This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Bartın is a province located in the Black Sea Region region of Türkiye, within the West Black Sea subregion. It gained the status of Türkiye’s 74th province in 1991 after separating from Zonguldak. The province is bordered by Kastamonu to the east, Karabük to the south, Zonguldak to the west, and the Black Sea to the north. Bartın is rich in Forest resources, and a large portion of its territory lies within the boundaries of the Sphere Mountains National Park, place. Additionally, the Bartın River, the only river in Türkiye used for transportation, stands out among the province’s natural resources.
Amasra, Bartın (Photo: Jorge Franganillo, flickr.com)
In antiquity, the Bartın River was known as “Parthenios.” The settlement established along its banks was initially referred to as “Parthenia,” gradually evolving into the modern name Bartın. In Greek mythology, Parthenios was a figure among the children of Oceanus, described as the “God of Waters.” Some interpretations suggest that the name derives from meanings such as “god of waters” or “magnificent flowing water,” while others propose it may refer to “choral songs for young girls.” 【1】
Famous poet Homer, in the epic Iliad, notes that the heroes who came to defend Troy originated from the lands watered by the Parthenios River. The Amasya-based author Strabo also references this river in his writings, emphasizing the historical significance of the region’s ancient name.
Throughout history, the city of Bartın was first inhabited in the 14th century BCE by the Gaskians, followed by the Hittites, Phrygians, Ionians, Cimmerians, Lydians, Persians, Hellenes, Pontic Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, and later by the Seljuks and Ottomans, who all claimed this territory as their own.
Between 3000 and 2400 BCE, the Akans are believed to have settled along the western Anatolian coast—including areas such as Samsun, Sinop, and Amasra—before establishing the Mycenaean civilization in the Aegean, introducing elements of the Copper Age culture to the region. During this period, the interior regions were dominated by the Gaskians and Hittites.
Amasra, one of the leading ancient cities of Bartın and the Black Sea region, has a 4,000-year history marked by periods of time and independent, and at times shared fates with common. Among its earliest settlers were the Gaskians in the 14th century BCE and the Hittites in the 13th century BCE.
In the early 12th century BCE, the Bartın region was known as “Bithynia,” while Amasra lay within the boundaries of Paphlagonia. By the end of the same century, Bartın came under Phrygian control and Amasra under Phoenician rule. Subsequently, in the late 7th century BCE, the Cimmerians, followed by the Lydians in the 6th century BCE, the Persians in 547 BCE, the Macedonians in 334 BCE, the Pontic Greeks in 279 BCE, and the Romans in 64 BCE, successively dominated the region.
Beginning with the establishment of the first Phoenician colonies on the Black Sea coast—Amasra (Sesamos) and Kurucaşile (Kromna)—in the 12th century BCE, a period of approximately one hundred years of darkness period followed after the Phoenicians and Carians withdrew from the region in the 9th century BCE. Subsequently, in the early 7th century BCE, the region became part of an Ionian colony under the influence of Megarian migrants. The Persian rule, which began in 547 BCE and lasted over two centuries, preserved the region’s status; from 334 to 279 BCE, Bartın and Nation were administered first by the Phrygian satrap and Queen Amastris (302–286 BCE), and later by General Eumenes.
From the 12th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE, the settlement known as “Sesamos” city transitioned into the state organized by Queen Amastris (302–286 BCE), taking its name from her. During this short period, it became the center of the Symoikismos Sites Union, comprising settlements such as Kromna (modern Kurucaşile–Tekkeönü), Tios (Filyos–Hisarönü), and Kyteros (Gideros).
After the division of the Roman and Byzantine Empires in 395 CE, Bartın and its surroundings came under Byzantine administration. Between 1084 and 1096, the region fell under the influence of the Turkish Emirate established by Kutalmış’s son Süleyman Bey. After the Crusades, it was reintegrated into Byzantine territory. In the late 11th century, the region experienced a transition in governance with the rise of the Anatolian Seljuks, followed by the Candaroğulları Beylik in 1326 and the Ottoman Empire from 1392. During this period, Bartın and Ulus came under Turkish rule in the 11th century CE, while Amasra, during the Roman period (64 BCE–395 CE), became the capital of the Pontus section of the Bitinia-Pontus Province under the satrapy system. In the Byzantine period (395–1460), Amasra was governed as a Genoese colony from 1261 to 1460, and was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1460 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
During the Ottoman Empire, Bartın was part of the Bolu Sanjak under the Anatolia Beylerbeylik from 1460 to 1692. After the abolition of the Bolu Sanjak, the region was administered under the Voyvodalik system from 1692 to 1811, and then reorganized in 1811 as part of the newly restructured Bolu Sanjak within the Kastamonu Vilayet. During this period, Bartın emerged as a commercial hub known as one of the “Twelve Divan” market centers, gained district status in 1867, and had a municipality organization established in 1876.
