Araklı (District)

Araklı, with its deep blue sea and emerald green mountains, is a wonderful place children love to explore. Have you ever imagined a place right beside the sea, yet hidden among towering mountains? Araklı is precisely such an exciting geography.

Where and What Kind of Place?

The district has an interesting history. The name Araklı derives from the term “Arakale,” referring to its location between two ancient fortresses in the Buzluca and Kalecik regions. Thus, Araklı essentially means the safe zone between fortified strongholds. Araklı’s first settlement center is the beautiful coastal area of Konakönü, located just outside today’s district center. Araklı covers a vast area of 372 square kilometers, characterized by steep mountains rising from the sea and rugged terrain.

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What Does the Land Offer?

On Araklı’s steep slopes, farmers primarily cultivate corn, hazelnuts, and tea. Due to the mountainous terrain, farming can be challenging, but this lush natural environment is highly suitable for beekeeping.

A highly valued honey called “delibal” is produced here from nectar of special flowers known locally as “Cifin.” This honey is an important product of nature, renowned for its nutritional value. Additionally, due to its coastal location, fishing is also a vital part of the district’s economy.

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Delicious Local Dishes

Araklı’s cuisine is rich and diverse. “Zumur,” made from corn bread and cheese, “Golva Çorbası,” a soup with whole corn kernels, and “Ziron,” a yogurt-based delicacy, are among the most beloved dishes. Additionally, the region offers many other flavors, from pumpkin stew and black cabbage dishes to nettle stew and “Tirma,” made from wheat flour. These dishes are prepared using fresh local ingredients.

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Wonderful Places to Visit

Kalecik Castle: Built on a massive rock rising above the sea, this fortress was historically used to defend against seaborne attacks. The view from its ramparts is breathtaking.

Turup and Pazarcık: The Turup area near the district is a natural landscape filled with pine trees. Pazarcık is known for its lush green forests and mysterious caves.

Therapeutic Springs: In places such as Bereketli, Pelitli, and Balahor, mineral waters known as “Acı Su” (Bitter Water) are found and valued for their healing properties.

A Journey Through Time

Araklı has been an important place for thousands of years. It lies along the Black Sea route of the famed Silk Road. In ancient times, great civilizations such as the Hittites, Assyrians, and Persians lived here and mined the region’s resources.

The district was once occupied by Russian forces, regained its freedom in 1918, and became an official district in 1953.