Sinop is a medium-sized city located on the northernmost tip of Turkey, shaped like a peninsula. It neighbors the provinces of Kastamonu, Samsun, and Çorum. Sinop, together with Kastamonu and Çankırı, is part of the TR82 region. Covering an area of 5,791 km², the province accounts for approximately 0.8% of Turkey's total land area. Its elevation is 50 meters above sea level, and its coastline extends 175 kilometers. The Black Sea climate predominates in the region. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute's 2023 address-based population registration system, Sinop has a total population of 229,716.
The region has a university, a municipal conservatory, a fine arts high school, a science and arts center, a public education center, an evening art school, and an active library. Sinop is also home to Turkey's first children's library, the Dr. Rıza Nur Public Library.
The majority of the working population is employed in the service and industrial sectors, with the remaining economic activities comprising tourism, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Yacht and cruise tourism, coastal tourism, historical tourism, ecotourism, sports tourism (particularly paragliding), nature, and plateau tourism are prominent. In agriculture, wheat, corn, barley, vetch, and rice are significant crops (1). Chestnuts and kiwifruit are the region's most important fruits, and olive and olive oil production are becoming increasingly widespread.
Fishing, small-scale animal husbandry, large-scale animal husbandry, and beekeeping are practiced in the area. While there are no large industrial facilities, production is carried out in various sectors, including food, textiles, plastics, and rubber products. In the clay industry, brick and tile production plays a significant role. The region also hosts one of the most important fisheries production centers in the Black Sea. Thanks to its rich forest resources, forestry has also developed, and many villages have cooperatives involved in forestry and forest products.
Sinop boasts abundant natural beauty. Akliman, with its 9-kilometer sandy beach, the Hamsilos Bay, a 1st Degree Natural Protected Area where the sea and forest meet, Akgöl and Inaltı Cave in the Ayancık district, and the Erfelek Waterfalls, consisting of 28 small and large waterfalls, are among these natural wonders. Additionally, there are many camping areas within nature.
REFERENCES
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KUZKA (2013). “Sinop Districts”. TR82 Level 2 Region (Kastamonu-Çankırı-Sinop) District Strategies. Salamat Publishing. Ankara. p. 81.
HISTORY
Sinop has been home to humans since ancient times. Excavations have uncovered stone tools dating from the Upper Paleolithic Period (30,000-10,000 BC). Although settlement is believed to have started during the Chalcolithic Period (5,500-3200 BC), it is evident that people arrived in greater numbers during the Bronze Age (3,200-1200 BC). Sinop has a natural harbor, considered one of the most important ports in the Black Sea. Throughout history, it has been a key trade city and a hub for maritime transport, which has made it an attractive location, hosting numerous civilizations over the centuries. These include the Achaeans, Gasgas, Hittites, Phrygians, Cimmerians, Milesians, Lydians, Pontics, Persians, Romans, Seljuks, Candaroglu, and Ottomans.
The city is believed to have been founded by the Achaeans (2200-2000 BC). Although the original name of the city is unknown, it is believed that the name Sinop comes from Sinope, the daughter of a river god and a water nymph loved by Zeus. Coins minted for the city in the 400s BC depict this goddess on one side (1). Over time, excavations have uncovered important findings about Sinop's history, and excavations continue in various parts of the city.
The founder of Cynicism, Diogenes (400s-323 BC), is believed to have been born in Sinop. Hence, he is also known as "Diogenes of Sinop." He is said to have been exiled from Sinop to Athens on charges of counterfeiting. Although he spent only the early years of his life in Sinop, his philosophy holds an important place in the city's cultural heritage. In 2006, a statue depicting Diogenes on a barrel, holding a lantern, and accompanied by his dog was erected at the city's entrance (2).
