Şalpazarı (District)

Şalpazarı is a district of Trabzon province in Black Sea Region, Türkiye. Bordered by Beşikdüzü and Tonya to the east, Vakfıkebir and Giresun province directly to the west, the district is located 55 km from the Trabzon city center. With an area of 164 km², Şalpazarı is notable for its mountainous and rugged land terrain. The district is situated between valleys extending from the coast toward the interior, with Ağasar Deresi as its main river. Şalpazarı, which has a high proportion of forest, is one of the settlements preserving its regional identity through both natural resources and traditional cultural structures.

Trabzon Şalpazarı District (Şalpazarı Municipality)

History

The historical development of Şalpazarı parallels the broader historical history of Trabzon and its surroundings. The area where the district now lies was within the influence zones of the ancient Colchian and Pontic civilizations and became part of the Roman and Byzantine hinterland of the Black Sea. Turkish settlement in the region began with the incorporation of Trabzon into Ottoman territory in 1461. During the Ottoman period, this area was administratively subordinate to the Tirebolu Sanjak. In the late 19th century, it was attached to the Görele district of Giresun and later to the Vakfıkebir kazas. In 1936, with the establishment of Beşikdüzü, Şalpazarı subdistrict was also incorporated into Beşikdüzü. Finally, by Law No. 3392 dated 19 June 1987, Şalpazarı gained independent district status under Trabzon province.

Due to its location away from major historical transit routes, Şalpazarı experienced limited large-scale migration movements, which contributed to the preservation of its traditional social and cultural structure. The settled population of the district, the Çepniler, are one of the 24 tribes of the Oghuz Turks and descend from Turkmen groups who settled in the region during the Seljuk and Beylik periods. This ethnic and cultural building continues to manifest in the traditions still practiced in Şalpazarı today.

Geographical Structure

Location and Boundaries

Şalpazarı is a district located in the mountainous interior of western Trabzon province, within the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Situated 55 kilometers from the city center of Trabzon, it is bordered by Beşikdüzü and Tonya to the east, Vakfıkebir and the Eynesil district of Giresun to the west. While its northern boundary does not directly reach the Black Sea coast, its topography, shaped by valleys extending inland, forms a natural transition zone distinguishing it from coastal districts. With an area of 164 km², the district has a narrow and long terrain extending north-south. Its principal river is Ağasar Deresi, around whose valley most settlements are clustered. Natural boundaries create both administrative continuity and transitional zones with neighboring districts of Trabzon and Giresun province.

Climate and Vegetation

Although located in the Black Sea Region, Şalpazarı, being an inland area without direct coastal access, exhibits a semi-humid microclimate with reduced influence from maritime conditions. Annual precipitation is high, but compared to coastal districts, snowfall is more common during coast months. The Summer season is mild and cool, while winters are cool and rainy. Cloudy and humid weather conditions prevail throughout the year.

These climatic conditions have supported the development of a rich plant cover characteristic of the Black Sea forest ecosystem. Due to the district’s high and rugged topography, the natural vegetation has been largely preserved. Extensive forests composed of beech, hornbeam, oak, chestnut and fir like tree species cover large areas. Understory vegetation includes various shrub and herbaceous species common. The topography has resulted in a layered and locally dense vegetation structure.

Şalpazarı Kadırga Yaylası (Şalpazarı Municipality)

Economic Structure

The economy of Şalpazarı is largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Although its mountainous and rugged terrain is unsuitable for large-scale farming, hazelnut production, along with maize, potato, and vegetable cultivation, forms the primary livelihood sources for the local population. In particular, hazelnut production is notable for its contribution to household economies and its significant role in regional agricultural activities.

Animal husbandry is typically carried out on a small-scale family basis. Livestock rearing, both large and small, is closely integrated with the local transhumance culture. During summer months, herders move animals to highland pastures, sustaining traditional production practices. By-products such as milk, butter, and cheese are commonly consumed locally or sold in limited quantities within the district.

Trade and industry activities are very limited. Small tradespeople and service sectors in the district serve basic community needs. The district center functions as a commercial and service hub for surrounding villages. Seasonal labor migration from Şalpazarı to provincial and district centers is also a significant component of the local economy.

Demographic Structure

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) 2023 Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) data, the current population of Şalpazarı district is 10,760. Of this, 5,365 are male and 5,395 are female. The gender distribution is balanced, and the density of rural settlements directly influences the district’s demographic structure.

The district comprises center neighborhoods and 30 close village (settlement units with neighborhood status); a significant portion of the population resides in these rural areas. Migration, particularly among the youth, is a defining phenomenon, with a trend toward relocation to major cities for education and employment. Nevertheless, during summer months, especially during the highland pasture season, there is a temporary population increase as diaspora members return to contribute to social and cultural vibrancy.

Education

Education activities in Şalpazarı are conducted through institutions under the Ministry of National Education. The educational infrastructure is distributed between central and village schools, in line with settlement patterns. As of the 2022–2023 academic year, the district has a total of 27 educational institutions: 10 preschools, 8 primary schools, 7 middle schools, and 2 secondary schools (high schools). A total of 135 teacher are employed, and 817 students are enrolled in formal education.

Secondary education in the district is provided by Şalpazarı Multi-Program Anatolian High School and Şalpazarı Imam Hatip High School. Under the multi-program high school framework, both general and vocational education are offered. Some primary and middle schools operate under the mobile education system. Due to the high number of rural settlements, mobile education is widely applied, particularly at the middle school level.

The school enrollment rate is close to the national average; however, declining student numbers and migration trends have led to periodic closures or combined-class instruction in some village schools. The physical infrastructure of educational institutions meets basic standards, and time time is dedicated to cultural events, sports activities, and competitions to support students’ academic and social development.

Tourism and Culture

Şalpazarı is one of the rare districts in the interior of the Black Sea region where traditional ways of life have been preserved. Historically a region densely settled by the Çepni Turkmen, the district exhibits a social structure reflecting the continuity of Turkish culture in Anatolia. Çepni identity encompasses a broad cultural practice extending from daily life and weddings to people games and traditional attire.

Şalpazarı possesses significant potential for nature tourism due to its natural beauty and highland pastures. Sis Dağı Yaylası, Galley Yaylası, Alaca Yaylası, and Ağasar Valley are ideal for activities such as trekking, camping, and nature photography. Traditional festivals held on the pastures also attract local and foreign tourists.

Annually held Sis Dağı Highland Festivals are among the most important events that bring together Şalpazarı’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. These festivals take place on the third Saturday of July month at the foot of Sis Dağı, welcoming numerous participants from neighboring provinces and abroad. Activities highlight Çepni-style horon dances accompanied by kemençe, regional costumes, davul-zurna performances, and folk songs. Similarly, the Acısu Highland Festivals, held during summer months, serve as comparable cultural gatherings.

Şalpazarı Yaylaları (Şalpazarı Municipality)

Cuisine

Şalpazarı cuisine is shaped by typical Black Sea products. Maize bread, cabbage dishes, black cabbage soup, kuymak (mıhlama) and maize grits soup are commonly consumed dishes. Additionally, butter and cheese produced on the highland pastures hold an important place in household food production.