Located west of Samsun province, Alaçam is a district on the Black Sea coast, approximately 78 kilometers from the city center. A significant portion of the district's territory includes the western part of the Kızılırmak Delta, a bird sanctuary protected under the international Ramsar Convention . This area is known for its rich bird population.
Geographically comprised of a coastal plain and rugged terrain rising southward, the district's economy is primarily based on agriculture (especially rice, wheat, corn, and vegetable production), fishing, and animal husbandry. Tobacco cultivation was also widespread in the past. The Geyikkoşan area on the Black Sea coast is one of the district's well-known recreational areas.
Alaçam District. ( Samsun Governorship )
History
The history of Alaçam district parallels the general historical processes of the Black Sea Region. Settlement in the region dates back to ancient times. Sources indicate that the district's former name was " Zalikos " or " Zalikus ."
Throughout history, the region has been under the influence of various civilizations, including the Hittites and Paphlagonians. In antiquity, it fell under Persian rule, then the Kingdom of Macedonia, and finally the Kingdom of Pontus. With the Roman Empire's conquest of the region, Alaçam and its surrounding area became Roman territory. Following the division of the empire, it became part of the Byzantine Empire.
During the Turkification of Anatolia, Turkish raids reached the Black Sea coast after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. The region came under the dominion of the Seljuk State and the subsequent Canik Principalities. During the Ottoman Empire, Alaçam was registered as a settlement within the Canik Sanjak.
There are different accounts of the district's name " Alaçam "; one relates to a large pine tree in the area, while another attributes it to a tribe affiliated with the Alayuntlu tribe of the Oghuz Turks. Within the Ottoman administrative structure, it remained a village or sub-district of the Bafra district for a long time.
In the early 19th century, following the Balkan Wars and World War I, the region experienced population movements. In particular, under the Population Exchange Agreement signed between Turkey and Greece in 1923 , some of the Greek refugees were settled in Alaçam. This led to changes in the district's demographic structure. As a result of administrative regulations implemented during the Republican era, Alaçam was separated from Bafra and gained district status on June 1, 1944. Since then, it has continued its administrative existence as a district of Samsun Province.
Geography and Climate
Alaçam, a district of Samsun Province, is located in the Central Black Sea Region, approximately 78 kilometers west of the city center. The Black Sea is to the north of the district, Bafra to the east, Yakakent to the west, and Durağan and Vezirköprü, both of Sinop Province, to the south. The district's total area is 632 square kilometers.
Alaçam's terrain varies from the northern Black Sea coast to the south. The coastal area is generally flat or slightly hilly, forming the Alaçam Plain. The eastern part of the district includes the western part of the Kızılırmak Delta, one of Türkiye's most important wetlands. This delta area is composed of alluvial soils. Moving south from the coast, the terrain rises and becomes more rugged. These southern sections encompass the foothills and slopes of Mount Nebiyan, a western extension of the Canik Mountains. Specific data regarding the district's average elevation and highest point are not provided in the sources, but a general increase in elevation is observed southward.
Hydrographically, the district is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north and has a defined coastline. The district's most important river is the Kızılırmak, which forms its eastern border. The Kızılırmak, with its alluvial deposits, has played a role in the formation of the delta plain. Alaçam district center is not located within this delta, but the district borders encompass the western flank of the delta. Other streams and rivers also flow through the district; these streams generally originate in the southern mountainous areas and empty into the Black Sea or Kızılırmak.
The district's vegetation varies depending on its geography. Agricultural lands are widespread in the coastal and plain areas. The Kızılırmak Delta, located within the district borders, has a unique wetland vegetation and ecosystem. Forested areas are found in the mountainous and rugged terrains to the south. These forests form a significant part of the region's natural vegetation.
Alaçam district experiences characteristics of the Black Sea climate. Due to its coastal location, the climate is generally mild, with hot summers and mild winters. The region receives precipitation year-round, with the highest precipitation typically occurring in autumn and winter. Humidity, like other settlements along the Black Sea coast, is generally high. These climatic conditions are one of the primary factors influencing the region's vegetation and agricultural activities.
Geyikkoşan Sea Beach. ( TC Alaçam District Governorship)
Population and Demography
As of 2024, the district's total population was 24,686; 12,352 were male and 12,334 were female. In terms of gender ratio, males represent 50.04% and females 49.96%. This nearly equal distribution reflects the relatively balanced gender distribution of the workforce, which is dependent on migration and livelihoods in the region. Agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry are the primary economic activities in the district, playing a role in shaping its demographic structure.