Bartın Hamidiye School and Orduyeri during the Ottoman period (Photo: Özhan Öztürk)
During the foundation of the Republic, Bartın was administered as a mutasarrıflık in 1920 and later as a district under Zonguldak Province in 1924. On 7 September 1991, by Law No. 3760 dated 28 August 1991, Bartın attained provincial status. During the Republican era, some settlements that had existed as districts during the Ottoman period were restructured. Amasra was temporarily downgraded to a subdistrict status but was reinstated as a district in 1987. Similarly, Ulus became a district in 1944 and Kurucaşile in 1957. Today, Bartın comprises four districts—Central, Amasra, Ulus, and Kurucaşile—along with five municipalities (Arıt, Kozcağız, Kumluca, Abdipaşa, and Hasankadı) and a total of 268 villages.
Bartın Filyos River during the Republican period (Photo: Özhan Öztürk)
Bartın lies in the western part of the Black Sea Region and has a direct coastline along the Black Sea. Geographically, it is situated approximately at 41°38′ north latitude and 32°21′ east longitude. This feature plays a crucial role in determining the province’s climatic and geopolitical dynamics. Bordered by Kastamonu to the south, Çankırı and Karabük to the east, and Zonguldak to the west, the region holds a strategic position with integrated black and sea transportation networks, facilitating both local and regional connectivity.
Bartın experiences a Black Sea climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters, exhibiting transitional features between the Marmara and Black Sea climatic zones. In general, the basin region is dominated by the Black Sea climate, while the Ulus district, located behind the Küre Mountains, receives insufficient moisture from the humid air currents originating in the Black Sea mountains, resulting in continental climate characteristics in this area.
The proximity to the sea and the presence of low, parallel mountain ranges along the coast reduce temperature variations and increase humidity rates, while also enhancing the influence of air masses from the Balkans. Accordingly, the warmest month in Bartın is July, with an average temperature of 23°C, while the coldest month is December, averaging 4.2°C. The region experiences 225 clear day days, 125 rainy days, and 15 days covered by snow annually. These climatic conditions make June, July, and August the most favorable months for tourism, while April, May, September, and October also occasionally offer favorable weather for visitors.
Bartın Katırovası plateau (Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Approximately 46% of Bartın’s total area of 2,143 km² is covered by forests, 35% by agricultural land, 7% by meadow and pastures, and 12% by non-arable land and settlements. Under the influence of the Black Sea climate, the region exhibits a flora that reflects characteristics of both the Black Sea and Europe-Siberian biogeographic zones. Consequently, Bartın’s extensive forests primarily consist of deciduous and coniferous tree species. Along the coastal strip up to 600 meters in elevation, oak, beech, and hornbeam trees dominate; further inland and above 1,500 meters, beech, chestnut, fir, and pine species are prevalent. Additionally, plantations of walnut, chestnut, and hazelnut are commonly observed along the coast.
In addition, Bartın’s rich understory includes hundreds of species such as cranberry, quince, blackberry, linden, rosehip, fig, sage, asparagus, bay laurel, ivy, zakkum, wild rose, hawthorn, jasmine, dogwood, holly, bell flower, daisy, chicory, milk thistle, yarrow, clover, trefoil, nettle, primrose, poplar, juniper, sumac, resin, sticky weed, yavşan, shepherd’s purse, lilac, cypress, hawthorn, dönbaba, dogwood, abdestbozan, dog’s-tooth violet, Arab herb, beam herb, oregano, and many others. This diversity is supported by the region’s soil character and favorable vine-garden agricultural conditions, enabling the cultivation of nearly all types of field produce, vegetables, and fruit species. In recent years, the prominence of high-quality strawberry cultivation has led to festivals held in its honor, highlighting the region’s agricultural identity. On the other hand, no plant species in Bartın are protected under the Bern Convention.
