Sinop history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Sinop is rooted in deep antiquity. It is believed that the city was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists from Miletus. This settlement became one of the first and most significant colonies on the southern coast of the Black Sea.

There is also a mythological version of the name's origin: according to legend, the city was named after the nymph Sinope, daughter of the river god Asopus, whom Zeus hid in this picturesque place, promising to grant her every wish.

Key Factors of Development

A unique combination of factors contributed to the transformation of a small settlement into a prosperous polis:

• Geography: The city is located on the isthmus of the Boztepe Peninsula, at the northernmost point of modern Turkey. This provided natural protection and two convenient harbours sheltered from the winds.
• Trade: Sinop became a key transit hub. Goods from the inner regions of Anatolia and the Black Sea countries passed through its port, ensuring a steady influx of wealth.
• Strategic Importance: Control over sea routes allowed the city to dominate the region and establish its own colonies (for example, Trabzon).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the ancient period, Sinop flourished as a powerful economic centre. The city was one of the first in the region to mint its own silver coins, which were widely used in international trade. The main exports were olive oil, fish, and high-quality red ochre, known as "Sinopic earth".

The cultural heritage of the early period is also vast: Sinop went down in history as the birthplace of the famous philosopher Diogenes, a prominent representative of the Cynic school, and the comic playwright Diphilus.

The Ancient World and Antiquity

• 7th century BC — Greek settlers from Miletus establish a trading colony, which quickly becomes an important port on the Black Sea.
• 412 BC — The famous Cynic philosopher Diogenes is born in Sinop, becoming one of the most renowned figures of ancient thought.
• 183 BC — King Pharnaces I captures the city, proclaiming it the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus and expanding its influence.
• 70 BC — The Roman general Lucullus conquers Sinop, after which the city receives the status of a Roman colony while retaining autonomy.

The Middle Ages and the Ottoman Period

• 395 AD — Following the division of the Roman Empire, the city passes under Byzantine administration, remaining an important trade centre.
• 1214 — The Seljuk Sultan Keykavus I captures the city, opening access to the Black Sea for the Turks.
• 1260s — The city becomes the capital of the Pervaneoğulları Beylik (principality) following the weakening of Seljuk power.
• 1322 — Power over the region passes to the Candaroğulları (Isfendiyarids) dynasty, making Sinop an important naval base.
• 1461 — Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror peacefully annexes the city to the Ottoman Empire, uniting the Anatolian lands.
• 1853 — The famous Battle of Sinop takes place in the city's bay, becoming one of the key events of the 19th century for the region.

Modern History

• 1887 — Construction of the fortress prison is completed, which for many years becomes a place of detention for famous writers and politicians.
• 1923 — Following the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Sinop receives the status of the administrative centre of the province of the same name.
• 1999 — The historical Sinop Prison is officially closed, only to later reopen to visitors as a museum.

Stages of Development and Their Impact on the City

The history of Sinop is a series of transformations from a trading republic to a strategic military outpost and a tourism hub. The following key milestones defined the modern appearance and status of the city:

• Ancient Financial Hegemony
  Sinop was one of the first in the Black Sea region to begin mass minting of its own silver coin (drachma).
  Significance: This secured the city's status as the main financial and trading centre of the region, allowing it to dictate economic conditions to neighbours and accumulate significant wealth for urban development.
• Formation of the Defensive Ring
  Over centuries (from the Kingdom of Pontus to Byzantium), powerful fortress walls were erected and strengthened, blocking the isthmus.
  Significance: Fortifications defined the boundaries of the historical centre and the architectural landscape. The walls have survived to this day, becoming a symbol of the city.
• Seljuk Naval Expansion (13th Century)
  After the conquest of the city by the Seljuk Turks, a unique shipyard and the Alaaddin Mosque were built here.
  Significance: The city transformed into Anatolia's main naval gateway in the north, shifting from a Hellenistic vector of development to an Islamic and naval one.
• Creation of the "Anatolian Alcatraz" (1887)
  The inner citadel was converted into a high-security prison from which it was impossible to escape.
  Significance: This event cemented Sinop's reputation as a place of exile for a century. The stay of famous poets and writers here (for example, Sabahattin Ali) paradoxically enriched the city's cultural heritage.
• Aftermath of the Battle of Sinop (1853)
  During the Crimean War, the Russian fleet destroyed the Ottoman squadron and coastal batteries in the city's bay.
  Significance: Catastrophic destruction led to a temporary economic downturn and the loss of the city's status as an invulnerable naval base, forcing residents to focus on fishing and local trade.
• Tourism Conversion (Late 20th Century)
  In 1999, the historical prison was closed and transformed into a museum complex.
  Significance: This step marked the beginning of a new economic era for Sinop, turning it from a closed city with a sombre reputation into a popular tourist destination on the Black Sea coast.

Architectural Multi-layering

The architectural appearance of Sinop is shaped by its unique geographical position on the narrow isthmus of the peninsula. Limited space dictated a high density of construction within the fortress walls, leading to the layering of various historical eras. The city is a mosaic where Hellenistic foundations sit alongside Seljuk portals and Ottoman fortifications.

