Bartın

Bartın is the provincial capital of Turkey's Bartın Province.

Formerly a district of Zonguldak Province, Bartın has been made into a province seat in 1991 with the constitution of Bartın Province composed of 4 districts (the central Bartın district and 3 depending districts). The city is situated 14 kilometers inland on the Bartın River ("Bartın Çayı") which is navigable for vessels between the city and the Black Sea coast.

Bartın is one of the centers in Turkey's Black Sea region that is becoming increasingly attractive for tourists. With its rich architectural heritage, Bartın is 80 kilometers east of Zonguldak is Bartin province on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, the calm city of timbered houses. It's one of the newest provinces of Turkey. The history of the city dates back to 1200 BC, when Gasgas tribe inhabited in the environs. In the following years, the region had entered under the dominance of Hittites, Frigs, Kringens, Kokons , Enets, Kimmers, Lydians, Persians and Macedonians.

The historic progress of Bartin continues with the dominance of Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire and later with the dominance of Turkish Seljuks and Candarogullari State between 11th - 13th centuries AD. Bartin was conquered by the Ottoman sultan Yildirim Bayazit in 1392.

The wooden Bartin houses display the architectural characteristics of the art movements after the Tanzimat Fermani (Reforms Decree). Temperate Black Sea naval climate is experienced in Bartin. Summer seasons are hot while winter seasons are chilly, and lots of rain of course which gives all of its green vegetation of the region.

The Bartin River passing through the city gives way to boat trips in the city to catch a glimpse of perfect landscape.

This lovely city hosts strawberry festivals in spring. The city also has beaches of good quality. Inkum, a lovely setting with a holiday village and other facilities, has sandy beaches. Çarkaz, is a fishing village which has an excellent beach while at Kurucasile fishing boats are built. Amasra was founded in 6th century BC and its ancient name was Sesamos. It is one of the highest spots on the Black Sea Coast which displays unimaginable, fascinating beauties while traveling through. The city is located on a peninsula and the eastern side is especially good for swimming. The archaeological museum and Çekiciler Street are of interest, too. As a souvenir you may purchase hand-carved, wooden articles.

There are numerous ancient city ruins inside the borders of historic Paphlagonia region. Ancient cities of Sesamos (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucasile) and Erythinoi (Cakraz) are located inside the borders of Bartin.

The castle, two churches, bedesten, Kuskayasi Road Monument (Unique in the world) and inziva (seclusion) cave inside the city center are among the visual parts of the ancient city. The sections of the ancient city like forum, council palace, road of honor, theatre, acropolis, necropolis are below ground.

Kurucasile was also one of the locations which had the best viewing place for the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century which happened on 11th August 1999.

* [http://www.bartin74.net/index.asp - About Bartın]
* [http://travel-guide-turkey-istanbul.blogspot.com - Bartın Travel]
* [http://amasragezisi.blogspot.com - Bartin Amastris]

a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions (EAHTR) . [http://www.historic-towns.org/documents/members/turkey.doc