Bartın strawberry (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Bartın is surrounded by mountains that do not exceed 2,000 meters in elevation to the east, west, and north. Despite their modest height, these mountains are notable for their steep slopes and rugged, cliff-like formations parallel to the coast. Among the most prominent mountains are Aladağ, Kocadağ, Montenegro, Kayaardı, Karasu, and Arıt Mountains. These mountains play a significant role in the city’s location, encircling it to the west with Aladağ, to the north with Karasu, and to the east with Arıt Mountains. Additionally, elevations such as Halatçıyaması, Orduyeri, Kırtepe, and Ömertepesi rise above the urban settlement area, forming characteristic elements of the region’s Earth's surface topography and contributing to the aesthetic value of the natural landscape. This geomorphological building not only shapes the city’s visual texture but also plays a decisive role in climate, vegetation, and agricultural productivity.
The Bartın River, the province’s most important watercourse, was known in antiquity as “Parthenios” and gave its name to the city. Formed by the confluence of the Great Tea and Kocanaz River near the Gazhane Burnu area, the river flows approximately 15 kilometers before reaching the Black Sea at the Boğaz location.
The Bartın River is also of great importance for maritime transport, as it has been regulated to allow the navigation of vessels up to 500 tons, with a flow rate measured at approximately 720 meters per hour and an annual discharge of about one billion cubic meters into the sea.
Bartın River (Photo: Western Black Sea)
The Kocanaz River flows northward from the south through the Kozcağız region; the Koca River originates in the Kastamonu region and is fed by the Göksu and Eldeş Rivers (Ulus River) along with various tributaries. In addition, the Kozlu River, formed by the Arıt and Mevren Streams, and the Akpınar and Karaçay Streams are significant watercourses that enhance the Koca River’s flow. Other important water sources in the region include the Kapısuyu and Tekkeönü Streams, which originate in Kurucaşile territory and flow into the Black Sea, and the Ova and İnönü Streams, which irrigate Ulus and Uluyayla.
Bartın supports a highly diverse wildlife due to its unique Black Sea climate and rich forest cover. The province’s extensive forests, rivers, mountains, and coastal strip carry both Black Sea and Europe-Siberia biogeographic influences, providing a habitat for a rich variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibian, fish, and invertebrates.
The forested areas, composed primarily of deciduous and coniferous trees, offer favorable conditions for wildlife. In Bartın’s forests, wild boar (Sus scrofa), brown month (Ursus arctos), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Common vole (Lynx lynx), and various rodent species are common, while occasionally, predators such as the wild cat may be observed. Additionally, squirrels, other small mammals, and bat species contribute to the region’s rich fauna diversity.
Common Redstart (Photo: Miller_Eszter, pixabay.com)
In terms of avian diversity, Bartın’s forests, riverbanks, and coastal strip host numerous species including the black kite, spotted owl, swallow, sparrow, Anatolian plasterer, redthroat, mountain thrush, Ebabil, hudhud bird, and waterfowl. The region, particularly during migration seasons, serves as a crossroads for migratory bird routes between East and West, offering temporary refuge to seasonal visitors.
Anatolian Rock Lizard (Photo: Sharkolot, pixabay.com)
The Bartın River and other watercourses provide suitable habitats for native fish species such as trout, carp, and tench, as well as amphibians like frogs and newts along the riverbanks. Reptile diversity is represented by lizard and snake species inhabiting forested and rocky areas.
The ecological diversity of the region is further supported by protected areas such as the Küre Mountains National Park. This national park aims to preserve rich flora and fauna diversity, contributing to the sustainability of natural balance. However, factors such as deforestation, urban expansion, and human intervention may negatively impact Bartın’s wildlife, making sustainable environment policies essential for the conservation of the region’s ecosystems.
Bartın’s demographic structure exhibits a clear distribution between urban centers and rural areas. According to 2023 data, Bartın’s population is 206,715. Population density is more pronounced in the provincial center and districts with high tourist value such as Amasra, while settlement in rural areas is more dispersed. The high proportion of young population creates significant potential in education and employment sectors, strengthening social and economic dynamism. This young and dynamic demographic structure supports the development of local services, infrastructure investments, and commercial activities, while also providing a foundation for agriculture, forestry, and small-scale enterprises in rural areas to make significant contributions to regional development. Overall, Bartın’s population distribution reflects an integrated structure of urban modernization and traditional rural life, indicating a demographic framework favorable for socioeconomic growth and sustainable development.
