Yakakent, the westernmost coastal district of Samsun province, is located on the Sinop provincial border and approximately 84 kilometers from the city center. Gaining district status in 1990 and formerly known as Gümenes, the settlement is situated on a narrow coastal strip on the Black Sea coast and the rugged terrain beyond. The district's economy is largely based on fishing and related activities; Yakakent is home to a fishing port. In addition to fishing, agriculture based on hazelnut and vegetable production, and coastal tourism, which thrives during the summer months, are other economic drivers of the district.

^{Yakakent (Samsun Municipality)}

History

The history of the Yakakent district of Samsun province can be examined within the framework of its location on the Black Sea coast and the changes in its administrative status. While information on the region's earliest settlements is limited, there is general agreement that it was located within the Paphlagonia region in antiquity. Some sources mention or suggest an ancient settlement called Komene or Komana in the region, but these sources lack definitive archaeological evidence. The links provided also lack detailed information about the region's status during the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Beylik periods; it likely served as a small coastal settlement or port during these periods.

During the Ottoman Empire, the settlement where today's Yakakent is located was known as "Gümenes." It is suggested that this name may be of Greek origin ("Koumenis" or similar). In Ottoman administrative structures, Gümenes was recorded as a settlement within the Sanjak of Canik. It appears to have retained its character as a small port and fishing village during this period.

Following the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye, Gümenes became a sub-district (township) within the Alaçam district. The settlement's name was Turkishized as "Yakakent" in 1963. This name change may have been made in reference to the settlement's "yaka" location on the Sinop border of Samsun province or as part of a policy of Turkifying names, but sources provide no clear justification for this. Yakakent maintained its sub-district status for some time, but its growing population and developing structure demonstrated the need for district status. As a result of administrative regulations implemented in 1990, it gained district status and became a district of Samsun province.

Geography and Climate

Located at the westernmost tip of Samsun province, Yakakent is bordered by Alaçam to the east, Sinop to the west, the Canik Mountains to the south, and the Black Sea to the north. The district consists of a narrow coastal strip and a mountainous area rising just beyond. This geography is the primary factor determining the district's landforms and settlement patterns. The district's topography is characterized by a narrow plain extending along the Black Sea coast and a steep, sloping terrain south of this plain, an extension of the Canik Mountains. Lacking extensive plains, the district's terrain is generally mountainous and hilly. Areas outside the coastline consist of valleys and slopes cut by streams. This rugged terrain has limited agricultural land and led to settlement being concentrated primarily along the coastline.

Hydrographically, the district is defined by its northern coastline on the Black Sea. While there are no significant rivers, numerous small streams originating in mountainous areas flow into the sea. These streams are particularly active during rainy seasons. There are no large natural lakes within the district. Yakakent's vegetation varies depending on climate and topography. Forests typical of the Black Sea climate are common in mountainous and rugged terrain. These forests generally contain deciduous trees such as beech, hornbeam, and oak, as well as pine species. Near the coast and at lower elevations, scrub vegetation such as maquis or pseudomaquis can be found. Agricultural areas are primarily hazelnut orchards on the slopes and vegetable gardens on the limited plains.

The district experiences typical Black Sea climate characteristics. This climate type is characterized by rainfall throughout all seasons, with the highest precipitation generally occurring in autumn and winter. Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters are mild and rainy. Due to the influence of the Black Sea, temperature differences are not extreme, and frosts are less frequent than in inland areas. The influence of the sea and the location of the mountains can create microclimatic differences in local climatic conditions. Average annual temperature and precipitation are generally around the averages for the Black Sea climate.

Population and Demography

Yakakent district is a small-scale settlement that directly reflects its geographical limitations and economic structure. Its acquisition of district status on May 20, 1990, through Law No. 3644, marked a decisive turning point in streamlining population registration systems and increasing local government capacity. Population movements recorded in the first fifteen years after its establishment indicate both regional internal migration dynamics and seasonal labor mobility related to agricultural production cycles.