Population data by year exhibits significant fluctuations between 2007 and 2024. The peak, recorded at 31,669 in 2007, entered a steady decline in the following years; the population, which declined until 2015, partially recovered between 2016 and 2018, fluctuated between 24,000 and 25,000 between 2019 and 2021, and dropped back to 24,686 in 2024. These fluctuations can be considered typical demographic patterns of rural settlements; labor force participation increases during periods of intense seasonal agricultural activity, while migration to large urban centers increases during the winter months.
While detailed data on age groups is lacking, it can be argued that the agriculturally based economic structure triggers temporary migrations among young and middle-aged people, while a significant proportion of the elderly remain in rural areas during the winter. The active participation of women in agriculture and animal husbandry presents a different perspective from traditional gender roles, while the balance between domestic labor and economic production within the context of family businesses strongly influences gender demographics.
Economy
The Alaçam district's economic structure is shaped by its geographical location and natural resources. The district's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Its location on the Black Sea coast and the presence of a portion of the Kızılırmak Delta within its borders provide suitable conditions for agricultural activities and fishing.
The agricultural sector holds a significant place in the district's economy. Agricultural production is primarily carried out on the alluvial soils of the Kızılırmak Delta. Main crops include rice, wheat, corn, and various vegetables. Tobacco farming was also a major agricultural activity in the district in the past. These crops are cultivated on existing agricultural land.
Livestock farming is another economic activity carried out alongside agriculture. Cattle and sheep are raised in the district. Pastures and by-products from agricultural production are used in animal feed. Livestock farming activities are focused on providing meat and dairy products.
The district's location on the Black Sea coast allows fishing to be a viable economic activity. Various seafood is caught using coastal fishing methods. The fish caught are used for local consumption or trade.
Forests are among the district's natural resources, and forestry activities are carried out accordingly. Forested areas within the district borders constitute a resource for wood production and other forest products. Industrial activity is limited in the district and may generally include small-scale facilities for processing agricultural products. The service sector consists of commercial enterprises, transportation services, and other public and private services concentrated in the district center and residential areas. Tourism-related facilities and services of the district can also be considered within this sector. In general, Alaçam's economy is dominated by natural resource-based sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, and forestry.
Cultural Elements
The Alaçam district of Samsun province, located on the Black Sea coast, boasts diverse cultural elements, natural areas, and a distinct local cuisine. The district's geographical location is particularly characterized by its inclusion of a portion of the Kızılırmak Delta Wetland and Bird Sanctuary. This area is known for its bird species. These natural areas, along with some historical structures and gastronomic elements, constitute the district's tourism and cultural heritage.
In terms of natural areas, the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary within the district's borders stands out. The delta provides a habitat for various bird species, particularly waterfowl. Geyikkoşan is located on the district's Black Sea coast. This coastline is of a certain length and features sandy beaches. Some facilities (such as showers and cabins) may be available on the Geyikkoşan beach for summer use. The Geyikkoşan Recreation Area is also located near the coastline; this wooded area may include arrangements for picnics and recreation.
In terms of cultural heritage, Alaçam boasts structures and artifacts from various periods. Located in the district center, the Alaçam Population Exchange Museum focuses on the 1923 Turkey-Greece population exchange. The museum displays objects, documents, and visuals related to the population exchange process. The district also boasts historic mosques; structures such as the Şadi Bey Mosque and Yakup Ağa Mosque exhibit distinctive architectural features and date back to earlier periods. Historical fountains and examples of civil architecture are also among the cultural assets visible in and around the district center. Archaeological sites such as the Sivritepe Tumulus also reflect the district's historical layers. There is also evidence that traditional celebrations such as Hıdrellez were held during certain periods.
Alaçam cuisine consists of dishes that reflect the general gastronomic characteristics of the Black Sea region and utilize local ingredients. Some of the district's dishes include Slave Dough, Katık Böreği (a type of pastry), a type of crepe or akıtma (a type of flatbread) also known as Kaşık Etiket (Cızlama), Pırasa Kayganası (a dish made with leeks), Yazı Beetroot (a dish made with a local herb called Yazı Beetroot), and wheat- and meat-based Keşkek and Kuru Yufka (a type of flatbread). These dishes form the basis of Alaçam's local gastronomic identity.
