AnadoluJet Magazine Magazine

Anadolu Jet Airways has published a nice article about Amasra, the paradise of the Western Black Sea.

Cool Summer in the Western Black Sea Article

There are many places to see on the Amasra – Cide route, which is adorned with vast beaches, fishing villages, icy waterfalls and fertile bazaars. Have a good journey…

There are many places to see on the Amasra – Cide route, which is adorned with vast beaches, fishing villages, icy waterfalls and fertile bazaars. Have a good journey…

princess of the Black Sea AmasraWhen we cross the last green hills that hide the sea, it appears in all its beauty. The bays on both sides of the district, which was built on and around a green peninsula stretching out to the quiet blue of the sea, almost function as a natural harbor. The pearl of the Western Black Sea, Amasra has been dominated by many civilizations, from the Hittites to the Ottomans, throughout its history of more than three thousand years. When Fatih Sultan Mehmet said when he first saw Amasra, "Is this Çeşm-i Cihan?" the word gives an idea about the beauty of the district. Amasra, which came to the stage of history as a small maritime colony and sometimes as an important state center, has always been an indispensable living space. Amasra Museum, where this magnificent history is summarized and exhibited, is located on the shore of Küçük Harbor. The building, which was built as the first maritime school of the Ottoman Empire in the Black Sea, displays ethnographic items as well as archaeological artifacts found in the region.

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THE TASTE OF FISH

Amasra's famous Attractive Bazaar It takes its name from the charm, an ancient craft unique to Amasra. At one time, hammer masters used to pull wood back and forth on hand looms to give it the shape they wanted. When modern lathes became widespread, this craft was also on the verge of disappearing. However, efforts are being made to bring it back to life. It is possible to find thousands of items made of wood in the bazaar, which is built on a narrow and long street surrounded by old buildings. In addition to woodwork, handicrafts such as cross-stitch, wire breaking, needlework and lace, handcrafted by Amasra housewives, are also sold in the bazaar. After shopping, we go to Amasra Castle. The castle was built by the Romans and expanded by the Genoese in the 14th century. Although centuries have passed, the royal reliefs on its walls are still evident. The neighborhood within the walls is connected to the peninsula by a one-eyed stone bridge. The view of Boztepe inside the castle is magnificent: Amasra's historical harbors on both sides and Rabbit Island on the opposite. You can't come here and not try Amasra's legendary fish and salad. Salads prepared with about twenty different seasonal ingredients are indispensable for fresh fish. Buffalo yogurt with walnuts and honey is a must for this feast.

IN WINDLY BAY

After leaving Amasra, on the 13th kilometer of the Cide road, we continue in the direction indicated by the Bozköy sign. The end of the village road leads to a beach about four kilometers long. This place is perfect for those who want to be out of sight. The back of the beach is forest, the front is open sea. It is very enjoyable to swim in the slightly wavy sea. We set off again to explore new places. Two kilometers later, we come across Çakraz Beach. Just behind a long beach, hotels, restaurants and tea gardens are lined up. From Çakraz, we follow the sea on one side and the mountains and forests on the other, and follow a winding but enjoyable road for about 20 kilometers to reach Tekkeönü. A feverish work can be seen in the shipyards lined up in the port. Boat building has been a tradition in the region since ancient times. Most of the blue cruise boats used in Marmaris and Bodrum were crafted by the masters here. Turkey's first Wooden Boat Building High School also provides education here. Masters teach apprentices the finesse of the job, and the craft is tried to be passed on from generation to generation.

WRITTEN TO THE SEA
Eight kilometers after leaving Tekkeönü, we are in Kurucaşile. Here, too, boat building workshops are lined up along the road. When we reach Kapısuyu Village after 11 kilometers, Bartın is left behind. We are now in the borders of Kastamonu. After a few kilometers, we meet with a natural harbor in the Gideros Bay. The bay, which has a narrow entrance, is quite impressive with its appearance resembling a giant crescent. 12 kilometers from Dizios, the long sandy beaches of Cide unfold before us. Contrary to the settlements we saw along the way, the center of Cide was established at a point far from the sea.
The house of Rıfat Ilgaz, the author of the book Hababam Class, is located on the road to the center. Born and raised in Cide, the writer returned to his hometown in the last years of his life and wrote many of his novels here. We are visiting the shops on Yeni Pazar Street in the district, which is full of elegant historical houses. The region is very famous for its printed weaving called yellow writing, its mirrored green chests and its white halva with walnuts. We buy small gifts for our loved ones and sit in one of the tea gardens on the beach. Puffy Black Sea winds are enough to renew our soul and body.

YELLOW WRITTEN
When you go to Cide, you can buy yellow writing and present it to your loved ones. This yellow writing, which is a type of weaving unique to the region, draws attention with its vivid colors and flower motifs. Cideli writer Rıfat Ilgaz also has a novel called Sarı Yazma.

PHOTO LOANS
In the evenings, the lights of Amasra reflect on the sea.
Soup of scorpion fish is very popular in the region.
Fishermen empty their nets in Akkonak Bay.
It is very enjoyable to watch Amasra in Büyük Harbor.
You can find local souvenirs at Cekiciler Bazaar.
The forest between Amasra and Cide is full of roads.
The appearance of Amasra salad is very popular.
An observation deck with an island view in Amasra.
Local people greet tourists with a warm smile.
Amasra It is built on a lush peninsula.
A bridge between tree branches in Kurucaşile
Tekkeönü is known for its boat building workshops.
In beach cafes, the tables are decorated with flowers.
Amateur fishermen on the shore of the Gideros Bay
Skillful hands work the yellow manuscripts in Cide.
The house of Rıfat Ilgaz, the author of The Hababam Class.

(Writing: Melih Uslu Photos: Ahmet Bilal Arslan  anadolujet.com )

August 2013 / Cool Summer in the Western Black Sea Region