Located west of Samsun province, approximately 51 kilometers from the city center, the Bafra district is situated on the Bafra Plain, from which it takes its name. This plain, one of Türkiye's highest agricultural production potential, was formed by alluvial deposits carried by the Kızılırmak River. The river flows through the district's borders and forms the eastern part of the Kızılırmak Delta before emptying into the Black Sea. The district's economy is largely based on agriculture; historically known for tobacco production, the Bafra Plain now cultivates vegetables, fruits, rice, and wheat. Agro-based industry, animal husbandry, and fishing are also among the district's economic activities.
Bafra (Samsun Metropolitan Municipality)
History
The history of the Bafra district is closely linked to its geographical location, particularly the fertile Bafra Plain formed by the Kızılırmak River. This favorable geography has enabled settlement in the region from the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages. Archaeological excavations at the İkiztepe site of the district have revealed finds from these early periods and provide information about the region's prehistoric settlement patterns. Located within the geographical region known as Paphlagonia in antiquity, Bafra and its surrounding area were influenced by various Anatolian civilizations, particularly the Hittites. In later periods, it came under the dominance of Persian, Macedonian, and Hellenistic kingdoms.
With the Roman Empire's rise to dominance in Anatolia, the Bafra region also came under Roman rule. Following the division of the Roman Empire, it remained under the control of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. While detailed information about the administrative and social structure of the region during this period is limited, it appears that Byzantine rule continued until after the Battle of Manzikert.
Following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Turkish rule began to spread throughout Anatolia, and Bafra and its surrounding area gradually fell under the influence of the Seljuk State and its affiliated principalities. Following the Danishmends and the Anatolian Seljuk State, the region experienced a period of dominance by the Candaroğulları (İsfendiyaroğulları) Principality. The administrative and military presence of these principalities played a role in the settlement of the Turkish population.
With the Ottoman Empire's end of the Candaroğulları Principality during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, Bafra was definitively incorporated into Ottoman territory. Within the Ottoman administrative system, Bafra was first organized as a town and later as a district (kaza) center. During the Ottoman period, Bafra developed thanks to its agricultural potential, particularly its tobacco production. Various architectural works were also constructed in the district during this period. Structures such as the Great Mosque (Cami-i Kebir) and Taşköprü are examples of the architectural heritage remaining from the Ottoman period. The district's demographics and social life were also shaped during this period.
During the War of Independence and the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Bafra maintained its administrative structure as a district of Samsun. Agricultural activities continued during the Republican era, and administrative and social infrastructure developed. The district largely retains its historical agricultural identity today. A historical context, extending from archaeological finds to Ottoman-era structures, demonstrates Bafra's long history of settlement.
Geography and Climate
Bafra, a district of Samsun province, is located in the Central Black Sea Region, west of the city center. Its main geographical features are the Kızılırmak River, the Bafra Plain and the Kızılırmak Delta formed by the river, and the Black Sea coast. Administrative information on the district's area and neighboring areas is available in the sources.
The district's topography is largely dominated by the Bafra Plain. This plain is a vast plain formed by the deposition of alluvium carried by the Kızılırmak River. The plain's surface is generally flat or slightly undulating, with an elevation near sea level. The Kızılırmak River flows through the district's borders and flows into the Black Sea, forming the Kızılırmak Delta, one of Türkiye's most important wetlands. The eastern part of the delta lies within the Bafra district. The delta area contains a variety of wetland habitats, including lagoons, lakes (such as Balık Gölü, Uzun Gölü, and Cernek Gölü), and marshes. The district borders the Black Sea, and this coastline is part of the geographic structure. Around the plain, there may be more rugged terrain or hilly areas rising southward.
Hydrographically, the district is under the influence of the Kızılırmak River. The river has played a role in the formation of the plain and is the main water source feeding the delta ecosystem. The lakes and lagoons within the delta are also considered among the district's water resources. The soil structure in the Bafra Plain is alluvial, providing a suitable environment for agricultural activities. Natural vegetation in the delta region may include wetland plants, reed beds, and floodplain forests (if indicated in the sources). A large portion of the plain is used as agricultural land.
The climate of the Bafra district reflects the characteristics of the Black Sea climate. Summers are generally warm or hot, while winters are cool and rainy. Due to its proximity to the coast, humidity is generally high. Annual temperature averages and seasonal temperature variations reflect the characteristics of the coastal area of the Black Sea Region. While precipitation is distributed throughout the year, the heaviest precipitation generally occurs in autumn and winter.
Population and Demography
As of 2024, a total of 143,600 people resided in the Bafra district of Samsun province. Of this population, 71,811 were male and 71,789 were female, with a nearly even gender distribution of 50.01% male and 49.99% female. Registered population data is compiled through the Address-Based Population Registration System, operated by the District Population Directorate, providing a high level of reliability regarding the resident population profile.
Population data from 2007 to 2024 reveal a fluctuating but generally stable demographic pattern in Bafra. During the period under review, the population peaked at 145,393 in 2009, then gradually declined to 141,401 by 2015. Stable values of around 141,500 were observed in 2016 and 2017, with a further increase to 143,443 in 2020. After slight declines in the following two years, the current population reached 143,109 in 2023 and 143,600 in 2024. These data indicate that annual population changes generally occur within the framework of increases and decreases of no more than a thousand people, and that the district's population growth rate has generally remained below 1%.
