Characteristics of the Black Sea Region

The Black Sea Region, one of Türkiye's seven geographical regions, stands out with its nature encompassing every shade of green, its unique climate, and its rich cultural structure. Extending from the east of the Sakarya Plain to the Georgian border, this region is the area with the highest rainfall and the richest forests in Türkiye. When examining the characteristics of the Black Sea Region, it is seen that many different elements coexist, from its geographical structure to its cultural fabric, from its agricultural production to its traditional way of life. The rugged terrain, the mountains running parallel to the coast, and the abundant rainfall have directly shaped both the physical and human geography of the region.

Where is the Black Sea Region located?

The Black Sea Region is located in northern Türkiye and takes its name from the Black Sea, on whose coast it lies. It stretches from the eastern border of the Sakarya Plain in the west to the Georgian border in the east. Surrounded by the Black Sea to the north, the region borders the Central Anatolia Region to the south and southwest, the Eastern Anatolia Region to the southeast, and the Marmara Region to the west.

The Black Sea Region, with an area of approximately 141,000 km², covers 18% of Turkey's land area. This makes it the third largest region in the country after Eastern Anatolia and Central Anatolia. Due to its widest east-west orientation, it also experiences the greatest local time difference.

The region's geographical location is a primary factor directly determining its climate characteristics. Moist air masses from the Black Sea collide with the North Anatolian Mountains, which run parallel to the coast, rising and causing heavy rainfall. This makes the region the wettest geographical area in Türkiye.

Which provinces make up the Black Sea Region?

The Black Sea Region is the geographical region in Türkiye with the most provinces. A total of 18 provinces are located within the borders of this region. These provinces are listed from west to east as follows: Bolu, Düzce, Zonguldak, Bartın, Karabük, Kastamonu, Sinop, Çorum, Amasya, Samsun, Tokat, Ordu, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Bayburt, Rize, and Artvin.

The most populous city in the region is Samsun, with a population of approximately 1.4 million. Samsun is followed by Trabzon, Ordu, Tokat, and Zonguldak. In terms of land area, Kastamonu is the largest province, while Bartın is the smallest. Population density is above the Turkish average in coastal areas, but significantly lower in inland regions.

The provinces in the region also differ in their economic structures. Zonguldak stands out with its coal mining, Rize with its tea cultivation, Giresun and Ordu with their hazelnut production, and Trabzon with its trade and tourism activities.

How many regions is the Black Sea Region divided into?

The Black Sea Region is divided into three sections due to geographical and climatic differences: Western Black Sea, Central Black Sea, and Eastern Black Sea. Each section is characterized by its own unique landforms, climate conditions, and economic activities.

The Western Black Sea Region extends from the west of the Kızılırmak delta to the Sakarya province. The provinces of Bolu, Düzce, Zonguldak, Bartın, Karabük, and Kastamonu are located in this region. Forestry and mining are important sources of livelihood in this mountainous area. Türkiye's only hard coal deposits are found around Zonguldak.

The Central Black Sea Region encompasses the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak deltas. The provinces of Samsun, Amasya, Tokat, Çorum, and Sinop are located within this region. As the mountains recede from the coast and the elevation decreases, agricultural areas expand. The Bafra and Çarşamba delta plains are the most fertile agricultural lands in the region.

The Eastern Black Sea Region is the most mountainous and rainiest part of the region. The provinces of Trabzon, Rize, Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Gümüşhane, and Bayburt are located here. The Kaçkar Mountains rise in this region and, with peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, are among the highest mountains in Türkiye. Tea and hazelnut cultivation forms the basis of the region's economy.

What are the landforms of the Black Sea Region?

The Black Sea Region has a very rugged topography. The North Anatolian Mountains, running parallel to the coast, form the main backbone of the region and prevent the influence of the sea from reaching the interior. This mountain range continues from west to east with the Küre, Ilgaz, Köroğlu, Canik, Giresun, and Kaçkar mountains.

Flat areas are quite limited in the region. The most important plains are the Bafra Plain formed by the Kızılırmak River and the Çarşamba Plain formed by the Yeşilırmak River. These delta plains, with their fertile alluvial soils, host intensive agricultural activities. In the interior, there are small depression plains such as Suluova, Taşova, Merzifon, and Tosya.