When the population covering the 2007–2024 period is examined, the district's peak of 9,695 people reached in 2008 symbolizes a short-term expansion. In the following years, a decline was observed to 9,193 in 2011 and 8,934 in 2014; Yakakent, which tested the bottom at 8,572 in 2017, partially recovered with values ​​of 8,864 and 8,685 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The population, which decreased to 8,592 in 2021, then gained a new momentum of increase to 9,145 in 2023, but declined again to 8,945 in 2024. This cyclical course reveals a combination of migration in rural areas, the imbalance of school and job opportunities, the young population's search for education and employment in large urban centers, and seasonal migration movements based on agricultural calendars.

In terms of gender composition, Yakakent's demographic balance is quite symmetrical. As of 2024, the male population was 49.79% and the female population was 50.21%. Looking at the distribution over the years, the male and female population figures remain close, with differences of a few dozen people. This close balance indicates that economic activities and social services affect both genders similarly, and that job and education opportunities in the region are widespread regardless of gender. On the other hand, the interaction between the demand for male labor in seasonal agricultural work and local production activities and the role of women in households and agricultural support leads to only minor fluctuations in long-term gender ratios.

While detailed data on age groups is not available within this framework, the primary driver of population fluctuations is the migration of young people. An aging population structure can be observed in the district, particularly as working-age individuals seek education and employment opportunities in larger cities. This situation necessitates that local governments and development policies prioritize economic diversification, vocational training, and social infrastructure projects that will encourage the return of young people.

Economy

The economy of Yakakent, a district of Samsun province, is largely shaped by its geographical location on the Black Sea coast. Fishing is the mainstay of the district's economy and is one of the local population's primary sources of income. In addition to fishing, agriculture and, to a limited extent, tourism also contribute to the district's economy.

The fishing industry is central to Yakakent's economy. The district's fishing harbor provides the infrastructure for this sector and hosts numerous boats. Both deep-sea fishing (using purse seiners) and coastal fishing methods are employed. Among the main fish caught are fish native to the Black Sea, such as anchovy, horse mackerel, whiting, bonito, and bluefish. Fishing creates employment and income not only for boat owners and crews, but also through side activities such as net making and repair, boat maintenance, and fish sales. The district's economy is directly dependent on the quantity of fish caught and fluctuations in fish prices.

Agriculture is the second most important sector in Yakakent's economy. The district's geography (a narrow coastline and the rugged terrain immediately beyond) limits agricultural land. Despite this, hazelnut production is particularly widespread and contributes to the district's economy. In addition to hazelnuts, corn and various vegetables (including greenhouse farming) are also cultivated, albeit on a lesser scale. Livestock farming is also generally carried out on a family-run basis.

The tourism sector, however, relies heavily on coastal tourism, which is particularly active during the summer months. The district's coastline and beaches attract both locals and visitors from surrounding provinces. This creates temporary activity in accommodation (guesthouses, etc.), food and beverage, and other service sectors during the summer season. However, tourism accounts for a more limited share of the economy compared to fishing and agriculture.

Tourism-Culture-Cuisine

Yakakent, the westernmost district of Samsun province, is located on the Black Sea coast and borders Sinop. The district's tourism, culture, and culinary profile are shaped by its coastal and inland natural areas, along with its fishing culture and other limited resources.

Natural areas play a significant role in Yakakent's tourism potential. The district boasts a coastline stretching along the Black Sea. This coastline features sandy beaches used for activities such as swimming and sunbathing. Sources discuss the general characteristics of Yakakent Beach and its use for summer tourism. Moving inland from the coast, there is an area called Çam Gölü (Pine Lake). Located near the village of Küplüağzı, this lake and its surroundings are covered with pine forests and can be used for recreational activities such as picnics and nature walks. At higher elevations lies Uzunkız Plateau. With its rich vegetation and altitude, this plateau offers potential for plateau tourism and nature activities.