Gümüşhane is a small city and provincial capital in northeastern Turkey, nestled in the Pontic Mountains at an elevation of about 1,200 metres. The name means 'silver house' in Turkish, a nod to the region's rich history of silver and copper mining that attracted Ottoman attention for centuries. The city lies along the Harşit River valley, surrounded by forested peaks that reach over 3,000 metres. Despite its modest size — the city proper numbers roughly 31,000 people — Gümüşhane Province holds extraordinary historical depth, from the Roman legionary fortress of Satala to medieval Georgian churches and Ottoman mosques. Winters are cold and snowy, making the Zigana Pass a regional ski destination, while summers offer cool mountain air ideal for trekking and rafting.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Gümüşhane dağ balı (mountain honey)
Price: 100–250 TRY/jar (~$3.00–7.60 USD)
Where: Bazaar shops, Saturday market, Harşit Bal Evi
Dried mulberries (kurutulmuş dut)
Price: 40–80 TRY/kg (~$1.20–2.40 USD)
Where: Covered bazaar, Saturday market
Walnuts (ceviz)
Price: 80–150 TRY/kg (~$2.40–4.55 USD)
Where: Bazaar, Saturday market
Handmade copper goods (bakırcılık)
Price: 100–500 TRY (~$3.00–15.20 USD)
Where: Covered bazaar copper section
Hand-knitted wool socks (yün çorap)
Price: 60–150 TRY/pair (~$1.80–4.55 USD)
Where: Bazaar and village women vendors at Saturday market
Dried herbs (mountain thyme, sage)
Price: 20–60 TRY/pack (~$0.61–1.80 USD)
Where: Bazaar herbalists (aktarlar)
Akide candy (hard sugar sweets)
Price: 40–80 TRY/kg (~$1.20–2.40 USD)
Where: Confectionery shops in bazaar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Gümüşhane Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
Mountain honey, dried mulberries, walnuts, copper goods, herbs, handmade textiles
Where: City centre
Hours: Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:00
Cumartesi Pazarı (Saturday Market)
Fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, local honey, handmade cheese, herbs, textiles
Where: Open-air market ground near city centre
Hours: Saturday 07:00–14:00
Harşit Bal Evi (Honey Shop)
Mountain wildflower honey (dağ balı), chestnut honey, honeycomb
Where: City centre main street
Hours: Monday–Saturday 09:00–19:00