Amasra is a town named after Queen Amastris and possesses a rich historical heritage. Before being incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1460 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the city was under Genoese administration and has preserved numerous art remnants of its vibrant commercial life.
The Genoese described Amasra as the “Flowering Castle,” while Pliny referred to it as “Elegant and Beautiful,” and Niketas called it the “Eye of the World.” Before the Ottoman conquest, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, gazing upon the city from above, expressed admiration with the words, “Lala Lala acep Fountain-i World bu m’ola?” After the conquest, two churches in Amasra were converted into mosques, a judge was appointed, and the inhabitants of Eflani Castle were relocated to the city by Fatih’s order. During the Ottoman period, the town was administered under the Bolu Sancak Beylik and was widely admired by Western travelers.
Throughout history, Amasra has been not only a strategic military base but also a commercial port town exporting lumber, boxwood, tuna, and fur. Since the 1940s, Amasra has been known as the pioneer town of guesthouse tourism and tent camping, earning the title “the birthplace of tourism in our country,” and today continues its activities in culture and maritime tourism.
Amasra (Photo: Amo Fifty, unsplash.com)
Ulus is a significant settlement area in the southeastern part of Bartın Province, notable for its historical depth. According to tradition, its name derives either from the Bozulus Turks who settled in the region in the 11th century or from the verb “üleşmek”; in either case, the name reflects the region’s cultural richness and historical continuity. Ulus’s geographical structure, situated in a wide valley where the Ulus and Eldeş rivers converge, is surrounded by natural beauty. The region offers diverse landscapes including impressive plateaus (Uluyayla, Ardıç, and Gezen plateaus), Ulukaya Waterfall, caves, waterfalls, and canyons.
In the early 18th century, local scholar Uluslu İbrahim Hamdi Efendi, in his work titled “Atlas,” praised the region’s rich vegetation and natural resources with the phrase, “Ulu yaylak and Gökbeli forests are sufficient for the Ottoman Empire and the entire world.” Administratively, Ulus began as a nahiye under Safranbolu and was elevated to district status under Zonguldak Province on 8 August 1944. Later, under Law No. 3760 dated 28 August 1991, it was attached to Bartın Province, acquiring its current administrative status.
Located in the northeastern part of Bartın, Kurucaşile is a historic settlement built along coves adjacent to surrounding olive and sandal capes. With an area of approximately 159 km², its ancient name, “Kromna,” means “people of Krom.” It is among the ancient cities of the Paphlagonia region mentioned in the Iliad, sharing similar historical fates with Amasra. Kurucaşile’s former settlement center is known as Tekkeönü Village. Evidence of this ancient past includes the ruins of Tekkeönü Castle, structural traces such as galleries and stairways within the castle, and coins, inscribed stones, and columns displayed at the Amasra Museum depicting Amazon portraits.
During the Ottoman period, Kurucaşile attracted attention as the center of shipbuilding to meet naval needs. Along with Kurucaşile, fishing villages such as Tekkeönü and Kapısuyu contributed to this maritime tradition; today, the art of wood sleep and boat craftsmanship, passed down from father to son, remains an integral part of the region’s economic and cultural fabric. In addition to its historical and folkloric values, Kurucaşile offers tourists various activities through natural attractions such as Tekkeönü, Kapısuyu, Karaman, and Çambu coves, Göldere Waterfall, Kümes-Akkaya Perikayaları, canyons, and Düden.
Kurucaşile (Photo: Western Black Sea)
Bartın has a multi-sectoral economic structure. When examining land use distribution across the province, approximately 46% of its total 2,143 km² area is covered by forests, 35% by agricultural land, 7% by meadows and pastures, and 12% by settlements and non-arable land.【2】 This land distribution supports the foundation of Bartın’s economy—agriculture, forestry, and local industry—while also enabling diversification of commercial activities.
Bartın’s climate and soil structure provide a favorable environment for cultivating various agricultural products. Grain, vegetable, and fruit production are widespread, while viticulture, olive cultivation, and other fruit farming also hold significant importance. The 35% share of agricultural land forms the backbone of rural production in the regional economy, and small and large-scale livestock farming are widely practiced among local people. These sectors provide not only local food production but also a significant portion of employment in the region.
