Çatalzeytin is a coastal district in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, administratively part of Kastamonu province. With its natural and cultural characteristics, it is one of the districts that reflect the typical geographical, historical, and social structures of the Western Black Sea region.
History
Information regarding the history of Çatalzeytin is assessed based on limited archaeological data and regional historical developments. Due to factors such as its narrow geographical area, transportation difficulties, and low economic appeal, the district appears to have remained outside central developments throughout history.
Finds obtained from the Gölköy excavations in the Kastamonu region indicate that settlement dates back to the Paleolithic Period. In terms of written history, the region is associated with the Kaskians, the northern neighbors of the Hittites. After the Sea Peoples' migration around 1200 BCE, the region came under Phrygian influence; subsequently, the Cimmerians displaced the Carians, paving the way for the establishment of Greek colonies. Greek settlements emerged along the Paphlagonian coasts, such as Sinop and its surroundings. During the Lydian Kingdom period, trade routes were developed, and in the 5th century BCE, Persian dominance prevailed in the region.
After the campaigns of Alexander the Great, the Kingdom of Pontus dominated the region; during the Roman period, Çatalzeytin and its surroundings were part of the province of Pontus Polemoniacus. The region remained under Byzantine rule until the 9th century and was incorporated into Seljuk lands with Emir Karatekin's campaign in 1082. After the Battle of Köse Dağ, the region became affiliated with the Candar Beylik, and was incorporated into Ottoman territory when Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II abolished the Candar Beylik in 1461.
Çatalzeytin, which became a sub-district in 1905 and established a municipality organization in 1911, gained district status on June 1, 1954. The settlements of Ginolu and Mamlay, known as Kinolis in ancient times, are important for the historical process of the region.
Geographical Structure
Çatalzeytin is located in the northeast of Kastamonu province, on the Black Sea coast. The district's area is 318 km². It is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north, Abana and Bozkurt to the west, Devrekâni and Taşköprü to the south, and Türkeli district of Sinop to the east.
The district's territory is shaped by a narrow coastal plain to the north and extensions of the Küre Mountains to the south. This mountainous area is fragmented by narrow and deep valleys. Its highest point is Yaralıgöz Hill, with an elevation of 1958 meters. The rugged terrain is a limiting factor for transportation.
Climate and Vegetation
The Black Sea climate is observed in the district. The annual average temperature is 13.5°C, and precipitation ranges between 1050-1200 mm. Throughout the year, 122 days are rainy, 179 days are cloudy, and 63 days are clear. The average number of snowy days is 8, and foggy days is 26. The average wind speed is 3-4 m/s.
The vegetation is characterized by a rich forest structure. Coniferous tree species such as Scots pine, Anatolian black pine, fir, and yew; and deciduous tree species such as beech, oak, ash, chestnut, and linden are common.
Social Structure
Çatalzeytin is among the districts experiencing out-migration; particularly, the young population tends to move to larger cities for economic reasons. This situation has increased the proportion of the elderly population in the district.
The importance of cultural events in social life has been documented by festivals organized between 1977 and 1984 and magazine publications related to these festivals.
As is generally the case in the Kastamonu region, traces of Turkmen communities belonging to the Oghuz tribes are also observed in the district. Settlement traces of the Çepni tribe, in particular, are present.
Economic Structure
Çatalzeytin's economy is based on agriculture, forestry, and small-scale trade due to geographical and transportation limitations. Historically, traditional activities such as timber export, linseed oil production, blacksmithing, and rope making have been observed. Currently, economic activities continue on these foundations in a limited manner.
Tourism Potential
The most noteworthy tourist area in Çatalzeytin is Ginolu Bay. This bay, known as ancient Kinolis, stands out with its natural structure and historical remains. Ginolu Castle dates back to the 9th to 11th centuries and held strategic importance during the Venetian and Genoese colonization periods. Declared an Archaeological and Natural Site in 1998, the bay is open to coastal tourism and attracts visitors during the summer months.
Furthermore, the natural areas of the Küre Mountains are among the areas that can be evaluated for nature tourism. Cultural festivals organized in the 1970s can be cited as events that contributed to the development of tourism potential.
Demographic Structure
The demographic structure of Çatalzeytin district has a population profile primarily consisting of elderly individuals due to the effects of internal migration movements. When the district was established in 1954, it consisted of 24 villages; with the separation of Türkeli district in 1957, the number of villages increased to 35, and with subsequent village divisions in later years, this number reached 41. Çelebiler Village was later designated as a neighborhood affiliated with the municipality. Migration movements from the district have primarily been directed towards the provinces of Istanbul, Karabük, and Zonguldak. The applications made by Dağköy and İsmail villages to be connected to Bozkurt district in 1956, 1963, and 2003, respectively, were rejected by the relevant authorities.
