Türkeli Coast
The Türkeli coast, on the Black Sea, is a natural sandy shore preferred for swimming in the summer months.
View on map7 places to visit in the Türkeli district of Sinop: Türkeli Coast, Türkeli Forests and Tarihi Köy Camileri. Plan your trip to Türkeli with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Türkeli is a district in the west of Sinop province, on the Black Sea coast near the border with Kastamonu. Previously attached to Ayancık, it gained district status in 1957.
Geography
Located in the Kızılırmak Basin, Türkeli lies at the foot of the İsfendiyar Mountains, with its inland areas covered by forest. In the Agricultural Master Plan, the district is in the first agro-ecological sub-region, which covers the coastal part, and most of the district’s soils are Class VI and VII agricultural land. The average elevation of the district centre above sea level is 11 metres.
Climate and Vegetation
The district lies at the meeting point of the Western and Eastern Black Sea climates. There are major differences between summer and winter average temperatures; it rains in every season and humidity is high. In terms of forest, the district is one of the richest districts of Sinop province. The main tree species in the Zindan forests are pine, fir, beech, hornbeam, oak, chestnut, poplar and wych elm.
History
The district centre has a history of nearly a century as a settlement. The area was first ruled by the Rum Pontic people, then by the Anatolian Seljuk State, and later by the Isfendiyarids; it passed to Ottoman rule in 1461, when Fatih Sultan Mehmet took Sinop. Originally called Yarna, it was later named Gemiyanı after a ship wreck on the coast with the founding of the Republic. On 1 May 1957 it became a district and took the name Türkeli, meaning “settlement of the Turks”.
Population
In terms of population, Türkeli is the sixth-largest district of Sinop province. According to the 2020 population census, the district’s population is 15,973, of whom 6,296 live in urban areas and 9,677 in rural areas.
Economy
With its seaside location and Black Sea geography, Türkeli has potential for sea, mountain sports and plateau tourism. 5% of the province’s tourist bed capacity is located in the district. Forest products and forestry are among the region’s most important sources of livelihood. The district has one fishing harbour, as fishing is widespread.
History and Culture
Türkeli gained district status in 1957. Before becoming a district, it was a subdistrict attached to Ayancık. The district’s name was given as Gemiyanı, after a ship wreck on the coast, with the founding of the Republic. The district is described as one of the richest districts of the province in terms of forest.
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