Small-scale livestock farming, Bartın (Photo: original frame, pexels.com)
Bartın stands out in the forestry sector due to its rich forest resources. Forested areas, covering approximately 46% of the total area, contribute to the production of timber and wood products under sustainable forest management. In addition to forestry, the region’s geological structure provides favorable conditions for mining activities in certain areas. Although the mining sector is not the primary driver of Bartın’s economy, extraction and processing activities integrated with regional industry contribute to local economic diversity.
Bartın’s road and maritime transportation networks support its strategic position in terms of trade. Particularly, the Bartın River, with its consistent flow and suitability for maritime transport, plays a vital role in commercial shipping and logistics activities. Small and medium-sized industrial enterprises in the region demonstrate activity in food processing, textiles, machinery manufacturing, wood products, and other local production sectors, thereby increasing local employment and contributing to regional economic growth. These industrial and commercial activities are among the fundamental dynamics strengthening Bartın’s integration into national and international markets.
Bartın’s importance within the ZBKP stems from multiple factors including its strategic geographical location, tourism potential, cultural heritage, economic diversity, and developing transportation infrastructure. The project aims to maximize Bartın’s contribution to regional development through the integration and modernization of these elements. Thus, Bartın emerges as a critical center for sustainable development at both local and regional levels.
Bartın is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Black Sea Region due to its natural beauty, historical heritage, and rich cultural fabric. Amasra, one of the region’s most important tourist centers, attracts domestic and foreign tourists with its ancient ruins, historic harbor structure, and stunning sea views. Bartın’s tourism potential is further enhanced by local festivals, cultural events, and the exhibition of traditional handicrafts, contributing significantly to the local economy.
One of the key components of Bartın’s cultural identity is its traditional handicrafts, passed down from generation to generation. These crafts are produced using original techniques that reflect the region’s historical past, geographical features, and local lifestyle. Artisans in the region produce both functional and decorative items, enabling the preservation of Bartın’s cultural heritage and diversifying tourism offerings.
In Bartın, metalworking is particularly notable for the “wire breaking” and “wire wrapping” techniques. In these techniques, fine metal wires are skillfully bent or coiled to create delicate and intricate decorative elements. The resulting products are used across a wide spectrum, from everyday utensils to decorative objects. The centuries-old experience and artisanal knowledge behind these techniques hold an important place in Bartın’s handicraft tradition.
Bartın wire breaking (Photo: T.C. BARTIN VALİLİĞİ)
Kurucaşile Stone Tray has a history of approximately 150 years and is an original handicraft product made from stone blocks extracted using traditional methods. The local population uses ancestral knowledge and experience to separate natural rock masses using traditional tools such as pickaxe, hammer, axe, compass, mallets, thick nail, and murç. After this process, the stone blocks are polished, shaped, and smoothed, typically resulting in circular tray forms. One of the product’s key features is its heat resistance. This quality allows the trays to be used for cooking food items such as red and white meat or fish, for example, börek or gözleme. The natural color of the stone displays smoky, dark bluish, or blackish tones, which lighten slightly during the baking process and evolve into yellow hues. Once the baking is complete and the stone cools, the final product takes on a grayish appearance.
Kurucaşile stone tray (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Bartın’s forest resources have provided a foundation for the development of traditional handicrafts such as wood carving. Local artisans use wood sourced from regional forests and process it using traditional methods to produce furniture, decorative items, and practical tools. Wood carving, reflecting both its artistic value and the region’s tradition of efficient natural resource use, makes significant contributions to Bartın’s cultural richness.
Wood carving (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Çekiciler Çarşısı, located in Bartın’s historic city center, preserves traces of traditional commerce. This market showcases regional products, handicrafts, and local delicacies and serves as a meeting point for both locals and tourists. Its historical structure and architecture are important elements reflecting Bartın’s cultural identity.
Located in the city center, Gazhane Park provides modern leisure areas and regularly hosts cultural events. It offers visitors green spaces for relaxation.
The Bartın City Museum possesses a rich collection documenting the historical and cultural evolution of the province. Through archaeological finds, ethnographic artifacts, and ancient documents, the museum sheds light on Bartın’s past periods, offering visitors a comprehensive historical experience.
The Amasra Museum stands out with its collection of artifacts spanning from antiquity to the present. The museum consists of four halls:
1st Archaeological Artifacts Hall
This hall displays Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman-era ceramic and glass smell vessels, gold and bronze ornaments, amphorae, amphorae, bronze figurines, bracelets, crosses, weapons, lamps, and vessels, as well as coins from these periods.