During the Ottoman period, Sinop maintained its importance as a port and shipbuilding center. In the mid-17th century, the famous traveler Evliya Çelebi wrote in his "Seyahatname" that the people of Sinop were merchants, carpenters, and sailors (3). On May 18, 1919, Atatürk stopped at Sinop port on his way to Samsun to start the National Struggle. When he learned that the road to Samsun was unsuitable, he gave the necessary orders and continued his journey by sea. After the proclamation of the Republic, during the alphabet reform, Atatürk gave his first lesson on September 15, 1928, in Sinop. The building where the lesson was taught is now used as a teachers' house.
In the 1950s, an American radar base was established in Sinop. Living with Americans left traces on the city's social and cultural life. For example, the tradition of house lodging began during this period and became widespread. The interaction between the Turkish and American populations in business and daily life created a cultural exchange. One reason Sinop has a different social structure than surrounding provinces is this interaction. The development of sailing, compared to nearby provinces, is also attributed to this NATO base. It is said that Sinop's main export product to America was a boat, and Sinop was known for building converted sailboats, which were rare in Turkey (4). The radar base was closed in 1992.
The shipyard part of Sinop Castle was converted into a prison in 1887. Due to the city's geographic location and the prison's high-walled fortress, it was believed that escape was impossible, earning it the nickname "Alcatraz of Anatolia." After the Second Constitutional Era, political prisoners began to be held here, giving Sinop a new title: "Exile City." Many prominent figures in politics and literature were imprisoned here and wrote works during their confinement (5).
In 1997, the prisoners were transferred to a new facility. The historical prison was handed over to the Turkish Ministry of Culture in 1999 and opened as a museum in 2000. Films and TV series shot here have increased the prison's popularity, making it a major tourist attraction. Some of the films and series shot here include Pardon, Firar, Köpek, and Parmaklıklar Ardında (5).
In 2010, the Balatlar Building Complex Archaeological Excavation began in Sinop city center. Excavations have unearthed an important complex used during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. The excavation is being carried out in collaboration with Sinop Municipality, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (6). As excavations continue in this site, new discoveries are being made every day, contributing to Sinop's development in archaeology, ethnography, culture, and more.
REFERENCES
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T.C. Sinop Governorate website, Accessed on: 22.09.2020.
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Yardımcı, A. B. (2018). "Sinop Philosopher Diogenes and His Ethical Understanding." Social Scientists' Perspective on Sinop. Berikan Publishing. Ankara. p. 385-397.
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Kuzka Report, URL: https://www.kuzka.gov.tr/Icerik/Dosya/www.kuzka.gov.tr_18_XN5K77RN_02-sinop.pdf, Accessed on: 24.09.2020.
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Poyrazoğlu, T. (Ed.) (2011). "Accumulating the Future: Art and Culture in Urban Development." Vagabond. Istanbul. p. 58.
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Yılmaz, C. (2009). Sinop Historical Prison. East Geography Journal. 14(22). p. 1–15. URL: http://dergipark.gov.tr/download/article-file/26910, Accessed on: 24.09.2020.
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Aksel Enşici, B. (Ed.). (2016). Sinopale Forum: Culture and Creativity in Urban Development. URL: https://docplayer.biz.tr/19010232-Sinopale-forum-kentsel-kalkinmada-kultur-ve-yaraticilik-rapor.html. Accessed on: 26.12.2019.
CULTURE AND ART
According to TÜİK 2023 data, the number of museums in Sinop is 4, with a total of 11,162 artifacts. Of these museums, 3 are affiliated with the Ministry, and 1 is private. Museum activities in the region began quite early. In 1921, the collection of historical artifacts started at Mektebi İdadi, and in 1932, these artifacts were moved to Pervane Medrese. In 1970, the artifacts began to be displayed at the Archaeology Museum, which is still in operation today. In 2002, the Ethnography Museum was opened. The Sinop Historical Prison lost its prison function in 1999 and was opened as a museum in 2000. Additionally, within Pervane Medrese, there is a “living ethnic museum” called the Local Handicrafts Center, which displays and sells crafts specific to Sinop. In 2024, Turkey’s first Flax Museum was opened following the restoration of a historical mansion. Besides state-run museum activities, many artifacts acquired and certified by individuals through inheritance, diving, and excavations are also displayed in various venues.
