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The Black Sea Region |
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The vibrant green of Turkey’s lush, humid Black Sea
Coast surprises those who imagine the country to be nothing but barren steppe.
From the European border with Bulgaria to the Georgian border, dense pine
forests cover the mountaintops while lush vegetation and bountiful crops grow in
the lower elevations and valleys. Along the coastline, mile after mile of
beautiful uncrowded beaches offer sun, swimming and relaxation. In the
springtime, delicate wild-flower blossoms carpet the rolling meadows of the
eastern hills. The wooden houses in fishing villages and mountain hamlets alike
preserve indigenous and traditional styles. The humid climate and fertile soil encourage
cultivation of a variety of crops including tea, tobacco, whether biker or
mountain climber or canoe enthusiast; whether you go in by mountain bike or by
jeep safari.
Archeological excavations from the early Bronze Age settlements at Ikiztepe in
Samsun Province have uncovered evidence of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
The Hittites, Miletians, Phrygians and, according to Homer, the Amazons all
colonized parts of the coast. Alexander the Great in his world conquest also
brought the region under his sovereignty. Eventually, it was incorporated into
the Roman and then the Byzantine Empire. The 15th century saw the
greater part of the area come under the Ottoman rule of Sultan Mehmet II.
The Black Sea is easily accessible to tourists and provides a wide range of
hotels and restaurants at a variety of prices.
Western Black Sea Coast
Eastern Black
Sea Coast
Click on the
following links for information on some of the areas of the Western Black
Seacoast
Bolu
Polenezköy
Safranbolu
Sile
Zonguldak
Bolu
Inland, between Ankara and Istanbul, is Bolu, an
important provincial center with an impressive 14th century Ulu
Mosque and modern thermal facilities close at hand. Southwest of Bolu is the
popular and relaxing Lake Abant resort, set in a lovely alpine
surroundings at an altitude of 1.500 meters. In the Köroglu Mountains is Kartalkaya,
one of Turkey’s major ski resorts. The breathtakingly beautiful Yedi
Göller (Seven Lakes) National Park lies north of Bolu. Nearby the town of Mengen
has a reputation for its good cooks and holds the annual Chef's Festival of in
August, featuring traditional Turkish specialties.
Polenezköy
Originally founded by a polish prince as a home
for polish exiles, Polenezköy (25 km from Istanbul has been transformed into a
relaxing resort with guest houses and restaurants serving a delicious selection
of fresh local produce. Inland from the coast, the rolling hills and peaceful
woods make an excellent area for horseback riding.
Safranbolu
Also inland and further to the east is charming Safranbolu. Step back in
time in the lovely "old world" style of the town to see some of the
most beautiful traditional old homes, unique in Turkey for their outstanding
design and construction. Safranbolu originally takes its name from the saffron
field that dotted the area in the 19th century.
Sile
Across the Bosphorus, on the Asian shore, Sile’s
(71 km from Istanbul) long sandy beaches, overlooked by the remains of a Genoese
Castle, attract many visitors. The excellent restaurants and nightlife make it
popular weekend retreat fro Istanbul residents. Cotton blouses and shirts ( Sile
Bezi) are sewn and embroidered here.
Zonguldak
Zonguldak is a major center of coal production and
an important Black sea port. The scenic road on the east side of town leads to
the areas of Kopuz and Uzunkum, where tea gardens and restaurants beckon
tourists to spend a leisurely afternoon. Connoisseurs of fine handcrafted wood,
travel to Devrek, a pretty town, 50 km southeast of Zonguldak, to
purchase its renowned wooden canes.
Click on the
following links for information on some of the areas of the Eastern Black
Sea Coast
Artvin
Rize
Samsun
Sinop
Trabzon
Artvin
A winding drive midway up a mountainside takes you
to Artvin, the capital of the province. At the foot of the escarpment, a ruined
16th-century castle crowns a rocky outcrop. Artvin is a charming city
with beautiful old Turkish houses, typical of the region. The area's mild
climate makes summer visits delightfully refreshing and every June, crowds of
tourists, as well as brightly-clad locals, throng to the Kafkasör
festival, where the spectacle of fighting bulls highlights the celebration. The
adventurous might like attempt white-water rafting on the wild, romantic Coruh
river.
Rize
Rize (75 km east of Trabzon) is built on a
mountain slope covered with tea bushes that look like puffy green pillows. Be
sure to see this typical Black Sea city’s 16th –century Islam
Pasa Mosque and the remains of a Genoese castle. During the summer tea festival
you can purchase the best blend of Black Sea tea.
Turning inland after Ardesen, off the road going east from Rize, you come
to the beautiful little town of Camlihemsin straddling a rushing stream.
Nearby is the Firtina Vadisi (Valley of Storms) – ideal for
canoeing, and a beautiful Zir Castle, and stone bridges from Byzantine
times. After walking around Ayder’s rolling meadows, you can relax in one of
the many hot springs. For those who like mountain climbing, this is the best
starting point for scaling the Kackar Mountains. This emerald range is one of
the best and the most challenging for climbers in Turkey.
Samsun
Samsun is a modern industrial city that has served
as a major port for centuries. Products from all over the region are exported
from this city, which annually hosts the Samsun trade and Industrial Fair.
Samsun found itself at the center of the Turkish War of Independence on may 19,
1919, when Atatürk landed here to organize the defense of Anatolia. The
Atatürk Museum houses many objects and documents relating the war.
Sinop
Sinop is one of the most beautiful natural harbors
of the Black sea. It was founded in the 7th century by Miletian
colonists and was the birthplace of 3rd century philosopher, Diogenes
the Cynic. The town’s citadel and the foundations of a temple dedicated to serapes
date from that period. The Archeological Museum exhibits several beautiful
golden icons and the 18th century Aslan Torunlar Mansion Museum
displays ethnographical artifacts.
Trabzon
Trabzon, the major city of the region, was founded
in the 7th century B.C. by Miletian colonists, and was later at the
center of the Commene Empire established after the fall of Byzantine Istanbul.
The exiled Byzantine court ruled until 1461 when the Ottomans conquered the
area. The jewel of Trabzon’s monuments is the restored 13th-century
Byzantine church, used for centuries as a mosque and now as the Ayasofya Museum.
On the hills above Trabzon, Boztepe park offers a beautiful view of the city and
coastline. On the western slopes of Boztepe Hill stands the Irene Tower, built
by Empress Irene of Trabzon in 1340. Just east of the city, the village of Sürmene
has an impressive 19th-century mansion known as Kastel. Near
Trabzon, south of Akcaabat, the lovely highland meadows of karadag, Hidirnebi
and Erikbeli are ideal for hiking and picnics. The road inland from
Trabzon winds through spectacular mountain landscape before reaching the Zigana
Tunnel, the longest in Turkey. Nearby Hamsiköy is a charming mountain
village, that has gained a national reputation for its excellent cuisine
(including the best rice pudding), and is so conveniently near Zigana Ski
Center. The beautiful meadows and highland pastures of Gürgenagac Yaylasi,
Kirazli Yaylasi, are ideal sites for outdoor activities. The traditional Kadirga
festival celebrates the annual summer migration to the high mountain postures.
Atindere National Park provides a magnificent setting for the 14th
century Sumela , perched high on a cliff face 270 meters
above a deep gorge. Surrounded by the ruins of the monks’ quarters, is a church covered
inside and out with brilliant frescoes. Southeast of trabzon is Lake Uzungöl, a
lovely alpine lake surrounded by mountains and meadows, excellent for camping,
hiking and fishing. The restaurants there also make it the best place for eating
river trout.
