It has been held by Phrygian, Cimmerians, Lydians and Persians before the area was taken by Alexander the Great.

The Pontus Kingdom came in the 1st century BC which was in turn annexed by the Roman Empire.

[citation needed] 2km north of the town by the Black Sea beaches are groves of sycamore and poplar trees which take their name from Geyikkoşan Baba's Tomb said to be in the woods.

[citation needed] In the south of the town at an altitude of 1,500 m is the Dürtmen Yaylası Plateau, which is also a recreational area.

It is said that the origin of the festival is based on a 600-year legend according to which an Arab army commander position gave beef portions to the poor people of the town.