Pınarbaşı is a district located in the west of Kastamonu, at the foothills of the Küre Mountains. Due to its natural structure, it has a mountainous and rugged terrain. Forested areas cover a large part of the district's surface area. Agriculture and animal husbandry are among the main sources of income in the district. Natural formations such as Valla and Horma canyons and Ilıca Waterfall reflect the geographical diversity of the region.

^{Pınarbaşı (TC Pınarbaşı District Governorship)}

History

The history of Pınarbaşı begins with the ancient civilizations of the region. The area where the district center is located has been a place where civilizations such as the Gasgas, Cimmerians, Lydians, Iranians, Hellenes, Pontus, Romans and Byzantines were influential throughout history. Since the region is located on the borders of Paphlagonia, it formed one of the settlement centers that developed on the banks of water and rivers during these periods. The region, which came under the rule of the Candaroğulları and Çobanoğulları principalities in the 13th century, was annexed to the Ottoman lands in 1460 during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. During the Ottoman period, the region remained a small settlement within the Kastamonu Sanjak.

In the early years of the Republic, Pınarbaşı, a village in the Daday district of Kastamonu province, gained district status with the law numbered 3392 published in the Official Gazette on July 4, 1987, and transitioned to a new administrative structure on August 26, 1988. The old name of the district center was Erkemle, but it was recently changed to Çamkışla. Pınarbaşı, which has many archaeological remains in its surroundings, attracts attention with historical structures and tombs from the Ancient and Byzantine periods, especially the Ilgarini Cave (connected to the Byzantine village ruins).

Geography and Climate

Pınarbaşı District is located in the southeast of the Western Black Sea Region. It is surrounded by Cide to the north, Daday and Eflani to the south, Azdavay to the east, and Ulus (Bartın) to the west. Its surface area is approximately 571 km², and the average altitude of the central village above sea level is 650 meters. The terrain of the district is largely mountainous and rugged. The main high mountains include Kurtgirmez Mountain (1,338 m), Büyük Mountain (1,151 m), and Gavurharman Mountain (1,136 m). There are small plateau plains in the valleys at the foot of these mountains. The valley of Zarı Stream forms an important flat agricultural and residential area of ​​the district. Zarı Stream, which originates near Çavuş Village, merges with Devrekani Stream in Ilıca Village towards the north. Approximately 63% of the district's land is covered with forests. Coniferous forests are common in the higher elevations; in the lower elevations, meadow and maquis vegetation are encountered.

The climate of Pınarbaşı is transitional between the Black Sea and continental climates. While winters are long and cold, summers are relatively short and hot. Snowfall is a typical event in the winter months. The annual precipitation regime is determined by the characteristics of the climate zone. A humid appearance prevails due to the high forest cover; however, the continental effect increases towards the inner parts.

Population and Demography

While the total population of Pınarbaşı district was 5,337 in 2007, it increased to 6,036 as of 2024, and in this period, increases of 1,130, 784 and 1,183 people were observed in 2012–2013, 2017–2018 and 2022–2023, respectively; and decreases at variable rates were observed in other years. According to 2024 data, the male population is 3,175 people (52.60%), the female population is 2,861 people (47.40%), and the difference between the genders generally remains at the scale of a few hundred people. Annual population changes have followed a fluctuating course depending on administrative record updates, migration movements and similar demographic factors.

Economy

The district economy is largely rural. Agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry are traditional sources of income. Grain and legume farming is done in the narrow alluvial plains in the district center and villages, and small cattle breeding is done on the high plateaus. Forested lands allow activities such as wood products and honey production. There is no limited industry or large-scale production in the region. As of 2023, the population of Pınarbaşı is around 7 thousand; 2,420 people live in the center and 4,550 in the villages. A significant portion of its population consists of older age groups due to the outmigration of the young population. The limited economic opportunities lead especially to the migration of young people to big cities. For this reason, a significant portion of the village population consists of people aged 50 and over. The strengthening of the district economy has been tried to be supported with new investments in recent years.

Tourism and Culture

Pınarbaşı is one of the tourism regions that stand out with its natural structures. Valla Canyon, located in the district, is known as the “second deepest canyon in the world”. The canyon, which starts from the borders of Muratbaşı village, is 12 km long and has side walls that are 800–1,200 meters high in some parts. There are two viewing points for visitors: Muratbaşı Burgu Terrace and Kerte Observation Terrace. The giant glass swing installed on the Kerte Observation Terrace, which was completed in 2023, provides the opportunity to experience the Valla Canyon view from approximately 600 meters above the valley floor.

Horma Canyon within the district borders is in Ilıca Village. This canyon, which has a walking track of approximately 3,500 meters, passes through deep lakes and waterfalls. The formation at the canyon exit looks like a natural pool. The path following Horma Canyon then reaches Ilıca Waterfall. Ilıca Waterfall is a half-hour walk from Ilıca Village. A natural pool surrounded by dense trees and vegetation has formed under the waterfall, which falls from a height of approximately 10 meters. Visitors usually prefer this pool to cool off in the summer months.

Ilgarini Cave has an important place in speleological tourism. This cave, located in Küre Mountains National Park, near Yamanlar village, is 858 meters long and 250 meters deep. Ilgarini Cave, which has ruins from the Byzantine period at its entrance, is known as the fourth deepest cave in Türkiye. The cave can only be reached with a guide and through difficult forest paths.

In the Pınarbaşı area, Çatak Canyon, which shares its name with the old name of the district administration unit, is also a prominent structure in terms of nature tourism. Located close to the district center, this canyon is 7 km long and attracts attention with its depth exceeding 1,000 meters. The glass observation terrace, opened in 2017, aims to offer visitors a view of Çatak Canyon.

Culturally, Pınarbaşı continues to keep regional traditions and events alive. In the summer, the Suğla Plateau Festival is held every year in the last week of July; during these festivals, local people and visitors make various nature tours, celebrate local values ​​with folk dances and music events. The activities of the Pınarbaşı Sports Club in the district are also a part of the local social life.

Kitchen

In terms of local cuisine, Pınarbaşı carries the characteristics of Kastamonu culinary culture. Local products with geographical indications such as Kastamonu-specific etli ekmek and Devrekâni turkey banduma are consumed in the district. Etli ekmek is a type of pide cooked by spreading a mixture of minced meat on thinly rolled dough. Banduma is a dish where local turkey meat is served with rice, stone oven yufka and walnuts. In addition, products with geographical indications such as Kastamonu pastrami and Taşköprü garlic harvested in the region also find a place in the cuisine.

One of the traditional recipes applied in the district and surrounding villages is “Pınarbaşı Black Soup”. This local soup gets its sour taste from the reddish sour sauce prepared from the barberry fruit that grows naturally in the region. Black Soup, served with a fatty butter sauce, is considered one of the local delicacies of Pınarbaşı. In addition, desserts such as keşkek, aşure, höşmerim, which are specific to Kastamonu, and Tosya rice and regional simit for breakfast are other traditional products that can be found in the local cuisine.