Saraydüzü is a district located southeast of Sinop, near the borders of Çorum and Samsun. The majority of the population lives in rural areas. Agriculture and animal husbandry are common activities in the district. The natural areas are used for recreation and camping during the summer months.

^{Saraydüzü ( Republic of Turkey Saraydüzü District Governorship )}

History

Saraydüzü and its surroundings bear the characteristics of an ancient settlement known as Tepe (Tepe). Traces of an ancient settlement named "Saraydüzü", whose construction is unknown, are found near Tepeköv Village, within the district's current borders. Historically a sub-district of Boyabat, the region gained district status with an official regulation dated May 20, 1990. Previously known as Kızıloğlan, the settlement's name was changed to "Saraydüzü" in 1954. In 1945, it gained the status of a central headman and an administrative unit encompassing 83 villages. This status ended in 1953, and its current administrative structure was established in 1968 with the reincorporation of ten villages into the district borders. The district center is 108 km from the city center, a distance provided by road connections.

Geography and Climate

Saraydüzü is located in the inland Black Sea Region, southwest of Sinop Province. Its surface area is approximately 260 km², and the district center's elevation is 305 m. It is bordered by the districts of Durağan and Vezirköprü to the east, Boyabat to the west and north, and Kargı and Osmancık to the south. The region's topography is not as rugged and steep as its coastal areas; instead, it consists of hills and depression valleys nestled between high mountain ranges. The Kızılırmak and Asarcık Streams, which flow through the provincial borders, form a valley system characterized by depressions and gullies.

Approximately 40% of agricultural land is irrigable. Forests, scrub, and bare land alternate on the slopes, while maquis formations are found in some areas. The climate, while reflecting the humidity of the Black Sea climate, generally reflects the continental influences of central Anatolia. In this region, where the Northeast and Northeast winds dominate, the warmest months are July and August, while the coldest are January and February. An average of 80 days of precipitation occur annually, and total annual precipitation ranges from 360 to 400 kg/m².

Population and Demography

The total population of Saraydüzü district, which was 4,714 in 2007, increased to 5,867 in 2024. During this period, increases of 814 people were recorded in 2012–2013, 1,894 in 2017–2018, and 1,119 in 2022–2023, while decreases of 485 people were observed in 2013–2014 and 443 in 2018–2019. According to 2024 data, the male population was 3,019 (51.46%) and the female population was 2,848 (48.54%), and the difference between the genders generally remained at the scale of a few hundred people. Population changes over the years follow a fluctuating course depending on administrative record updates, migration movements, and other demographic dynamics.

Economy

The district's economy is predominantly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. There are 185 registered farmers, 176 of whom produce rice. Agricultural Development Cooperatives are organized in 16 villages within the district. The primary distribution of cultivated land is as follows:

• Paddy: 3,935 decares

• Wheat: 2,500 decares

• Barley: 500 decares

• Egypt: 150 decares

• Various grains: 250 decares

• Various fruit growing: 108 decares

• Various vegetable gardens: 250 decares

Animal production is carried out as follows:

• Cow: 3,200 head

• Sheep: 3,100 head

• Goats: 600 heads

• Poultry: 2,300 pieces

• Equidae (horse, mule, etc.): 25 heads

With this structure, agricultural production in Saraydüzü is expanded with the organizational support of cooperatives, and animal husbandry includes both cattle and sheep in a balanced manner.

Tourism–Culture–Cuisine

Saraydüzü contributes to regional tourism, albeit on a limited scale, with its natural and cultural elements. Hunting tourism, conducted in forested areas, is a prominent activity in the district, which lacks accommodation facilities. Recreational areas and transportation routes are as follows:

• Yukarıarım, Soğuksu: 12 km from the town center, access via Bahşaşlı Village Zeyve Neighborhood and Arım Village

• Göktepe, Cumasuyu: 15 km away, Çorman, Bahçeköy, Aşağıakpınar, Hanoğlu, Göynükören route

• Aksu Plateau: 13 km away, the road passing through villages such as Göynükören etc.

While comprehensive archaeological research has not yet been conducted, secondary sources report that simple excavations on Bayram Hill have uncovered rock tombs, water cisterns, and structures bearing lion figures. The rock tombs in Arım Village demonstrate the region's historical continuity.

Culturally, in Saraydüzü, in addition to traditional educational institutions, the human-space interaction in recreational areas is important. While there are no special events held annually, the local people continue their activities focused on forest products and hunting tourism. The district's cuisine, however, is largely dependent on agricultural and animal production. Simple recipes, enriched with fresh fruit and vegetables, poultry, and dairy products, are consumed both daily and at communal events such as village weddings. Honey is also produced, partly in areas close to the chestnut forests, and this product can be found on local tables and in small markets.