Hellenism, Rome, and Byzantium: The Era of Fortifications

The oldest layer of the city's architecture is connected to its defensive function. The walls and towers that define Sinop's silhouette have been rebuilt many times.

• Fortress Walls (Sinop Fortress): The initial fortifications were erected in the 7th century BC, but their current appearance is the result of large-scale reconstruction during the Kingdom of Pontus era (2nd century BC) and subsequent reinforcements by the Romans and Byzantines. The style is characterized by massive stone masonry and strategic use of the terrain.
• Balatlar Complex: A unique example of architectural conversion. Originally built as Roman baths (thermae) in the 2nd century AD, the complex was transformed into a church during the Byzantine era (4th–6th centuries). Fragments of frescoes demonstrating the transition from late Roman style to early Christian art have been preserved here.

The Seljuk Period: Islamic Monumentalism

The conquest of the city by the Seljuks in the 13th century brought characteristic features of Anatolian Islamic architecture to Sinop's appearance: strict geometry, courtyards, and carved stone portals.

• Alaaddin Mosque (Alaaddin Camii): Built in 1214 (reconstructed in 1267). This is one of the oldest mosques in the region, executed in the style of early Anatolian mosques with a flat roof and a multi-columned hall ("Ulu Cami"). It reflects the transition from the Arab type of mosque to the Turkish style.
• Pervane Medrese: Erected in 1262 by the Vizier Pervane Muineddin. The building is a classic example of a Seljuk educational institution with an open courtyard surrounded by galleries and a monumental marble portal.

The Ottoman Era: Military Architecture and Civil Development

In the Ottoman period, the city's architecture developed in two directions: strengthening coastal defences and developing residential quarters.

• Pasha Bastion (Paşa Tabyası): A striking example of 19th-century military architecture. This semi-circular artillery fort with bunkers and ammunition depots was built to protect the city from attacks from the sea during the Russo-Turkish wars.
• Historical Prison (Former Inner Citadel): The inner fortress, which served as a shipyard during the Beylik period, was converted into a prison in 1887. The architecture of the complex is distinguished by a severe utilitarian style: high walls, narrow slit windows, and arched casemate vaults.
• Traditional Houses: In the old quarters, examples of civil Ottoman architecture have been preserved — two-storey houses with timber frames and projecting bay windows, characteristic of the Black Sea coast.

Antiquity and Early Christianity

• Diogenes of Sinope (c. 412–323 BC)
  Ancient Greek philosopher, the brightest representative of the Cynic school.
  The city's most famous native. He went down in history due to his ascetic lifestyle and provocative behaviour (according to legend, he lived in a pithos — a large clay jar). He introduced the concept of "cosmopolitan" (citizen of the world). A monument to him stands at the entrance to modern Sinop.
• Mithridates VI Eupator (132–63 BC)
  King of the Kingdom of Pontus.
  Born and raised in Sinop, which he made his capital. He turned the city into a thriving metropolis, adorning it with temples and palaces. He was one of the most formidable opponents of the Roman Republic, waging three wars against it.
• Diphilus (4th–3rd centuries BC)
  Comic poet and playwright.
  A native of Sinop who became a prominent representative of "New Attic Comedy". Author of about 100 plays, he had a significant influence on the development of Roman theatre, particularly on the work of Plautus.
• Marcion (c. 85–160 AD)
  Early Christian theologian.
  The son of the Bishop of Sinop, who became a wealthy shipowner. Founder of Marcionism — one of the first major movements in Christianity, which the church later declared a heresy. He was the first to attempt to compile a canon of the sacred books of the New Testament.

The Middle Ages and the Ottoman Era

• Ghazi Chelebi (14th century)
  Ruler of the Pervaneoğulları Beylik and naval commander.
  The last ruler of the independent principality with its capital in Sinop. He became famous as a talented admiral who successfully fought against the Genoese and the Empire of Trebizond. Legends attribute to him the invention of underwater sabotage tactics (drilling into the bottoms of enemy ships).
• Seydi Ali Reis (1498–1563)
  Ottoman admiral, traveller, and geographer.
  Came from a famous Sinop family of marine engineers (although born in Galata, his lineage is closely linked to the Sinop shipyards). He commanded the Ottoman fleet in the Indian Ocean and is the author of the famous travel book "Mirror of Countries".

Modern History

• Rıza Nur (1879–1942)
  Politician, diplomat, physician, and writer.
  A native of Sinop. He played an important role in the early years of the Republic of Turkey, served as Minister of Education and Health, and participated in the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne. He founded a public library in Sinop, which bears his name.
• Sabahattin Ali (1907–1948)
  Prominent Turkish writer and poet.
  Although not born in Sinop, his name is inextricably linked with the city. In 1932–1933, he served time in Sinop Prison. Here he wrote his most famous poems, including "Aldırma Gönül" ("Do not grieve, my soul"), which became an unofficial anthem of prisoners and a cultural symbol of the city.
• Necmettin Erbakan (1926–2011)
  Prime Minister of Turkey, engineer, and politician.
  Born in Sinop. Founder of the "Milli Görüş" (National View) movement and political mentor to the modern generation of Turkish leaders. He is regarded as the father of political Islam in modern Turkey.