Located in the east of Samsun province, approximately 52 kilometers from the city center, Salıpazarı gained district status in 1987 and takes its name from the market held there on Tuesdays. Located in the Yeşilırmak River basin on rugged, forested terrain, the district's economy is largely based on agriculture, particularly the widespread production of hazelnuts. In addition to agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry are also among the district's economic activities.
Salıpazarı (Samsun Governorship)
History
The history of Salıpazarı, a district of Samsun province, is shaped by the evolution of its administrative structure and the origin of its name. While sources lack detailed information on the region's previous settlements or historical processes, there are some specific explanations for the origin of the district's name. It is said that the name Salıpazarı derives from the marketplace held historically in the region on Tuesdays. This marketplace served as a commercial and social meeting point for surrounding settlements.
Changes to Salıpazarı's administrative status have occurred recently. For many years, Salıpazarı existed as a settlement or sub-district within the Çarşamba district, but over time, it gained administratively distinct status. Within the framework of administrative structuring regulations in Türkiye, Salıpazarı was granted district status by Law No. 3392, enacted on June 19, 1987. From this date on, its administrative organization began as an independent district within the province of Samsun.
With the acquisition of district status, administrative institutions such as the Salıpazarı District Governorate and Salıpazarı Municipality were established. With the construction or allocation of the District Governorate building and other public buildings, the district's administrative functions began to be fulfilled. The period after 1987 encompasses the district's development as an administrative center. The sources provided do not provide detailed information on specific historical events or developments during this period.
Geography and Climate
Salıpazarı district is an administrative unit located in the eastern part of Samsun province. Due to its geographical location, the district lacks direct access to the Black Sea coast and is situated more inland within the Yeşilırmak River basin. The district center and its surrounding area exhibit generally rugged terrain. The region's topography consists of valleys, surrounding hills, and mountainous areas. This rugged terrain influences agricultural activities and settlement patterns. Specific geographic data, such as the district's area and average elevation, are not specified in the source.
The region's hydrographic structure is shaped by the Yeşilırmak River and its tributaries. These streams contribute to the region's water potential and contribute to valley formation. The district's natural vegetation reflects the characteristics of the Black Sea Region's inland areas. Large areas are covered with forests, which are among the district's natural resources. Agricultural lands are generally located on valley floors and gentle slopes; hazelnut production is common in these areas.
The Salıpazarı district's climate reflects the inland Black Sea climate. It exhibits a more continental influence than the coast. Summers are generally cool or mild, while winters are cold and rainy. Annual precipitation amount and distribution may be consistent with the general characteristics of the Black Sea Region, but due to altitude and continental influence, snowfall can also occur during the winter months. Climatic conditions directly affect the region's vegetation and agricultural production patterns, particularly hazelnut cultivation.
Population and Demography
After the Salıpazarı district officially gained district status with Law No. 3392 dated July 4, 1987, its population dynamics have reflected both the general characteristics of the rural Black Sea region and the unique traces of regional internal migration movements. Population data covering the period 2007–2024 reveal that the district's demographic structure has fluctuated over time.
During these years, Salıpazarı's population reached its peak in 2018, with a population of 22,923; in the following period, due to economic, social, and spatial factors, it declined to 19,990 in 2019, recorded a relative recovery between 2020 and 2021, fell again to 19,017 in 2022, reached a temporary peak of 21,243 in 2023, and decreased to 20,046 by 2024, showing consecutive increases and decreases at rates sometimes exceeding 10%. These fluctuations indicate a profile influenced by seasonal or periodic variations in the district's employment opportunities, seasonal labor migration due to the agriculture-based economic structure, and young generations' search for education and job opportunities in big cities.
The distribution of the total population by gender, as of 2024, is 52.04% male and 47.96% female. This pattern, in which the male population consistently outnumbers the female population, can be attributed to the district's limited agricultural production and female employment. However, this moderate gender imbalance suggests that Salıpazarı's overall demographic structure is not large enough to necessitate the development of long-term policies for gender equality, but that both factors should be considered in population planning.
