Sinop

At the mid-point of Turkey's Black Sea region, Sinop Port is the country's closest port to Russian Federation countries because it occupies the middle of a peninsula at Turkey's farthest northern point.

The town stands on an isthmus joining Boztepe Peninsula to the mainland, separated from the Anatolian Plateau to the south by high, forest-covered mountains.

Area attractions are close to the port, and almost everything is easy to reach on foot.

Sinop is a pleasant ancient city on the Black Sea coast, north-east of Ankara. A wall still encloses much of the centre, although it has often fallen into ruin or been removed, and parts at some gates date back roughly 2500 years. Monuments are not numerous, but the city has a good mosque and medrese, together with several bath houses.

Legend says that the Amazons founded Sinop and named it for their queen, Sinova. Ancient residents instead attributed its foundation to Autolycus, a companion of Hercules. After wandering Cimmerians destroyed it, a Milesian colony refounded the city towards the end of the 7th century BC. It eventually became the most prosperous Greek settlement on the Euxine, or Black, Sea.

At the end of trade routes from Upper Mesopotamia, Sinop controlled much Pontic maritime commerce. By the 5th century BC, it had created many coastal colonies and held naval supremacy in the Black Sea. Pharnaces I captured it in 183 BC and made it the Pontic kings' capital. Prosperity peaked under the locally born Mithridates VI the Great; Diogenes, the 4th-century-BC founder of the Cynic sect, was also born here. Fine buildings, naval arsenals and well-constructed harbours adorned the city. Roman commander Lucius Licinius Lucullus seized the seaport in 70 BC, and the city was nearly…

Surviving Sinop monuments include a ruined ancient citadel rebuilt under Byzantine and Seljuq rule, plus isolated columns and inscribed stones incorporated into the old walls from early Greek and Roman times. Alâeddin Cami, a mosque, dates from 1214, while a 13th-century Alâiye religious school now contains the local museum. Road links connect Sinop with Samsun, and sea routes with Istanbul.

Taxis in town are inexpensive, regulated and easy to find. On longer trips, however, a driver can charge more than the meter, so agree the price beforehand. Turkey's more unusual transport is the Dolmus, serving routes that buses do not. Its name means "To Fill", and a Dolmus leaves once full. Usually a minibus, jeep or van, it fills quickly and can drop passengers anywhere along its route.

Traditional nautical woodcarving, fine crystal and the city's original cotton clothing are distinctive and highly regarded.

Popular purchases include traditional crafts such as carpets, copperware, painted ceramics and jewellery, alongside leather goods, sandals and beachwear available in most larger resorts.

Haggling is always worth attempting in souvenir shops and stalls. Local mini-markets carry everyday food essentials, while supermarkets beside larger resorts resemble those at home. Most resorts hold a weekly market for local produce, crafts and textiles, and these are well worth exploring.

Turkish food ranks among the world's finest. Enough climatic regions exist to grow most ingredients locally, producing a vast choice to excite the palate. Beyond famous kebabs, many other traditional dishes are available. Turkey is justly renowned for Meze, or appetisers, comprising hundreds of small plates from simple cheese and melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. Every Turkish restaurant serves them, traditionally with Raki, the clear anise-flavoured spirit claimed as Turkey's national alcoholic drink

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. Many shops and restaurants in coastal resorts and large cities take foreign currency, but carrying some Turkish Lira is advisable when travelling elsewhere in the country.

With a credit or debit card, local currency can be withdrawn from cash machines in convenient positions throughout cities, towns and resorts.

Some hotels, restaurants and cafés provide free wireless connections, particularly in large cities.

Across Turkey, call 112 for an Ambulance or 155 for Police emergencies.

Opening hours in tourist and coastal districts are fairly flexible. During summer, many shops remain open late into the evening, seven days a week, allowing visitors to browse at leisure and avoid the daytime heat.