Kastamonu history

Historical Roots of Kastamonu

Kastamonu is a city with a rich past stretching back centuries. The history of settlements in this region begins as early as the Bronze Age, yet the formation of the city as a significant centre is linked to several key eras.

Foundation and Etymology

The territory of the modern city was inhabited as early as the 18th century BC and is historically associated with the Kaskian tribes, contemporaries of the Hittite Empire. In the ancient period, these lands were part of the Roman province of Paphlagonia.

According to the most common version, the city received its current name during the Byzantine era:

• In the 10th century, the Komnenos dynasty established itself here, subsequently giving Byzantium its emperors.
• To protect their domains, a fortress was built, named Castra Comnenus ("Castle of the Komnenos").
• Over time, this name transformed into the Turkish pronunciation — "Kastamonu".

Factors of Establishment

The transformation of Kastamonu into an important regional centre was facilitated by a successful combination of geographical and political factors:

• Strategic Location: The city controlled trade routes connecting the Black Sea coast (via the port of Inebolu) with the interior regions of Anatolia.
• Political Status: A particular flourishing occurred during the period of the Anatolian Beyliks. Kastamonu became the capital of the Candaroğulları (Jandarid) principality, which ensured rapid architectural and administrative development for the city in the 14th century.

Early Economy and Culture

Even in the early stages of its existence, Kastamonu stood out for its specific economic structure:

• Crafts: The region was famous for mining and the skilled processing of copper, as well as the production of high-quality fabrics.
• Natural Resources: Dense forests around the city contributed to the development of woodworking and the timber trade.
• Cultural Synthesis: As the capital of a beylik, the city attracted scholars, theologians, and architects, which laid the foundation for the creation of unique mosques and madrasas, many of which still function today.

Key Dates in the History of Kastamonu

The history of Kastamonu spans millennia, from ancient civilizations to the important reforms of modern Turkey. Below are the turning points in the city's destiny.

• 18th century BC — The territory of the modern region is settled by Kaskian tribes, who actively rivalled the Hittite Empire.
• 64 BC — The lands become part of the Roman Empire following the campaigns of Pompey the Great, becoming part of the province of Paphlagonia.
• 10th century AD — The Byzantine Komnenos dynasty erects the fortified castle "Castra Comnenus" here, from which the city's name is derived.
• 1211 — Kastamonu comes under the control of the Seljuk Turks led by Emir Hüsameddin Çoban.
• Late 13th century — The city becomes the capital of the Candaroğulları (Jandarid) Beylik, transforming into an important centre of science and trade.
• 1332 — The famous traveller Ibn Battuta visits Kastamonu and describes it as one of the largest and most affordable cities in the region.
• 1393 — Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I captures the city for the first time in an attempt to unite the Anatolian lands.
• 1461 — Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror definitively annexes Kastamonu to the Ottoman Empire, ending the rule of the Candaroğulları dynasty.
• 19th century — Kastamonu receives the status of a vilayet centre, governing vast territories from the Black Sea to central Anatolia.
• 1919–1922 — The city plays a strategic role in the Turkish War of Independence, ensuring the transport of ammunition along the "Independence Road" from the port of Inebolu to Ankara.
• August 23, 1925 — Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visits the city and proclaims the famous "Hat Reform" here.
• 2006 — Kastamonu University is founded, giving new impetus to the development of education and youth culture in the city.
• 2018 — Kastamonu holds the honorary title of "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World," hosting international delegations and festivals.

Stages of Development and Transformation

Kastamonu has journeyed from a fortified Byzantine outpost to a modern educational and tourism hub. The following key stages highlight what defined the architectural appearance and economic structure of the city:

1. Capital Status in the Beylik Era (14th–15th Centuries)

The period of the Candaroğulları dynasty became a golden age for the city's architecture and science.

• Significance: Kastamonu transformed into a major religious and educational centre. The monumental Ismail Bey Complex (Külliye) was built, including a mosque, madrasa, hammam, and imaret, which set the vector for urban development for centuries to come.

2. Ottoman Trade Hub and Flourishing of Crafts (16th–17th Centuries)

After joining the Ottoman Empire, the city integrated into global trade routes connecting the Black Sea with the interior regions of Anatolia.

• Significance: Famous artisan quarters were formed. Copper processing and weaving saw particular development. The construction of Kurşunlu Han (Lead Caravanserai) secured the city's status as an important commercial hub on the Silk Road.

3. Administrative Modernisation of the 19th Century

In the late Ottoman period, Kastamonu became the centre of a vast vilayet, which required updating the urban infrastructure along European lines.

• Significance: Iconic public buildings appeared: The Government Palace (Hükümet Konağı) and the famous Clock Tower. In 1885, the Abdurrahman Pasha Lyceum was opened — the first modern secondary educational institution in Anatolia, becoming a talent forge for the region.

4. Logistics Centre of the War of Independence (1919–1923)

During the years of the national liberation struggle, the city was not on the front line but became its main artery.

• Significance: The organisation of the "Independence Road" (Inebolu — Kastamonu — Ankara route) for transporting ammunition led to the mobilisation of the region's economy. This strengthened the city's ties with the capital and created the historical foundation for its modern identity as a "hero city of the home front."

5. Cultural Revolution of the Republic (1925)

Kastamonu was chosen by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the place to proclaim one of the boldest social reforms.

• Significance: The announcement of the "Hat and Clothing Reform" right here symbolised the transition from a conservative order to a secular society. This event attracted nationwide attention to the city and stimulated social changes in the lives of the townspeople.

