Başçiftlik is a high-altitude district in the north of Tokat province. Agriculture and livestock are among the district's main sources of income. Notable for its natural beauty and plateaus, Başçiftlik is geographically located at a transition point between the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions.

^{Başçiftlik (Tokat Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}

History

There are no definitive documents regarding the establishment of Başçiftlik; there are different narratives that the settlement dates back approximately 550 years. According to one rumor, the region was founded following Fatih Sultan Mehmet's campaign to Trabzon in 1461. Another narrative suggests that it began to be known as "Beşçiftlik" when five households migrating from the Ayvazönü area to the east of Niksar settled in the forested and irrigated plains, and over time it became "Başçiftlik". In the Ottoman archives, a decree dated 20 October 1485 records the construction of a zawiya (small zawiya) in Başçiftlik, a district of Niksar, by Sinaneddin Yusuf Bey. In Evliya Çelebi's 1647 Seyahatname, Başçiftlik is described as a village of 200 households in the Sivas Province. During the Republican period, the settlement gained municipality status in 1990 and district status in 1997; Exact data regarding the founding period is evaluated through hearsay due to the lack of archaeological studies.

Geography and Climate

Başçiftlik is situated on a 231 km² high plateau at an elevation of 1,425 m, approximately 82 km from Tokat city center (37°17′ E, 40°28′ N). The district borders are surrounded by plains extending from Ordu's Aybastı to the north, Reşadiye to the east, Niksar to the south, and Bereketli and Bozcalı to the west. The rugged terrain rises with Alaçal Hill to the west, Çartıl and Sivrilce to the north, and black pine forests to the south. This region exhibits transitional characteristics between continental and Black Sea climates, with cold winters and mild summers. Due to the high altitude, thick snow covers form in the winter months, and in summer, temperatures and humidity are suitable for mountain hiking.

Population and Demography

The population of Başçiftlik district was 5,093 in 2007 and reached 8,508 in 2024; during this period, the population showed significant increases in the periods 2008–2009, 2014–2015, and 2021–2024, while significant decreases were recorded in 2013, 2016–2018, and 2020–2022. For example, while the population increased by 1,321 people in the 2008–2009 period, the largest decrease of 2,793 people occurred in the 2018–2020 period. According to 2024 data, 4,416 of the population are male and 4,092 are female, with a distribution of 51.90% male and 48.10% female. Annual population movements have followed a fluctuating course, which can be explained by factors such as migration and administrative record updates.

Economy

Başçiftlik's economy is largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Meadows and pastures are used for sheep and cattle raising; livestock farming, which has decreased in intensity in parallel with population decline, is encouraged through government-supported projects such as "I Have Many Reasons to Live in My Village." Experimental broiler chicken farming and beekeeping in the highlands become widespread in the early spring and summer; the region's flora allows seasonal beekeepers to produce high-quality honey. Wheat, barley, potatoes, vetch, corn, chickpeas, and green beans are cultivated in irrigated areas. Pear and apple orchards have been established as part of current projects, and the high-yielding potato variety, registered as "Başçiftlik Beyazı," contributes to the economy. Carpet weaving, which gained momentum in the 1970s, reached 1,200 looms by the 1980s, but declined after the Gulf Crisis. Today, it is a cultural activity.

Tourism, Culture, Cuisine

From a tourism perspective, the Karaçam and Düden plateaus serve as recreational areas, with forested areas and annual festivals. Mountain hiking routes organized in spring and summer connect Büyük Çal Hill in the west to the Çartıl-Sivrilce line in the north. The area around Üçoluk Reservoir creates recreational areas, and ski slopes, usable in winter, add to the winter tourism landscape.

In the cultural sphere, carpet and kilim weaving continues in almost every village. Traces of Central Anatolian and Tokat motifs can be observed in the products. Crafts such as musical instrument production are carried on by master craftsmen. Traditional customs such as early marriage, honor killings, and bride prices have been abandoned today.

Cheese, village bread, and dairy products are prominent among the cuisine. Başçiftlik Beyazı (White) potatoes, natural honey produced in the highlands, and seasonal vegetables are key ingredients. Other regional staples include the geographically indicated Zile kömesi dessert, Tokat simit (Turkish bagel), pita with cottage cheese, katmer (a type of flatbread), gözleme (a type of flatbread), and various soups. These elements define the local culinary tradition.