2nd Archaeological Artifacts Hall
This hall features Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Genoese-era marble artifacts, statues, statue heads, gravestels, and relief fragments.
1st Ethnographic Artifacts Hall
This hall displays Ottoman-era copper kitchen vessels, writing sets, weapons, candlesticks, seals, scales, ceramics, and rings, as well as vessels reflecting Amasra’s unique wood carving art.
2nd Ethnographic Artifacts Hall
This hall features regional clothing items, silver ornaments, bed and pillow coverings, carpets, bags, antique wall clocks, and Qurans. Additionally, a Mediterranean map printed in 1852 at the Palace Press is displayed in the museum corridor, and Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman-era stone artifacts are exhibited in the museum garden.
Amasra Museum (Photo: Official Turkish Museums)
The Kemal Samancıoğlu Ethnography Museum, which reflects the region’s traditional life, folklore, and handicrafts, attracts visitors with local costumes, tools, household items, and craft samples. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Bartın’s local culture.
Among Bartın’s natural attractions, Uluyayla Cave, Kemerli Cave, and Gürcüoluk Cave are significant examples of the region’s geological structure.
The Güzelcehisar Lava Columns are natural columns formed by the cooling and solidification of lava, reflecting the region’s volcanic past.
Amasra Castle is one of the region’s most important historical structures. Noted for its strategic location, the castle bears traces of various civilizations, with structural features from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods among its ruins.
The Kuşkayası Road Monument is a unique structure shedding light on Bartın’s transportation and engineering history. Carved into rock, this monument symbolizes the region’s historical transportation challenges and engineering achievements, serving as a significant landmark along the route.
Kuşkayası Road Monument (Photo: Western Black Sea)
The Amasra Ancient Theater, located in the Amasra district, is a historical structure dating to the Roman period. Theater situated on the southern slope of Aya Yorgi Hill, it has a seating capacity of approximately 5,000. Unfortunately, the theater’s seating arrangement and stage section have deteriorated over time. Since the 19th century, the area has been used as a cemetery, and today it is primarily known for this function. The structure in Sand Neighborhood has survived only through remnants of its entrance gate. Throughout its history, it has housed numerous artifacts from Hellenistic, Archaic, Classical, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
The Halilbey Mosque, integrated into Bartın’s historical fabric, is known locally as the “Upper Mosque.” This structure reflects traditional Ottoman architectural elements and is located in the city’s elevated areas.
The İbrahimpaşa Mosque, located in Bartın’s bazaar and also known as the “Middle Mosque,” plays a significant role in the social and cultural life of Bartın due to both its architectural features and functional use. With its historical legacy and regular restoration efforts, this mosque contributes to the preservation of local heritage.
Known as the “Şadırvan Mosque” or locally as the “Lower Mosque,” this structure is notable for the preservation of its şadırvan architecture and surrounding public spaces. It is said to have been built with funds collected from the public.
Constructed within the boundaries of Amasra Castle in the 9th century, the structure originally served as a Byzantine church. In 1460, during Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s conquest of Amasra, it was converted into a mosque, thus beginning its new era. The building retains the architectural characteristics of its time and has survived to the present day following a restoration in 1887. Today, in the Fatih Mosque, a unique practice is observed: the Friday sermon is recited with a drawn sword.
Fatih Mosque (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
The Aya Nikolas Church, dating from the Byzantine period, is a testament to the region’s multicultural character. It was converted into a mosque in 1460 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet during the conquest of Amasra.【3】
The Küçüktepe Martyrium, located in the ancient Amasra region, is a structure commemorating historical events in the area.
Bartın, situated along the Black Sea coast, hosts various natural beaches. Amasra District, in particular, stands out with its clean sea, natural beach areas, and unique scenery. The region’s beaches provide ideal conditions for swimming, water sports, and relaxation. These strategically important coastal areas contribute vitality to the local economy and offer an immersive experience with nature.
Çakrazşeyhler Beach (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
The Galla Market is a historic market reflecting Bartın’s traditional trade life and cultural heritage. For years, this market served as a venue where local women displayed their handcrafted products, regional foods, and artisanal goods, becoming a center not only for economic activity but also for social interaction. The Galla Market offers visitors an intimate experience of Bartın’s local lifestyle and the continuity of traditional trade.