There are 10 libraries in the region. Dr. Rıza Nur opened part of his residence, a first-class historical artifact, as a library in 1924. It was officially opened as a provincial public library in 1927. Dr. Rıza Nur Provincial Public Library is Turkey's first public library. This initiative, established by civil initiative, also houses Turkey's first children's library. It hosts signature events and exhibitions, a mobile library vehicle visits the villages of Sinop, and since its opening, it has been available for women’s use one day a week (1).
The Sinop Historical Prison lost its prison function in 1999 and was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It was opened as a museum in 2000. The prison’s notoriety has been increased by the prisoners who were held there, TV series, and films. The use of the prison as a main venue for Sinopale for four biennials has prompted local and central authorities to reactivate it as a new attraction. With support from the European Union, a project was prepared to transform the prison into a multifunctional cultural center. The long-unused Historical Icehouse Building, which started being used as an exhibition venue within the scope of Sinopale, has also been restored and used as the “Sabahattin Ali Cultural Center.” With this addition, the city now has two cultural centers. Since 2023, the Sinop Theatre Festival has been organized in these venues through an individual initiative. Renowned plays and valuable artists are hosted in Sinop.
The fruit and vegetable hall building was constructed by Muharrem Tansel in 1953 and donated to the Municipality of Sinop for “the benefit of the city.” The space used as a fruit and vegetable market was a popular spot for many years but has become somewhat neglected over time. Currently, it contains shops operated by traders such as greengrocers, butchers, tailors, some NGOs, a sculptor, and the municipality. The municipality wanted to demolish this building, which had lost its popularity, and build a shopping center in its place. In response, Sinopale expressed interest in the building. In collaboration with the European Culture Association, Chameleon Project Management and Design, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Creative Industries Application and Research Center, and the Street Is Ours Association, a project called ‘HAL, Sinop Meeting Center’ was prepared based on the outputs of the Save the Future and Summer Workshop.
This project aims to transform the old fruit and vegetable hall into a center with various units for sustainable cultural development. To preserve this space, which holds an important place in the city’s culture, and to establish a permanent venue, Sinopale's office was set up here. Since Biennale 5, this venue has been used as the center of the biennale. Through both the biennale and the planned HAL, Sinop Meeting Center project, this venue has been preserved and reactivated as an important part of the city’s culture.
Knife making, weaving, tailoring, fishnet making, ceramics, woodworking, and ship modeling are traditional crafts that continue in Sinop. Glass production holds significant importance for the city. The Şişecam factory, which opened in 1981, has trained valuable artisans and provided significant employment. However, with the closure of the factory in 2005, this craft has faced decline. Ship modeling and net making also hold significant places for Sinopians. Although these crafts were once widely practiced in many homes, the number of practitioners has decreased over time. Today, production is done in a few workshops and sold in shops in the city center. Handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories have been sold at Pervane Medrese since 2002; more homemade products, mainly by housewives, have been sold at Hanımeli Bazaar since 2011. Additionally, stalls selling special designs and handmade products produced in the city are set up on the seaside side of Aşıklar Street in the evenings. Beadwork done by prisoners is sold at the Sinop Historical Prison and on the streets of the city.
There are 30 associations operating in the fields of culture, art, and tourism throughout Sinop. Of these, 17 are in the center. According to the classification by the General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society, 23 of the 30 associations work on preserving community culture, 13 on art, 11 on tourism, 8 on preserving historical artifacts, 6 on folklore, and 5 on language and literature (3).
REFERENCES
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Kırcan, C. (2016). “Local Culture-Focused Development in Small and Medium-Sized Cities: The Sinop Example”. Istanbul.
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Firidin Özgür, E., Görgün, T. M. and Ünsal, F. (Ed.). (2017). Understanding a City: Sinop Summer Workshop. Boğaziçi University Publications. Istanbul. p.163.
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Republic of Turkey Ministry of the Interior General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society website. Access date: 22.09.2020.