angle lenses to capture the breadth of Ordu, or zoom lenses to isolate details (like boats in the harbor or distant cloud shapes). The staircase access to the observation deck means camera tripods can be used at the summit (unlike a bumpy hike), enabling long exposures at night.

Light conditions vary by season. In spring and autumn, late-afternoon clouds casting shadows over the city can produce dramatic contrast. Summer humidity occasionally brings mist that softens the view, while winter brings clear air and the possibility of colorful sunrises. One particularly photogenic moment is “blue hour” – just after sunset – when the sky is deep blue and city lights pop in warm yellow. Astrophotographers have even used Boztepe’s open sky, with the Milky Way visible when atmospheric conditions are perfect.

Drone photography is possible in the larger park area (drones are regulated but occasionally flown by professionals), which yields stunning aerial shots of the ropeway and terrain. For casual visitors, simply lining up the Black Sea horizon and the city skyline on a smartphone panorama often yields impressive results. Many travel apps and guides recommend Boztepe’s lookout as a prime location for Instagram-worthy shots. Overall, some combination of daylight vistas and nighttime exposures ensures that photography enthusiasts will spend significant time here framing the perfect image of Ordu’s green-and-blue panorama.

Adventure Sports

For thrill-seekers, Boztepe offers aerial sports unique in the region. Most famously, tandem paragliding flights launch from the summit area. Under professional guidance, a passenger sits back and flies over the hillside, landing on the beach below. The local outfitter Flying Mammut advertises a paragliding experience starting at Boztepe’s 530-meter height. The ride lasts around 10–15 minutes as you soar over Ordu’s rooftops, with an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the Black Sea. Even novices can try this, as pilots handle the controls; the only preparation needed is a short run to take off on the gentle slope. Participants are treated to a high-adrenaline once-in-a-lifetime flight with spectacular scenery.

Less extreme but also exciting are shorter zip-line courses installed near the summit. One such zip line allows visitors to descend part of the hillside at speed into a forested clearing, simulating flight on a cable. While not as well known as the cable car, this adds a fun option for children and families. There is no ski lift or downhill slope, so these are the main sports-based attractions. For those who simply seek excitement, the paragliding on Boztepe remains the main draw. After the flight, riders often take the gondola or road back up to do it again, so a single visit can easily fill half a day of high-altitude adventure.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Visitors should plan their Boztepe outing like a short excursion. The gondola station on the waterfront has paid parking and is open from morning until late evening (often 9:00–23:30, with final departures that hour). Note that in summer the first trip may begin at 9:00, but in winter it can be 10:00 due to daylight. Tickets are sold at the base station. As of late 2023, the fare structure is tiered by duration (e.g. roughly 20 TL for 2 hours, 40 TL for 9 hours, etc.). Discounts apply for children and locals. It pays to inquire about current prices, as municipal rates can change; for example, years ago the difference between local and foreign tickets was up to 4-fold, though today a flat rate is often quoted.

Because Boztepe can be touristy, it’s wise to avoid midday on weekends if one prefers quiet. Early morning or weekday visits mean thinner crowds. In summer, bring sunscreen and water; the hilltop can be surprisingly sunny once above the shade of trees. In cooler months, dress warmly – the hilltop is exposed and often some degrees colder than the city below. Even in summer evenings, a light jacket is advisable if staying after sunset. No formal entry fee is charged for the park area itself beyond the lift – once on the hill, access is free.

The paved walking promenade around Boztepe is level and safe, making it accessible for most visitors. Wheelchair users and strollers can generally navigate the main paths, especially the newer wooden boardwalk, though the cable car cabins have limited space for wheelchairs. Visitors should know that the official Ordu tourism office encourages checking the municipality’s website or local notice boards (especially for any holiday closures of the lift). Drinking water fountains and restrooms are available at both stations. Importantly, photography is permitted everywhere, but drone flight would require special permission due to Turkish regulations. Finally, ATMs and shops are not available at the summit, so one should carry cash or make purchases at the base or in town.

Nearby Attractions

Boztepe serves as a gateway to the wider Ordu area. As the hill’s cable car connects to central Altınordu, many visitors combine Boztepe with other sights in Ordu. Within walking distance of the cable car base, one finds the old city harbor, the Ethnography Museum in the Paşaoğlu Mansion, and the Çaka Church. A short drive away lie more beaches (Altınordu Beach, Gülyalı Beach) and parks along the Black Sea coast. Slightly farther afield is Yason Burnu (Cape Jason), an atmospheric seaside promontory with an ancient Greek church ruin – a peaceful spot for sunset, 21 km from Ordu by road.