The Black Sea region, one of the richest areas in Türkiye in terms of waterways, is home to the Kızılırmak, Yeşilırmak, Sakarya, and Çoruh rivers, which are important water sources. The Çoruh River is known as one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the world. The lakes in the region were generally formed as a result of landslides. Uzungöl, Sera Gölü, Tortum Gölü, Abant Gölü, and Yedigöller are among the most prominent of these.

Because the mountains run parallel to the coast, the coastline is flat and not indented. There are few natural harbors, and Sinop is the only natural harbor on Türkiye's Black Sea coast. Cliff formations are common along the coast.

What are the general characteristics of the Black Sea Region?

When the characteristics of the Black Sea Region are mentioned, the first things that come to mind are abundant rainfall, lush forests, and green nature. The region is the geography with the highest rainfall in Türkiye. While the annual rainfall in the Eastern Black Sea reaches 2,500 mm, this figure exceeds 3,000 mm around Rize. The region, which receives rainfall in every season, does not experience drought periods, and forest fires due to summer drought are not seen.

It is the richest region in Türkiye in terms of forest resources. Broad-leaved trees such as beech, chestnut, hornbeam, and linden are common in the coastal areas; coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine are prevalent in the higher altitudes. Alpine meadows are found in plateaus above 2,000 meters.

In agricultural production, the region is the leading producer in Turkey for some products. All of Türkiye's tea production takes place in the Eastern Black Sea region. More than 80% of hazelnut production comes from this region. Corn, tobacco, flax, and hemp are other important agricultural products. Fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood, especially in coastal areas, and a large portion of Türkiye's fishing takes place in this region.

In the mining sector, the Zonguldak region stands out with its coal production, while Murgul is known for its copper mining. Forestry and the timber industry are important economic activities in the Western Black Sea region.

The region is one of the areas in Türkiye with the highest rate of out-migration. The rugged terrain, limited agricultural land, and restricted job opportunities are the main reasons for this migration. While the population is concentrated along the coast, the inland areas are quite sparsely populated. Scattered settlement patterns prevail in the Eastern Black Sea region, while clustered settlement patterns are dominant in the Central Black Sea region.

Black Sea Region Culture: Horon Dance, Kemençe (a type of stringed instrument), and Lifestyle

The Black Sea Region, with its cultural characteristics, cuisine, folk dances, and traditions, constitutes one of Türkiye's most unique cultural geographies. Challenging geographical conditions have directly shaped the character and lifestyle of the region's people. The people of the Black Sea are known for their industriousness, resilience, and wit.

Horon is the most well-known folk dance of the Black Sea region. Performed to the accompaniment of a kemençe (a type of violin) or tulum (a bagpipe), it is characterized by its fast rhythm and vibrating foot movements. Sıksaray, sallama (shaking), atat (jumping), and titreme (trembling) are different types of horon. Especially inTrabzon culture , but throughout the Eastern Black Sea region, horon is an indispensable element of weddings, celebrations, and highland festivals.

The kemençe is a traditional instrument that has become a symbol of the region. This three-stringed bowed instrument is used to perform both joyful and melancholic melodies. The tulum, on the other hand, is a wind instrument particularly common in the Artvin and Rize regions. The folk songs and couplets sung to the accompaniment of these instruments form the basis of Black Sea music.

Highland culture is an integral part of the Black Sea lifestyle. During the summer months, people migrate to the highlands, engaging in animal husbandry and enjoying the cool mountain air. The Ayder, Pokut, Gito, Anzer, and Çambaşı highlands are important destinations for both locals and tourists. Highland festivals are enlivened by horon dances, regional music, and traditional sports.

Black Sea cuisine offers unique flavors based on products grown in the region. Kuymak (mıhlama), fried anchovies, steamed anchovies, stuffed kale leaves, cornbread, Laz böreği (a type of pastry), and Akçaabat meatballs are among the most well-known dishes of the region. Anchovies are a symbol of Black Sea cuisine and are prepared in dozens of different ways, from fried to pilaf, from pastries to bread.

The region is home to diverse ethnic groups such as the Laz, Hemshin, Georgians, and Circassians. This pluralistic structure is reflected in the richness of language, traditions, and cuisine. Each group has its own unique dialect, clothing, and customs. The Black Sea dialect, with its melodic structure and distinctive vocabulary, is one of the most well-known dialects in Türkiye.