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7 places to visit in the central district of Bartın: Bartın River, İnkumu Beach and Bartın Houses. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Bartın lies on the Western Black Sea coast between Zonguldak and Kastamonu, where the forested Küre Mountains reach the sea. It takes its name from the Bartın Stream that flows through the town, whose ancient name was Parthenios. The stream is one of the rare rivers in Türkiye that ships can enter from the sea all the way to the town. In 1924 Bartın, then a district of Zonguldak, became a province on 7 September 1991.

Ancient Culture

Within the provincial boundaries are three ancient coastal towns of Paphlagonia: Sesamos/Amastris (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucaşile) and Erythinoi (Çakraz).

History and Culture

Bartın was attached to the Bolu Sanjak, re-established in 1811, and became a district in 1867. Bartın became a district of Zonguldak in 1924 and gained provincial status in 1991. The town, founded on the bank of the stream, was given the name Parthenia.

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Places to Visit in Bartın Central District

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Museum
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Beach
  • 1 Attraction
Bartın River - Merkez Photo: SADIK YURTMAN (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Nature

Bartın River

Known in antiquity as the Parthenios, one of the rare rivers in which ships can sail.

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Beach

İnkumu Beach

A beach 10 km from Bartın central district.

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Historic

Bartın Houses

Traditional Bartın timber houses built after the Tanzimat period, which are among the finest examples of Ottoman civil architecture. The houses, noted for their façade decorations, projecting upper floors and woodcarvings, contributed to the town's membership of the Association of Historical Towns of Europe.

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Historic

Bartın Castle

The castle on the hill in the city centre was built on the remains of the ancient city of Parthenios. Its settlement history going back to around 1200 BC bears traces of the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Roman and Byzantine periods.

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Attraction

Gazhane Culture Centre

A culture centre created by restoring an old gasworks building. With its exhibition halls, workshops and event spaces, it has become the centre of Bartın's cultural life.

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Museum

Private Bartın City Museum

A private city museum opened in 2019 in a historic building on Hükümet Caddesi.

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Historic

Orduyeri

The place where Fatih set up his military camp.

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What to Eat in Bartın Central District

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  • Bartın Pidesi

    Bartın pide, with its thin dough and generous fillings, is the best-known dish of the district in its minced meat, kaşar and egg varieties. It is baked in a stone oven and served hot.

  • Dügü Çorbası (wheat and yoghurt soup)

    Dügü çorbası, made with cracked wheat and yoghurt, is one of the distinctive flavours of Bartın cuisine. It is served with sizzling butter and mint drizzled on top.

  • Hamsi Pilavı (anchovy rice)

    Prepared by baking fresh anchovies with rice pilaf. Hamsi pilavı, one of the best-loved dishes of Black Sea cuisine, is also widely eaten in Bartın.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bartın Central District

  • Ancient Parthenios Heritage

    The ancient name of Bartın is Parthenios, and its history goes back to the Kaska tribe around 1200 BC. The city has passed through Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Persian, Roman and Byzantine periods and has a multi-layered cultural heritage.

  • Timber Architecture Tradition

    Bartın's traditional timber houses are among the finest examples of Ottoman civil architecture. This architectural heritage has enabled the city to become a member of the Association of Historical Towns of Europe.

Local Products

  • Bartın Strawberries — Strawberries grown in Bartın's humid climate, known for their aroma and sweetness. They are sold fresh in the spring months.
  • Wood Crafts — Bartın's tradition of woodworking lives on in decorative products, furniture and souvenirs.
  • Pine Honey — Pine honey produced in the pine forests around Bartın is the best-known beekeeping product of the region, known for its dark colour and intense aroma.

Economy

The Bartın Merkez economy rests on farming, forestry, tourism and education. İnkumu shore is the most important source of summer tourism income. Bartın University strengthens the city's education and research capacity. Forestry and woodworking are traditional sectors. River transport on the Bartın Stream is a historic economic activity.

How to Get to Bartın Central District

Bartın is 300 km from Ankara and 400 km from Istanbul. The nearest airport is Zonguldak Airport (70 km). There are regular bus services from Ankara, Istanbul and Black Sea cities. Access to the sea coast is also possible via the Bartın Stream.

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Bartın Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Bartın Merkez?

The top 7 sights in Bartın Merkez are: Bartın River, İnkumu Beach, Bartın Houses, Bartın Castle, Gazhane Culture Centre, Private Bartın City Museum and Orduyeri.

What is there to eat in Bartın Merkez?

Bartın Pidesi, Dügü Çorbası and Hamsi Pilavı are the standout dishes on Bartın Merkez's tables.

What is Bartın Merkez famous for?

Bartın Merkez is known for Bartın Strawberries and the Ancient Parthenios Heritage. Strawberries grown in Bartın's humid climate are known for their aroma and sweetness. They are sold fresh in the spring months.

How do I get to Bartın Merkez?

Bartın is 300 km from Ankara and 400 km from Istanbul. The nearest airport is Zonguldak Airport (70 km). There are regular bus services from Ankara, Istanbul and Black Sea cities. Access to the sea coast is also possible via the Bartın Stream.

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