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8 places to visit in the central district of Sinop: Sinop Prison (Inside the Historic Sinop Castle), Sinop Castle and Hamsilos Cove. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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History

Sinope, one of the most important cities of the Black Sea in antiquity, retained its importance during the Pontic Kingdom. Under Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian Seljuk, Candaroğulları and Ottoman rule, Sinop remained one of the most important harbours of the Black Sea, with its castle and shipyard.

Sinop Castle

The castle has protected the city since the 7th century BC and was restored during the Roman, Byzantine and Anatolian Seljuk periods. The castle towers were built between 1215 and 1218 by the Seljuk Sultan I. İzzeddin Keykâvus.

Historic Sinop Prison

With its well-planned two-storey structure and 28 wards, the prison is one of the symbols of the region.

Climate and When to Go

Sinop has a Black Sea climate; summers are mild and winters temperate and rainy. The best time to visit is June to September. The sea season is July to August; May to June is also suitable for the Hamsilos and Erfelek waterfalls.

History and Culture

Sinop was founded in the 7th century BC as a Hellenic colony and was the most important city of the Black Sea in antiquity. In 1972 Sinop was included among the provinces of second-priority development. The first library was founded in 1924 under the leadership of Dr. Rıza Nur. After Amasya, the capital of the Pontic State, was moved to Sinop. During the Byzantine period the region was Hellenised under the influence of Orthodox Christianity.

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Places to Visit in Sinop Central District

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 4 Nature

Historic Sites 3

Historic

Sinop Prison (Inside the Historic Sinop Castle)

The historic prison inside Sinop Castle was in use from 1887 to 1997. Famous figures such as Sabahattin Ali and Nazım Hikmet were held there; it is open to visitors as a museum.

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Sinop Castle - Merkez Photo: Ertly (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Historic

Sinop Castle

The castle, founded by the Milesians in the 7th century BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient castles on the Black Sea. Sea walls and tower remains can be seen.

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Historic

Sinop Inner Harbour

The inner harbour, sheltered from the winds in the south of the peninsula, is the most important harbour of the southern Black Sea.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Alaaddin Mosque

Built in 1267 during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan II. İzzeddin Keykavus, this is the oldest mosque in Sinop. Its marble mihrab and wooden minbar make it an important example of Seljuk architecture.

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Natural Wonders 4

Nature

Hamsilos Cove

Likened to the Norwegian fjords, Hamsilos Cove is Türkiye's only natural fjord. Its narrow and deep cove, turquoise water and surrounding green slopes offer a unique natural view.

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Nature

Boztepe Beach

Boztepe, on the northern side of the Sinop peninsula, has one of the cleanest beaches on the Black Sea. Its clear water and natural sandy shore make it popular in the summer months.

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Nature

Boztepe Cape

A cape on the Black Sea coast at the point where Sinop meets the mainland.

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Nature

Hıdırlık Hill

A hill 187 metres high, located on the eastern peninsula.

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What to Eat in Sinop Central District

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  • Sinop Mantısı

    Sinop mantısı is known for its small size and yoghurt-garlic sauce. It is prepared with hand-rolled yufka dough.

  • Nokul

    A pastry made with walnuts and butter, Nokul is Sinop's traditional dessert. Prepared according to recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture.

  • Fresh Fish

    Fresh fish caught in the Black Sea is served grilled or fried in Sinop's seaside restaurants. Anchovy, whiting and turbot are the most preferred species.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Sinop Central District

  • Ancient Sinope Heritage

    Sinop was founded by the Milesians in the 7th century BC on the site of the ancient city of Sinope. It is known as the birthplace of Diogenes.

  • Maritime Tradition

    Sinop has for centuries been known for seafaring and fishing. Its shipbuilding tradition goes back to the Ottoman period.

Local Products

  • Sinop Boyoz Helva — Boyoz helva, prepared with flour, sugar and butter, is Sinop's traditional dessert.
  • Seafood — Fresh fish and seafood from the Sinop harbour are the district's important local products.

Economy

Sinop's economy is based on fishing, tourism and trade. Coastal tourism is an important source of income. Sinop University contributes to the economy.

How to Get to Sinop Central District

Sinop Airport is 8 km from the city centre. It is 440 km from Ankara and 170 km from Samsun. Intercity bus services run.

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Sinop Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Sinop Merkez?

The 8 highlights of Sinop Merkez: Sinop Prison (Inside the Historic Sinop Castle), Sinop Castle, Hamsilos Cove, Boztepe Beach, Alaaddin Mosque, Boztepe Cape, Sinop Inner Harbour and Hıdırlık Hill.

What is there to eat in Sinop Merkez?

Sinop Mantısı, Nokul and Fresh Fish are the standout flavours on Sinop Merkez's tables.

What is Sinop Merkez famous for?

Sinop Merkez is known for Sinop Boyoz Helva and Ancient Sinope Heritage. Boyoz helva, prepared with flour, sugar and butter, is Sinop's traditional dessert.

How do I get to Sinop Merkez?

Sinop Airport is 8 km from the city centre. It is 440 km from Ankara and 170 km from Samsun. Intercity bus services run.

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