BLACK SEA REGION

Sea Region of Turkey rivals the Mediterranean Coastline in scenic beauty but lacks great number of ancient sites and also permanent sunshine of the south. The Black Sea region gets a lot of rain even in the middle of summer. Although this wet, rainy climate is not so good for holidaymakers, it is very suitable for cultivation of hazel nuts, maize, tea, and tobacco. Black Sea Coast is characterized by impressive maintain chains, green forest covering whole area and deep valleys.

Zonguldak

Zonguldak, which is famous with its coal production, is also one of the most important harbors of Black Sea Region. Towards the east, the coastline welcomes great number of tourist with its fine restaurants, teahouses, and fine beaches. Zonguldak area offers great number of caves to be discovered. Those planning to visit these caves must get the help of expert guides or have the enough knowledge to visit those caves. Some of these caves, mentioned by the ancient writers as the caves of Acheron and known to locals as entries to Hades or Hell, is the names of four caves situated at Karadeniz Ereglisi.

These caves were used as meeting, sheltering and praying points by the early Christians. It is suggested these caves were used by Hercules to descend to Hell to kidnap Cerberus from the land of Dead (Hades). It is also known that these caves acted as oracle shrines where people consulted for advice. The great cave of Kızılelma Cumayani, which is located 23 kilometers distance from Zonguldak, has several lakes inside and has 10kilometres length.

Amasra

Ancient Sasamos which was founded by the colonist from Miletus 600BC is today one of the most beautiful towns of Black Sea. Named after Amatris in the IV. Century BC, Amasra in situated on a peninsula possessing two harbors and a smaller peninsula attached to the former one. The former Byzantine church situated in the Byzantine fort in now Fatih Mosque.

Sinop

The colonist from Miletus founded Sinop, the city of Amazons. The city took its name from the quenne of Amazons, Sinope. It was in Sinop, Diyojen was born. Woodcarving and boat building are famous occupations of Sinop.

Ordu

The city of Ordu is one of the important centers for hazelnuts production. One of the charming towns near Ordu is Fatsa, which is an important holiday village of the region.

Giresun

The name of Giresun is first mentioned by the Hittite sources. Called as Cerasos during the Roman Times, the town was hometown of cherry. Roman general Lucullus took the cherry tree from Cerasos to Roma and that is how the cherry spread to the rest of the world from there. The Giresun castle attracts many visitors. The town has many Christian monuments such as Virgin Mary's tomb, Gogora Church and 18 century church.

Giresun Castle

Giresun Island

Giresun Island that is the only island at the black sea is situated 1-mile distance from the shore. The island houses some Byzantine ruins and monastic complex.

Trabzon

Trabzon is historical city of Black Sea Coastline. It was founded by the colonist from Sinop but originating from Miletus. Shortly after its foundation, part of the population of Trapesus moved back to Greece. It was the capital city of Byzantine Empire during the Latin Occupation of Constantinople in 1204. The town has relics of both Byzantine and Ottoman Periods.