Bartın on the Parthénios (Bartın Çayı)
- Written by Portal Editor
Bartın - If you look long enough, you can probably find something in or about any city that eventually makes it special; this is also true of Bartın.
Remarkably, this city was built on the Bartın Çayı, which wouldn't have been so unusual if it had been founded directly at its mouth into the Black Sea.
However, the city lies about 11 kilometres inland to the southeast and has a port, which, due to the river's shallow draft, can only be accessed by ships with a maximum cargo capacity of 500 tons. This, however, made it the only inland port in all of Turkey. So, it is something special after all. Of course, there is now also a port directly on the sea.
Greek Settlers on the Bartın Çayı
The original settlement dates back to Greek settlers who established themselves before Christ on the river then known as the Parthénios (present-day Bartın Çayı). Accordingly, the place was called Parthénia in those days. Its unique location was the reason for settling here, as Parthénia is surrounded on three sides by high and steep mountains, which offered it good protection against enemies, at least from the landward side. With the summit of Keçikıran, which reaches an impressive 1,619 meters, the highest mountain in the area belongs to Bartin.
Thanks to the 2010 census, the population is known quite accurately as 52,470. Bartin is not only the largest city in the region but also the capital of the province of the same name, established in 1991 as part of reforms. The city remains largely unspoiled from a tourist perspective, even though Inkumu Beach is a major attraction. In recent years, the number of foreign visitors has increased, who spend their holidays here or stop for a swim or an excursion into the mountains while traveling towards Amasra or Kurucaşile.
Bartin is not only the largest city in the area but also the capital of the province of the same name, established in 1991 as part of reforms. Tourism is just beginning in the city.
The unique atmosphere and tranquillity are increasingly attracting tourists who want to escape the mass tourism of the Riviera coast and the tourist hotspots. With its natural beaches, densely forested mountain slopes, friendly locals, and affordable accommodations, it offers a promising future as a tourist alternative.
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