Inland from Ordu are forested highlands like Perşembe Yaylası or Boztepe itself. Some itineraries suggest pairing Boztepe with a visit to the Çambaşı Plateau or a boat tour on Lake Ulugöl. But for those preferring urban culture, the downtown area has cafés, bazaars, and the bustling İskele street. Boztepe is often the high point of a day trip; from it one can easily descend back to explore shops and restaurants of Altınordu’s lower quarters. Overall, Boztepe’s proximity to both natural and cultural sites makes Ordu a diverse destination. A traveler can watch the morning fog lift from Boztepe and by evening enjoy local dance at a city cultural center, all within a few hours’ journey.

Accommodation

While the Boztepe area itself has no hotels, visitors have plentiful lodging options in Ordu city. Many mid-range and budget hotels line the riverbanks and coastal roads. Notably, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ordu, sits on the slopes of Boztepe and advertises that it is within walking distance of the gondola lift. Staying there or in nearby pensions means a short walk to both Boztepe and Ordu’s historic core. For a more local experience, guesthouses in the Bahçelievler or Köprübaşı quarters offer clean, simple rooms and local breakfasts (including tahini, locally baked breads and kuymak).

Travelers may also choose coastal resorts in nearby towns (Ünye or Fatsa) if they want beach time alongside their hilltop visit. However, Ordu city is the most convenient base. Many properties offer balconies with sea views, and rooms from Ordu’s hotels often advertise glimpses of the Boztepe hill itself. Because Boztepe is a daytime excursion, most overnight guests in the region sleep at or near sea level. Accommodation at higher elevations in Ordu is generally limited to small villas or farm stays, which are more rustic. In peak season (summer holidays), it is wise to book in advance: Ordu is popular among Turks for summer weekenders, and hotels fill up during August.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The immediate Boztepe area has only basic shopping (snack stands at the summit). For more substantial shopping, return down to Altınordu center. The Istiklal Street bazaar area is where one finds souvenirs such as miniature Bosphorus ships (on the highway, humorously linking the Black Sea to Istanbul), cotton candy Pişmaniye, local tea, and famous hazelnuts. The large Kapalı Çarşı (covered bazaar) in downtown Ordu sells handicrafts and knitwear. Along the coastal promenade are stalls with postcards of Boztepe. Within a few minutes’ walk of the gondola base are shops selling traditional instruments and sweaters typical of the Black Sea region.

Specifically for edible souvenirs, Ordu’s specialities stand out. Stores stock jars of anchovy paste (lüfer salatası), bottles of kuymak yağı (a butter-oil used for cheese-based dishes), and – most omnipresent – trays of hazelnuts. Some shops near the park entry even sell unroasted local eşit nut varieties. Tourists often use Boztepe as an excuse to buy these treats: after enjoying hazelnut cake on the summit, shoppers take home packages of the raw nuts to sample Turkish pestil or roasted nuts back home. In summary, while Boztepe itself is not a shopping district, it leads naturally into Altınordu’s markets, and any visit to Ordu should include a stop to pick up the region’s artisanal foodstuffs and crafts.

Conclusion

More than simply a viewpoint, Boztepe is both Ordu’s natural landmark and its communal gathering place. It encapsulates the city’s essence: from its heights one sees Ordu’s modern life and its wild horizons in one frame. The hill’s transformation into a tourist park – complete with a cable car, eateries, and green promenades – reflects how the city values this site. Yet Boztepe retains an air of authenticity: it is a place where locals picnic on warm summer nights, where children chase each other under pine trees, and where the breeze is scented with sea and forest.

What visitors should remember is that Boztepe offers a spectrum of experiences: a short hike or drive into nature, a cultural immersion in local food and fellowship, an adrenaline rush aloft in a glider, or a serene contemplation of sunset. This multiplicity explains why guidebooks and travelers alike call it Ordu’s “panoramic postcard”. By catering to all types of travelers – from photographers to families to hikers – Boztepe ensures that one’s time in Ordu is both enriching and relaxed. Finally, Boztepe exemplifies the Black Sea spirit of Turkey: modest and unpretentious, yet endowed with beauty that quietly astonishes. Whether perched on a bench sipping tea or braced on a paraglider harness, visitors of Boztepe depart with a deeper appreciation for Ordu’s land and legacy.