12.10.2025 12:19
In the rural neighborhood of Gözene, located in the Samandağ district of Hatay, the fact that everyone has the surname "Dadük" surprises those who hear about it. One of the most striking features of the neighborhood is that all the surnames in the village cemetery are the same as well. The neighborhood headman stated, "Generally, when we hear the names of the fathers, we can figure out who they are."
Approximately 2,000 citizens live in the Gözene Neighborhood, which is located 8 kilometers away from the center of Samandağ district in Hatay, and consists of 410 households.
EVERYONE'S SURNAME IS "DADÜK" What makes Gözene, a neighborhood known for its large population, stand out is that everyone's surname in the neighborhood is 'Dadük'. While people introduce themselves using their parents' names, the introduction of the Turkish Republic identity number has prevented confusion in official matters in recent years.
THE SAME SURNAME IS WRITTEN ON THE TOMBS One of the most striking features of the neighborhood is that all the people buried in the neighborhood cemetery have the same surname.
"WE FIGURE OUT WHO THEY ARE WHEN THEY SAY THEIR FATHER'S NAMES" Yusuf Dadük, the Muhtar of Gözene Neighborhood, stated that newcomers to the neighborhood are surprised by the surname 'Dadük', saying, "All the people from Hatay and Samandağ usually call us the Dadüks. Those coming from foreign places knew it as 'Dadük village'. The name of the village is not Dadük, it is Gözene. Everyone living in the village has the surname 'Dadük'. Except for teachers and foreigners, the other residents have the surname 'Dadük'. About 2,000 people live in our village, consisting of approximately 410 households. In this village, everyone's surname is 'Dadük'. This situation causes confusion. Generally, when we say the names of the fathers, we figure out who they are. There are 8 families in the village, and since we know their roots, it is not a problem. When teachers or others come from outside, they ask questions. Teachers do not have a problem, and the citizens do not create an issue either. Teachers are surprised when they first arrive, but they get used to it afterward," he said.
"THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED AFTER THE ID NUMBER WAS ISSUED" Stating that they continue to carry the surname 'Dadük' passed down from their ancestors, Muhsin Dadük said, "All of our surnames are 'Dadük'. The surname passed down from our grandfather is still being carried on. There has been no change before, and there will be none. In the past, a lot of confusion arose without identity numbers. After the identity number was issued, the problem was solved. My name is also Muhsin Dadük, and everyone's surname in the village became 'Dadük'," he expressed.