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5 places to visit in the Ayancık district of Sinop: Çangal Forests, Ayancık Coast and Ayancık Shipyard Remains. Plan your trip to Ayancık with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Location and Basic Information

Ayancık is a district of Sinop province with a population of 23,734. The district was founded at the foot of Ayancık Hill, where the Ayancık Creek flows into the sea. Its neighbouring districts are Türkeli, Erfelek and Boyabat.

History and Development

Ayancık and its surroundings were under the protection of the Etiler until 1200 BC. At the end of the 11th century the area came under the rule of the Danishmendids, followed by the Seljuks, the Pervaneoğulları and the Candaroğulları. In 1460, Fatih Sultan Mehmet brought Sinop and its surroundings under the Ottoman state while on his campaign to Trabzon. In the 19th century a timber factory with German and Belgian capital was established, and its start of operations in 1929 was a turning point for the district’s economy.

History and Culture

Ayancık and its surroundings came under Danishmendid rule at the end of the 11th century. Fatih Sultan Mehmet brought Sinop and its surroundings under the Ottoman state in 1460. The timber factory with German and Belgian capital, which opened in 1929, was a turning point for the regional economy.

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Places to Visit in Ayancık

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Çangal Forests

The forest area that was the subject of the timber factory's operations. The Ministry of Agriculture granted the operating right in 1926 under a 50-year contract.

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Nature

Ayancık Coast

The Ayancık coast on the Black Sea shore, with its natural sandy beach, is preferred for swimming in the summer months.

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Historic

Ayancık Shipyard Remains

The remains of the Ayancık shipyard, one of the important centres of wooden shipbuilding in the Ottoman period, bear the traces of the district's maritime history.

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Historic

Ayancık Church

A church referred to as a historic centre in the district.

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Nature

Akgöl Nature Park

An artificial pond formed by the confluence of two streams, set among pine and fir forests; a day-trip and picnic area.

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Places to Visit Around Sinop Province

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While you are in Ayancık, you can also see the highlights of Sinop province. These places are in other districts; Ayancık is about 60 km from the provincial centre.

  • Sinop Castle — Surrounding the Sinop peninsula and dating from the 7th century BC, its walls are 2,050 metres long, 25 metres high and 3 metres wide.
  • Sinop Historic Prison — A two-storey cut-stone building with a U-shaped plan and 28 wards, beside the castle walls; known as the "Alcatraz of Anatolia", it was closed in 1999 and turned into a museum in 2000.
  • Hamsilos — A bay at İnceburun, at the northernmost tip of Türkiye, that runs 300–400 metres inland from the mouth of the Deveci Stream; it is known for its fjord-like appearance and is surrounded by forest.
  • Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls — A series of 28 waterfalls on the Karasu Stream, about 10 km from Erfelek and 45 km from Sinop, in a valley that came to light when a road was built in 1997.
  • Alaaddin Mosque — A Seljuk-period mosque and its courtyard in the centre of Sinop.
  • Boztepe — A peninsula 8–9 km long that carries most of the city of Sinop; the only natural harbour on the Turkish coast of the Black Sea lies on its southern side, and there is a lighthouse at its eastern tip.

Practical Information for Visiting Ayancık

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
June-September
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Ayancık

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  • Fresh Fish

    Fresh fish caught in the Black Sea is served grilled or fried in Ayancık's seaside restaurants.

  • Sinop Mantısı

    Sinop mantısı, known for its small size and yoghurt-garlic sauce, is also served in Ayancık in its traditional recipe.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Ayancık

  • Maritime and Forestry Tradition

    Ayancık was famous for wooden shipbuilding in the Ottoman period. Its maritime and forestry tradition shapes the district's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Ayancık Göynek Yaka — Ayancık Göynek Yaka was registered as a protected geographical indication on 15 November 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 228). Product group: textiles. Registered by: Ayancık Public Education Centre Evening Arts School Directorate.
  • Ayancık Linen Cloth — Ayancık Linen Cloth was registered as a protected geographical indication on 7 December 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 263). Product group: textiles. Registered by: Ayancık Public Education Centre Evening Arts School Directorate.

Economy

Ayancık's economy is based on forestry, fishing and agriculture. Timber production and seafood are the main sources of income.

How to Get to Ayancık

Ayancık is 60 km from Sinop city centre. The Black Sea coastal road passes through the district.

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Ayancık: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Ayancık?

The 5 highlights of Ayancık: Çangal Forests, Ayancık Coast, Ayancık Shipyard Remains, Ayancık Church and Akgöl Nature Park.

What is there to eat in Ayancık?

Fresh Fish and Sinop Mantısı are the standout flavours on Ayancık's tables.

What is Ayancık famous for?

Ayancık is known for Ayancık Göynek Yaka and its maritime and forestry tradition. It is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a geographical indication product.

How do I get to Ayancık?

Ayancık is 60 km from Sinop city centre. The Black Sea coastal road passes through the district.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Ayancık?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: June-September.

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Other Districts of Sinop

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