6. Educational and Tourism Renaissance (21st Century)

In recent decades, the city has been reorienting itself from an agrarian-craft economy to the service and education sectors.

• Significance: The founding of Kastamonu University (2006) rejuvenated the city's population and revitalised the economy. The opening of the airport (2013) and the large-scale restoration of old mansions (konaks) opened the region to mass tourism, turning historical heritage into an economic asset.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Kastamonu represents a unique architectural reserve, where layers of eras can be read literally on every street. The urban fabric formed organically, preserving the medieval layout in historical quarters and expanding through administrative buildings during the modernisation period.

Era of the Beyliks and Early Ottoman Period (14th–15th Centuries)

The reign of the Candaroğulları (Jandarid) dynasty left the city its most valuable monumental complexes. This was a time of flourishing for a unique Anatolian style that preceded classical Ottoman architecture.

• Style: A synthesis of Seljuk traditions and early Ottoman forms. Characterised by the use of cut stone, monumental portals, and the creation of multi-functional complexes (külliye) on complex terrain.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Ismail Bey Complex: The architectural dominant of the city, including a mosque, madrasa, hammam, and imaret. Considered a masterpiece of stone architecture from the Beylik era.
  • Atabeygazi Mosque: One of the oldest in the region (1273), known for its wooden ceiling and austere appearance.

Classical Ottoman Period (16th–18th Centuries)

After definitively joining the Ottoman Empire, Kastamonu developed as a trade and religious centre. Architecture became more unified, following the imperial canons of Istanbul.

• Style: Classical Ottoman style. Emphasis on domed ceilings, lead roofing, exquisite calligraphy in interiors, and the functionality of commercial structures.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Nasrullah Mosque (Nasrullah Camii): Built in 1506, it is the spiritual heart of the city. Distinguished by a large prayer hall and an ablution fountain, the water from which, according to legend, compels travellers to return to Kastamonu.
  • Kurşunlu Han: A caravanserai with lead domes that served as a key node for merchants on the way to the Black Sea.

Civil Architecture: The Era of Mansions (19th Century)

Kastamonu is one of the few cities in Turkey that has preserved intact residential developments from the century before last. The residential quarters here are no less interesting than the palaces.

• Style: Traditional Turkish residential architecture. Houses (konaks) were built using frame technology filled with brick or wood. Characterised by overhanging upper floors (bay windows), wide eaves, and an abundance of wooden decor.
• Features: There are over 500 registered historical mansions in the city. They form narrow, winding streets, creating the atmosphere of an open-air museum.

Late Ottomanism and Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

During the Tanzimat reform period and the beginning of the Republican era, the city received a new administrative centre, built under the influence of European and national trends.

• Style: Eclecticism, Neoclassicism, and the First National Architectural Movement. Buildings are distinguished by symmetry, scale, and the use of Western decorative elements.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi): The symbol of the city, rising on a hill. Built in 1885 in a European style.
  • Government House (Hükümet Konağı): A majestic structure by architect Vedat Tek, combining modern constructions of that time with national Seljuk-Ottoman motifs.

Distinguished Figures of Kastamonu

Kastamonu has gifted Turkey many significant figures: from rulers and spiritual mentors to modernist writers and heroes of the national liberation struggle. Below are people whose names are inextricably linked with the history and culture of this region.

Historical and Spiritual Leaders

• Ismail Bey — Ruler of the Candaroğulları Dynasty (15th century).
  The last and most famous ruler of the beylik before its annexation to the Ottoman Empire. He became famous as a patron of the arts and a builder. It was by his order that the grand complex (külliye) was erected, including a mosque, madrasa, and imaret, which today is the city's main historical attraction.
• Sheikh Shaban-i Veli (Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli) — Sufi mystic and preacher (16th century).
  One of the four greatest Sufi saints of Anatolia. Founder of the Shabani branch of the Khalwati order. His tomb in Kastamonu is an important place of pilgrimage, and his teachings had a profound influence on the spiritual life of the Ottoman Empire.

Heroes of the War of Independence

• Şerife Bacı — Folk Heroine (died 1921).
  A symbol of the self-sacrifice of Turkish women in the War of Independence. She died from the cold while transporting shells on an ox cart from the port of Inebolu to Kastamonu, having covered the ammunition and her child with her own clothes. A monument to her is erected in the city centre.
• Hüsnü Açıksöz — Journalist and public figure (1899–1939).
  Founder of the newspaper "Açıksöz" ("Open Word"), which became the voice of national resistance in Anatolia. His publications played a key role in supporting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's movement in the region.

Figures of Literature and Art

• Rıfat Ilgaz — Writer and poet (1911–1993).
  A native of the coastal district of Cide. One of the most famous Turkish humorists and satirists, author of the famous novel "The Chaos Class" (Hababam Sınıfı), which became the basis for cult comedy films. A festival in his name is held annually in Cide.
• Oğuz Atay — Postmodernist writer (1934–1977).
  Born in the district of Inebolu. Author of the novel "The Disconnected" (Tutunamayanlar), which is considered one of the most important works of 20th-century Turkish literature. His innovative style forever changed the face of modern Turkish prose.
• Orhan Şaik Gökyay — Poet and literary scholar (1902–1994).
  Born in Inebolu. Known for his patriotic poems, particularly the work "Bu Vatan Kimin?" ("Whose Homeland is This?"), as well as fundamental research on ancient Turkish texts.