A detailed analysis of the population movements observed in the district can be summarized in three main phases. The first phase, from 2007 to 2010, exhibited a relatively stable population in the 20,000–21,000 range, while the second phase, from 2011 to 2017, exhibited a gradual decline and slight fluctuations. The third phase, post-2018, is characterized by a peak at 22,923, followed by a rapid decline, then a recovery to 21,243, and finally a decline to 20,046. Within this framework, Salıpazarı is seeking demographic stability, unable to sustain short-term population increases. While detailed data by age group is lacking, it can be assumed that the tendency of the young population to migrate out of the district in search of education and employment has triggered the population decline.
While detailed information on age groups is lacking, the district's population's location in a region with intensive agricultural production suggests a slight advantage for male participation in seasonal agricultural work. However, the fact that women account for nearly 48% of the total population suggests that the number of farmers' wives, women's cooperatives, and seasonal food processing activities in rural areas is increasing.
The administrative transformation Salıpazarı has undergone over the past forty years has resulted in a more streamlined population registration system and consistent resident population data, providing a stronger foundation for demographic analyses. However, 2024 data reveals that the district's population is currently stable at just above 20,000, and that regional development policies must be reconsidered if this limit is to be maintained or exceeded going forward.
Economy
According to available sources, the economic structure of Salıpazarı district is largely based on agriculture and forestry. The district's geographical location, rugged terrain, and climatic conditions are the primary factors determining the nature of economic activities. Agriculture is cited as the district's primary source of income, and hazelnut production plays a dominant role within this sector. A significant portion of the district's land is reportedly covered by hazelnut orchards. In addition to hazelnut production, crops such as corn and beans, as well as various fruits and vegetables, are also reportedly grown; however, this production is generally more limited than that of hazelnuts.
In addition to agriculture, the district's extensive forested areas make forestry activities an integral part of its economic structure. The evaluation of forest resources and studies on forest products contribute to the local economy.
Livestock farming is also among the district's economic activities. Both cattle and sheep are raised, and poultry farming is also available. Livestock farming serves as a supplement to agricultural activities or as an alternative source of income.
Industrial and commercial activities in the district are understood to be limited. Existing industrial enterprises are generally small-scale and may be focused on processing agricultural or forest products. Commercial activities are focused primarily on local needs and the sale of agricultural products. Similarly, the service sector has developed around basic public services and small business activities.
In conclusion, according to the source examined, Salıpazarı's economy exhibits an agricultural structure based primarily on hazelnut cultivation, complemented by forestry and animal husbandry. However, activity in the industrial, commercial, and service sectors appears to be more limited.
Tourism - Culture - Cuisine
The Salıpazarı district of Samsun province is located inland, on forested and rugged terrain. The district's tourism, cultural, and culinary heritage encompasses a variety of elements, including historical ruins, architectural structures, natural formations, and local cuisine. The resources provided provide information on these elements.
The district's historical and cultural heritage includes castle ruins, rock tombs, wooden mosques, and a mausoleum. Garpu Castle is a castle ruin located on a high hill some distance from the district center; sources may not provide definitive information about the structure's date. Near the villages of Karacaören and Konakören, there are rock tombs carved into the bedrock; these tombs are thought to date back to the Hellenistic period or the Pontic Kingdom. The district's religious architectural heritage includes mosques constructed using timber construction techniques. Structures such as the Çağlayan Mosque, Karacaören Mosque, and Cevizli Mosque are noted for their generally nail-free (çatı) construction of timber. Additionally, there is an octagonal, domed mausoleum known as the Yeşil Türbe (Green Tomb) located in the district center. The district's Urban Fabric section may also include examples of traditional residential architecture or information on settlement patterns.
Salıpazarı's natural landscape includes waterfalls and forested areas. Sources mention the existence of natural waterfalls such as Karacaören Waterfall and Çağlayan Waterfall. These waterfalls are defined by their locations and physical characteristics. The district's forested areas and wildlife population allow for the establishment of designated areas for controlled hunting tourism activities; the permitted game species (e.g., wild boar) are specified in these areas.
Salıpazarı cuisine encompasses dishes based on local products from the Black Sea region. Some local dishes mentioned in sources include Keşkek (wheat and meat-based), Mısır Çorbası (Spice Soup), Pancar Diblesi (a dish prepared with beets and rice), Turşu Kavurması (usually made with pickled beans), Cızlama (a type of akıtma or crepe), Nokul (a pastry with a filling), and Fındıklı Burma (a type of syrup-based dessert). These dishes form the basis of the district's gastronomic identity.