Galla Market (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Amasra Salad is a salad reflecting the local cuisine of Amasra, prepared with fresh seasonal vegetables. Typical recipes highlight chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and parsley. The salad’s flavor is enhanced by simple ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. At the top layer, delicately shaped and decoratively presented carrot slices, along with turnip and cucumber, are arranged to enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
Amasra salad (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Egg-Infused Isbut is one of the standout regional delicacies of Bartın’s cuisine. This dish, widely enjoyed by locals, is prepared using isbut herbs grown in the region. First, the isbut herbs are carefully cleaned and boiled in a pot. After boiling, the drained herbs are mixed with fresh eggs, chopped tomatoes, and peppers. This dish is served both as a main course and as a warm appetizer.
Egg-infused isbut (Photo: Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism photo gallery)
Şap Köfte, one of the unique flavors of Bartın’s cuisine, is a type of meatball prepared using regional ingredients and traditional techniques. Typically made with beef or mixed meat, the meatball dough is kneaded with finely chopped onion, garlic, and regional spices.
Bartın Pumpkin Burması is a light and unique dessert made with honey squash and walnuts. According to historical sources from the region, this dessert was traditionally prepared in small ovens in every household’s garden after weekly bread baking. Bartın’s climatic conditions, favorable for honey squash and walnut production, have enabled this dessert to be passed down through generations and remain an indispensable part of the regional cuisine for many years.
Rice Mantı is a variation of the classic meat-filled mantı, with rice added to the filling. Thinly rolled dough are filled with a mixture of pre-roasted rice, minced meat, onion, and spice, then sealed into small parcels and baked in an oven.
Amasra Pide derives its name from the famous Amasra district. This variety of pide is prepared using daily fresh vegetables and dairy products. The selection of Organic and natural ingredients gives the pide its distinctive taste. Amasra Pide, among the most consumed delicacies in the region, is one of the most important representatives of the local culinary culture.
Amasra pide (Photo: Amasra Sofrası)
Bartın University, established in 2008, is one of the most important institutions in the region for higher education, offering academic programs through various faculties, institutes, and research centers, providing quality educational opportunities for the local youth. Public and private schools across the province are supported by modern educational techniques and infrastructure investments, contributing to improved educational quality and strengthened employment in the region.
Due to its strategic location along the Black Sea, Bartın is an important transit point for road, sea, and water transport.
Nurtaç ARSLAN currently serves as the Governor of Bartın. He was appointed as Governor of Bartın by the Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette on 12 May 2022, numbered 2022/209.
[1]
Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism, “Origin of the Name Bartın,” last accessed: 10 February 2025
[2]
Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism, "General Information," Last access: 11 February 2025
[3]
Bartın Ministry of Culture and Tourism, “Mosques and Churches,” Last access: 11 February 2025
Etimology
History
Ancient Period and Early Settlements
Roman and Byzantine Periods
Bartın in the Ottoman Period
Bartın in the Republican Period
Geography
Location and Boundaries
Climate
Vegetation
Landforms
Water Resources
Wildlife
Demographic Structure
Population (2024)
Districts
Amasra
Ulus
Kurucaşile
Economy
Agriculture and Livestock
Mining and Forestry
Trade and Industry
Bartın within the Zonguldak, Bartın, Karabük Regional Development Project (ZBKP)
Culture and Tourism
Traditional Handicrafts
Bartın Work: Wire Breaking and Wire Wrapping
Kurucaşile Stone Tray
Wood Carving
Tourist Sites
Çekiciler Çarşısı
Gazhane Park
Bartın City Museum
Amasra Museum
Kemal Samancıoğlu Ethnography Museum
Uluyayla Cave, Kemerli Cave, and Gürcüoluk Cave
Güzelcehisar Lava Columns
Amasra Castle
Kuşkayası Road Monument
Amasra Ancient Theater
Mosques and Churches
Halilbey Mosque (Upper Mosque)
İbrahimpaşa Mosque (Middle Mosque)
Şadırvan Mosque (Lower Mosque)
Fatih Mosque
Aya Nikolas Church
Amasra Küçüktepe Martyrium
Beaches
Galla Market
Cuisines
Amasra Salad
Egg-Infused Isbut
Şap Köfte
Kabak Burması
Rice Mantı
Amasra Pide
Education
Transportation and Infrastructure
Local Administration
Governor
Former Governors