Hanönü is a district located in the Gökırmak valley in the east of Kastamonu. It gained district status in 1988 by separating from Taşköprü district. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main sources of income in the district. It attracts attention with its natural structure and historical villages.

^{Hanönü (TC Kastamonu Hanönü District National Education Directorate)}

History

The Hanönü district takes its name from a historical inn in the district center. The region is located on the old Silk Road in the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye and has hosted many civilizations throughout history. These include the Hittites (also known as the Hittites), Paphlagonians, Romans, Lydians, Pontus (Holy Roman) people, the Byzantine Empire and the Candaroğulları Principality that dominated the region in the pre-Ottoman period. In addition, some sources state that Kashgari Turkish tribes were also settled in the region. Until recent history, the district had the status of a village within the borders of the Gökçeağaç sub-district of the Taşköprü district of Kastamonu province; on December 30, 1988, it became the district center by establishing a municipality under the name of Hanönü. On May 20, 1990, it gained official status as a district of Kastamonu with the law numbered 3644. During this period, administrative units such as the courthouse and sub-district organization were established in the district in the past, but they did not last long. Hanönü continued to be governed at the village level since the 1950s, and was turned into a municipality and district center with the laws of 1988 and 1990.

Geography and Climate

Hanönü district is established in the Gökırmak valley, at an average altitude of 415 meters above sea level. Gökırmak, as one of the important branches of Kızılırmak, feeds the agricultural and residential plains of the district. The district is surrounded by high forested hills, and these hills form small plains in the valley. The climate is mild due to the relatively low altitude. Since the district is located in the transition region between the Central Anatolia and Black Sea climate zones, it exhibits continental and Black Sea-specific climate characteristics; some years can be abundantly rainy and mild, while other years can be drier and more continental.

Most of Hanönü lands are covered with forests. Approximately 80% of the district is covered with forests. In the higher elevations, coniferous tree species such as beech, pine and fir are common; in the middle elevations, oak and various dwarf tree species are common. In the Gökırmak Valley, poplar and willow trees grown to be cut in the winter and orchards are seen. Rice (paddy) farming is also done in this area. Due to the geographical location of the district, Boyabat (Sinop) is located in the southeast, Taşköprü in the west and Ayancık (Sinop) in the north. It is partially surrounded by Boyabat and Taşköprü in the south. Its center is approximately 70–72 km from Kastamonu city center.

Population and Demography

While the total population of Hanönü district was 4,487 in 2007, it decreased to 4,322 in 2024. During this period, increases of 76,235 and 198 people were recorded in 2012–2013, 2017–2018 and 2022–2023, respectively, and decreases at varying rates in other years. According to 2024 data, there are 2,211 males (51.16%) and 2,111 females (48.84%) in the district. Population fluctuations over the years follow an objective course that can be explained by various factors such as temporary migration movements, administrative record updates and the natural increase-decrease balance.

Economy

Hanönü's economy is largely based on agricultural production and forest resources. In the agricultural lands within the district borders, especially in the Gökırmak Valley, rice and other grain products and various fruits are grown. Rice production is the main agricultural activity in the district; there are also orchards of mulberry, apple and cherry. The highlands covered with forests are important in terms of the production of timber and other forestry products. Although animal husbandry is also carried out in the district, it is at the level of small family businesses. Since the majority of the population lives in villages, agriculture and forestry form the basis of daily life and income sources. The total area of ​​the district varies between 358-490 km². There is approximately 32,800 hectares of forest land. These data show that the district has extensive forest resources and that agricultural lands are more limited.

Tourism, Culture and Cuisine

Hanönü district has tourism potential with its natural and cultural riches. The historical inn, which gave its name to the district and is currently used as a museum, is important in terms of architecture and historical tourism. Built in 1437 by Tatlı Hatun, the wife of Candaroğlu İsfendiyar Bey, this inn is a domed structure made of stone and brick. There are approximately 30 traditional masonry structures (old houses) built in the 1920s around Atatürk Square in the district center. Examples of wooden frame structures in Yenice and Yukarıküreçayı villages and mansions and mosques over 300 years old (for example Yukarıküreçayı Mosque, built in 1285) are also original examples of regional architecture.

Hanönü is also known as the birthplace of Sheikh Shaban-i Veli. One of the important saints of Anatolia, Hz. Pir Sheikh Shaban-i Veli, was born in 1471 in the Çakırçay (Cimdar Harmancık) village of this region. In his memory, there is a tomb and a mosque in the village and these places are popular in terms of religious tourism. In addition, Saray Lake, a crater lake hidden in the Gökçeağaç plateaus, 20 km away from the district center, is known for its quiet nature on a high plateau. There are relatively difficult to reach natural structures such as the three-stage waterfall and Karlık Cave in the vicinity of Gökçeağaç. Akgöl in the forest area is also a popular place for rest and nature walks. These natural areas are suitable for plateau tourism and nature sports activities.

In terms of local culture, Gökçeağaç rug weaving draws attention. In the past, every house in the villages of the region had a loom and the colorful rug motifs woven by the women were the subject of the folk song “Gökçeağaç Kilimi”. The folklore in the district is kept alive as a part of Kastamonu culture.

Hanönü culinary culture reflects the general characteristics of the Kastamonu region. The main agricultural products in the district are rice and grains, as well as horticultural products (vegetables, fruits) and are the basic ingredients in local dishes. For example, rice pilaf, legumes and dishes prepared from herbs are frequently consumed in the regional cuisine. In addition, forest products (mushrooms, blackberries, etc.) are also used by the local people.