Tosya is a district located southeast of Kastamonu. The district's economy is based on agriculture and industry, with rice production and woodworking being particularly prominent. Historical and natural sites include Ilgaz Mountain National Park and Dipsizgöl Nature Park.

^{Tosya ( TC Tosya Municipality )}

History

Tosya's name derives from a toponym known as "Zoaka" in the prehistoric period, recorded as "Doceia/Doccia" in the Byzantine Empire, and pronounced "Tukıya" after the Turkish conquest. Chalcolithic and Copper Age ceramics unearthed from the Yücektepe Mound excavations within the district's borders indicate that the settlement dates back to 4,000–3,000 BC. A strategic trade stop in the Paphlagonia region during the Roman and Byzantine periods, Tosya fell under Danishmend, Çobanlar, Candaroğulları, and ultimately Ottoman rule from the Middle Ages onward; during this period, the trio of inns, bathhouses, and mosques formed the urban core. During the Turkish War of Independence, the people of Tosya provided logistical support for the transport of ammunition through the Devrez Valley, contributing concretely to the culture of solidarity of the period by surrendering 310 martyrs to the Kuva-i Milliye.

Geography and Climate

Tosya is located at 41°01′ N, 34°03′ E in an area varying between 780–955 meters in altitude; between the Ilgaz and Kös massifs in the north and the alluvial plains of the Devrez Stream in the south. The district's 1,197 km² surface area has a significant share within the borders of Kastamonu province with a rate of 9.13%; it is 77 km away from the center. In Tosya, where a transitional type climate prevails, the average annual temperature is 10.8 °C; the highest July average is 21.6 °C, the lowest January average is −0.2 °C. One-third of the annual 460 mm of precipitation falls in the spring, while there is a 3.5-month water deficit in the summer months; the average annual relative humidity is 61%. The vegetation consists of oak, elm, poplar and willow between 750–1,000 m; It consists of black pine and fir communities at 1 000–1 700 m.

Population and Demography

The total population of Tosya district was 41,046 in 2007, but decreased to 39,401 in 2024. During this period, increases of 71, 191, 71, and 340 people were observed in 2013–2014, 2015–2016, 2020–2021, and 2022–2023, respectively, while decreases of various magnitudes were observed in the other years. According to 2024 data, the male population was 19,052 (48.35%) and the female population was 20,349 (51.65%), with the gender gap generally remaining at a few hundred people. Annual population changes present a fluctuating trend that can be associated with administrative record updates, migration movements, and other demographic factors.

Economy

The backbone of Tosya's economy is Tosya rice, a geographically indicated product that accounts for one-third of Turkey's rice production. Varieties like Sarı Kılçık, Ak Çeltik, Yaşar, and Osmancık-97 are cultivated in the fertile alluvial soils of the Devrez Plain. Modern agricultural and irrigation investments in the district laid the foundation for the first Republic rice processing factory, pioneering the integration of industry and agriculture. Forestry and lumber industries thrive on the region's extensive forests, while furniture and carpentry workshops constitute small-scale industries that utilize local raw materials. Traditional handicrafts—Tosya belt, kesekuşak, and tela weaving—add both cultural and economic value to the district; the products produced in these workshops are in demand in both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, the agricultural profile, diversified by the production of sugar beets, wheat, fruit, and vegetables, is integrated with service, trade, and small-scale food processing facilities.

Tourism–Culture–Cuisine

Tosya's nature tourism inventory includes the Yeşil Göl (Green Lake) recreation area, at an altitude of 1,570 meters. Its wooden pergolas and observation towers make it suitable for picnics and nature walks. Dipsiz Göl (Dipsiz Lake), also known for its natural beauty, is a popular destination for camping and photography enthusiasts. The district contains the remains of Ottoman-era caravanserai-based structures; vaulted entrances and rectangular walls date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The Emirler City Castle, between Kuşçular and Sofular, is a defensive structure recorded in traveler records from the early 17th century.

Cultural life thrives in workshops where centuries-old crafts like sandal-making, tanning, saddlery, and saddle-making are kept alive. In the gastronomy scene, recipes like tirit, banduma, and etli ekmek (a type of flatbread made with Tosya rice), tarhana soup, and local yeast breads are integral parts of everyday and ceremonial tables. These flavors, which play a significant role in Kastamonu cuisine, serve to promote cultural heritage through events like the International Tosya Culture and Rice Festival. This comprehensive profile makes Tosya a holistic destination, encompassing both historical and natural aspects, economic and cultural aspects.