Bafra has not experienced any significant gender composition for many years. The gap between male and female populations has never exceeded a thousand people; the closest equality was achieved in 2024, with a difference of only 22 people. This demographic balance indicates that socioeconomic opportunities and family structures in the region, as well as the educational and employment orientation of the young population, are well-balanced. Furthermore, internal and external migration flows to the city do not create significant gender disparities.
The stability of population trends demonstrates that Bafra, a settlement with both rural and urban characteristics, has achieved a proper balance in its economic and social development dynamics. The agricultural-based economic structure, which maintains stable employment opportunities, while the service sector and industrial investments in the urban center keep migration limited, are key determinants of this demographic profile. Furthermore, the uninterrupted and comprehensive operation of the population registration system ensures that migration from abroad and other cities is regularly reflected in official statistics.
Economy
The economy of the Bafra district of Samsun province is largely based on its geographical location and natural resources, particularly the agricultural potential of the Bafra Plain, formed by the Kızılırmak River. The plain plays a central role in the development of agriculture, the district's primary economic activity. While agriculture constitutes the main component of the district's economy, related industries, livestock farming, and fishing complement the economic structure.
Agricultural activities in the Bafra Plain are diverse. Historically known for tobacco production, the plain now cultivates a variety of crops, primarily vegetables. Numerous vegetable varieties, including tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, and cauliflower, are produced. In addition to vegetables, grains such as rice and wheat contribute significantly to the district's economy. Fruit growing is also a major agricultural activity. Agricultural production can be carried out both in open fields and under greenhouses. The presence of the Kızılırmak River contributes to agricultural production through irrigation opportunities.
In addition to agriculture, animal husbandry is also a component of Bafra's economy. Cattle, sheep, and poultry are raised. Livestock farming is focused on producing products such as meat, milk, and eggs.
The district's coastline on the Black Sea and its presence on the Kızılırmak River and its delta lakes provide opportunities for fishing. A variety of aquaculture products are caught through sea fishing and freshwater fishing.
Industrial activity in Bafra has developed largely based on agricultural production (agro-industry). Facilities processing agricultural products are located in the district. These may include flour mills, rice mills (rice processing), feed mills, and fruit and vegetable processing or packaging facilities. Agro-based industries play a role in processing agricultural products, bringing them to market, and creating jobs.
The trade and service sectors are also integral to the district's economy. Agricultural trade, in particular, plays a significant role in the district's commercial life. Transportation, finance, and other services also support the economic structure.
Tourism - Culture - Cuisine
The Bafra district of Samsun province is located on the Bafra Plain, formed by the Kızılırmak River, and is home to a variety of historical, cultural, and natural elements. The district's tourism, cultural, and culinary heritage includes archaeological sites, historical architectural monuments, natural protected areas, museums, local handicrafts, festivals, and regional cuisine.
The district's archaeological and historical past can be traced in areas such as İkiztepe Mound and Asarkale. İkiztepe Mound is an archaeological site that was inhabited continuously from the Chalcolithic Age to the Early Iron Age, and excavations have yielded finds from various periods. Asarkale, near Kolay Town, contains rock tombs and a tunnel structure believed to date back to the Hellenistic period. These areas are also being utilized within projects such as the "Culture Road."
Bafra boasts architectural structures from various periods. Examples of mosque architecture include the Grand Mosque (Cami-i Kebir), reportedly rebuilt in the 18th century on foundations dating back to the Seljuk period, and the 19th-century Tayyar Pasha Mosque. The district also boasts mausoleums such as the Emir Mirza Bey Tomb and the Hızırbey Tomb, as well as historic fountains such as the Ali Bey Fountain, Hüseyin Bey Fountain, and Kadı Fountain. Çetinkaya Bridge, a Republican-era structure, spans the Kızılırmak River. A minaret belonging to a village mosque submerged in the Altınkaya Dam Lake, visible from the water level, is known as the "Sunken Minaret." A lighthouse also stands on the Black Sea coast in the Kızılırmak Delta region. The district also houses the Bafra Tobacco Museum, which focuses on the history of tobacco cultivation and trade. This museum displays materials and documents related to tobacco production and processing.
In terms of natural areas, Bafra is home to the eastern part of the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary. This wetland has been noted as a breeding and resting place for numerous bird species. Located near the village of Akalan, the Akalan (Apari) Waterfalls consist of a series of cascades cascading from different heights. The Altınkaya and Derbent Dam reservoirs, which influence the district's geography, also contribute to the water surface and surrounding areas. Karst formations such as Hayat Kayası Cave and Tepen Hole are also located within the district's borders.
Cultural events and handicrafts are also integral to Bafra's identity. KapıkayaFest, held near Kapıkaya, is an international festival featuring nature sports (paragliding, rock climbing, etc.) and cultural events. The district also continues to cultivate the handicraft of wicker basketry, made using reeds and spears from the Kızılırmak Delta.
Bafra cuisine includes a variety of dishes and pastries based on local products. "Bafra Pidesi" is a variety of flatbread, either closed or open, that is synonymous with the district. "Nokul" is a type of pastry, usually made with walnuts or raisins. "Bafra Lokumu" is a type of Turkish delight made with clotted cream. Other local dishes include Büryan Kebab, Kaymaklı Dessert (Kivratma), Corn Soup, and various pickles. These products form the district's culinary heritage.
