22.12.2023
5 Dakika
Sinop, nestled at the northernmost tip of Türkiye, stretches out into the Black Sea as if trying to reach the distant shores. The city, which is enclosed by the sea on three sides, is home to a wealth of historical treasures and natural wonders, offering unique views that interweaves the blue sea with the lush green forest. If you're planning a journey to explore the northern regions of Türkiye, you may want to get information about the must-see places in Sinop. In this article, we will introduce you to 7 impressive cultural and historical sites in Sinop, but we would like to remind you that the city offers even more places to visit.
Perched 25 meters high and overlooking the city’s inner harbor, Sinop castle is believed to have been built by immigrants from Miletus in the 8th century BC. The castle has witnessed the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Candar (Isfendiyar) Beyliği and Ottoman Empire periods, and has undergone many repairs and expansions. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Sinop's most significant historical landmark, and enjoy the magnificent sea views.
The Sinop Museum houses within its garden the remains of a temple, thought to be devoted to the god Serapis. Here, you can witness a rich history dating back to the Hittite and the Ottoman era. Especially the amphorae discovered in the Black Sea are among the remarkable artifacts on display in the museum. This cultural treasure trove also showcases traditional daily life items, historical carpets, and manuscripts specific to the region, along with a collection of unique Byzantine icon pieces.
Built on a steep hill in the Gökırmak Valley in Boyabat district, Boyabat Castle's origins are thought to trace back to the 6th century BC. The materials used for its walls and bastions indicate that the castle took its present form during the Ottoman period. With Roman and Byzantine ruins at its foundation, the castle harmoniously blends with the natural rock structure upon which it stands. Boyabat Castle, which has been safeguarding the lands around it for centuries from the top of the hill where it was built, continues to captivate visitors with its grandeur.
Hamsilos Bay, where the Black Sea flows into the shore like a river at İnceburun, Türkiye’s northernmost tip, is a must-see natural marvel with its swimming beach, forested areas, and rich biodiversity. The region, which has been declared a natural park and taken under protection, is home to many endemic plants and a vibrant bird population. Within the park's boundaries lies the Women's Bath, rumored to be a place where Amazonian women once bathed. To experience the wonders of nature during your Sinop trip, a visit to Hamsilos Nature Park is a must.
Delve into the traditional culture and daily life of the region by visiting the Aslantorunlar Ethnography Museum, situated in a mansion built in the late 18th century in Sinop. Works related to the traditional architectural styles of Sinop and Boyabat are exhibited on the ground floor of the museum while the first floor features objects such as jewelry, swords, and weaving looms used in the region. On the third floor, you can witness reenactments of traditional mansion life. You can visit Aslantorunlar Ethnography Museum to immerse yourself in the traditional heritage of Sinop.
Built in 1262 by the order of Seljuk Vizier Muinüddin Süleyman Pervane, the madrasa, which has a rectangular architectural layout, greets its visitors with a grand marble gate. The building also houses the tombs of Gazi Çelebi, the final ruler of the Pervaneoğulları Beyliği, and his daughter. Today the madrasa functions as a marketplace where local artisans showcase their handicrafts. You can consider browsing and purchasing traditional products sold at this bazaar as souvenirs of your journey.
All prisons harbor somber and chilling stories, but some of them stand out from among the rest with their intriguing history and guests. Perhaps the most famous of these is Alcatraz Prison in the United States. Sinop Historical Prison, located within the walls of Sinop Castle and often referred to as the "Alcatraz of Anatolia", also belongs to this unique category. The dungeons of this prison even found their way into the writings of Evliya Çelebi. Located right on the seaside, the prison is equally famous for the psychological impact of the sound of the ceaseless waves on its inmates. Sinop Historical Prison, where many famous names did their time, was converted into a museum in 2000 and it awaits your visit. Perhaps this is the best way to leave behind the tragic stories etched within the walls of such a building.
