Bartın
Bartın is a uniquely special city on the western coast of the Black Sea, where azure waters embrace lush green forests. Have you ever seen a river so wide that massive ships sail upon it as if it were a road? Bartın is home to Türkiye’s only river with this remarkable feature.
Where Does the Name Bartın Come From?
In antiquity, this beautiful city and the river flowing through it were known as “Parthenios,” a name meaning “God of Waters” in Greek mythology. Over time, the name Bartın evolved from this term and has endured to the present day. Thus, Bartın actually means “Magnificent Flowing Water”.
Who Were Bartın’s Early Inhabitants?
Bartın’s history stretches back thousands of years to the times of the Gaskas and Hittites. Later, many civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks lived in this region. In 1460, Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet incorporated this beautiful area into the empire.
In particular, the district of Amasra has been regarded as such a magnificent place throughout history that Fatih Sultan Mehmet took control of it without a single drop of blood being shed. The city has preserved both its natural landscape and historical fabric from those days until today.
Küre Mountains and Natural Wonders
Bartın is surrounded by mountains whose heights exceed 2000 meters but are steep and rugged. The city’s most important natural treasure is the Küre Mountains National Park. This park is a true natural wonder, featuring vast canyons, mysterious caves, roaring waterfalls, and ancient trees over 1200 years old.
Additionally, highland areas such as Uluyayla and Ardıç Yaylası lie above the city. These places are ideal for children to explore, offering cool weather even in summer, colorful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.
Representative Image of Küre Mountains (generated by artificial intelligence).
The River on Which Ships Sail
Bartın River flows through the city and empties into the Black Sea. Its most remarkable feature is that even 500-ton ships can navigate its waters. No other river in Türkiye allows such large vessels to travel along its course. Watching the reflections of trees shimmering on the river’s surface feels like sailing through a fairy tale.
Bartın River (Bartın Governorship)
A Journey Through Time
In October 1460, Fatih Sultan Mehmet arrived in Bartın with his army and established his camp in the area now known as Orduyeri. Captivated by the beauty of Amasra, the sultan added the region to Ottoman territory.
