| Sinop
(192 km northeast of Kastamonu) is one on the most beautiful natural harbors
of the Balck Sea. It was founded in the seventh century by Miletian colonists
and was the birthplace of the third-century philosopher, Diogenes the Cynic.
The town's citadel and the foundations of a temple dedicated to Serapis
date from the period. The Archaeology Museum exhibits several beautiful
golden icons and the 18th century Aslan Torunlar Mansion Museum displays
ethnographical artifacts. Other important monuments include the 13th century
Alaeddin Mosque and teh Alaiye Medrese. Excellent fish restaurants along
the charming fisherman's wharf serve tasty meals while brightly colored
boats bobbing in the water complete the picturesque setting. Sinop is also
known for its traditional nautical wooden carvings. Seaside hotels and
holiday villages provide accommodation in all price ranges. Some 35 km.
to the soutwest, high in the mountains, lie the yaylas (mountain plateaus)
of Guzfindik and Bozarmut. At an elevation of 1.350 meters, these green
pastures with their summer residents offer a glimpse into a traditional
way of life. |
Fishing
boats on the Black Sea Coast
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Gerze
is situated on a peninsula 40km east along the coast and is surrounded
by parks and beaches. Farther along the coastral road, you arrive at Yakakent,
a fishing village with clean, sandy beaches. Camgolu, a large forest which
slopes to the sea, has camping sites, guest facilities and restaurants. |
Sinop
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Turning
inland, the road takes you to Bafra (30 km east of Yakakent) a town
famous for its tobacco, caviar and thermal springs. Its 13th century hamam
and 15th century mosque-medrese complex are sights worth seeing. Ikiztepe
7km northeast of Bafra is an archaeological site from the early Bronze
Age that uncovers much of Black Sea regional history. The artifacts, including
jewelery, which is especially important, can be seen in the Samsun museum. |
Samsun
(418 km northeast of Ankara) 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 Ataturk landed here to organize the defense of Anatolia.
The Ataturk Museum houses many objects and documents relating of the war.
An equestrian statue honoring the founder of the Republic stands in a prominent
place in the city park. The 14th century Pazar Mosque and the 19th century
Muyuk Mosque reflect two different Turkish architectural styles and are
interesting to compare. The archaeology Museum not only displays the finds
from Ikiztepe but also artifacts from Dundartepe and Amisos, as
Samsun ws known in ancient times.
Icon
Sinop Archaeology Museum
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The
charming little port of Unye (93 km east of Samsun) is one of the
nicest holiday towns on the esatern Black Sea and justly boasts of its
excellent beaches and camping facilities. Do not miss the extraordinary
18th century town hall. Within easy reach of Unye is the beautiful Camlik
Beach. |
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