Bafra

Infobox Settlement
settlement_type = Town
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = TUR
timezone=EET
utc_offset=+2
map_caption =Location of Bafra within Turkey.
timezone_DST=EEST
utc_offset_DST=+3
official_name = Bafra
image_blank_emblem =
blank_emblem_type =
subdivision_type1=Region
subdivision_name1 = Black Sea
subdivision_type2=Province
subdivision_name2 = Samsun
population_total = 85300|population_footnotes=
population_as_of =| 2000
population_density_km2 =
elevation_m =
pushpin_

pushpin_label_position =
pushpin_map_caption =Location of Bafra
pushpin_mapsize =
latd = 41
latm = 34
lat_sec = 20
latNS = N
longd = 35
longm = 54
lat_sec = 53
longEW = E


postal_code_type=Postal code
postal_code = 55400
area_code = (0090)+ 362
leader_title=Mayor
leader_name = Şükrü Neiş
blank_info = 55|blank_name=Licence plate

Bafra is a district of Samsun Province of Turkey.

History

As a settlement, Bafra dates back to the fifth millennium BC. Remnants at İkiztepe area revealed chalcolithic period (fifth to fourth millennia) habitation signs that continued for an uninterrupted 2300 years until 1700 BC. Both Early Bronze Age and Early Hittite objects were discovered there. Paphlagonians are known to have lived in Kızılırmak Valley. Persians overtook the region in 546 BC from Lydians. A Hellenistic mausoleum was also found there.

Roman and byzantine rule preceded selchuks who settled Turcoman tribes and was created here a Bafra Principality that ceded to ottomans in 1460.

The name Bafra derives from "bafira" that means a phoenician trade house established in a harbour or bay. It is believed that the sub-prefecture status was given to Bafra in 1854. It is subjacent to the Samsun Province.

Geography

Bafra is situated some 20 kilometres from the sea and on Kızılırmak delta. It is 51 kilometres from Samsun, has a surface area of 175.000 ha and an altitude of 20 metres. Black Sea is in the north and east of the sub-prefecture, Alaçam is in the south and Kavak is in the west. Nebyan Mountain (1224 m) is the highest of the rises south of the plain that is the lake-ridden delta of Kızılırmak.

Climate

Central Black Sea climate prevails in the region, with a somewhat colder winter weather in the mountainous interior. January and February are the coldest months while the warmest season coincides with august.

ocio - Economic Structure

The economy is essentially based on agriculture and agroindustry, fishing, animal-raising and reed-weaving. The river delta is a true vegetable garden while paddy and wheat are seen behind the first raw along the seashore.

The Karaköy unit of General Directorate of Agrarian Enterprises plays a major role in the country's economy, in that it provides sperms for all ovine and bovine species and offers seeds for wheat farmers.

Transportation

Bafra is at 51st kilometre on Samsun - Sinop interstate highway. Vehicles from Samsun to Bafra are available round the rock.

ightseeing

57 mound, 6 flat and 25 antique period settlements, 48 tumuli, 5 rock tombs, 3 necropoles, 1 castle, 1 bathhouse and 1 bridge exist in İkiztepe district. 623 graves were found in one of the necropoles. Scientific cerebral surgeries were noted to have been performed on 8 of the persons buried there.

Excavations in İkiztepe revealed that people there lived in wooden houses and made their living on fishing, agriculture and animal raising. Discovered weapons and household objects suggest that metallurgy art was highly advanced here. Terracotta weaving devices that were found indicate a rather developed textile trade.

Because of its unmatched archaeological value, the İkiztepe region has been given the status of protected site by the Ministry of Culture.

As for recreation, the Kızılırmak delta has incredible opportunities for sea sports, fishing and trekking. Bird watching fans love the swampy areas where the reeds are known reproduction areas used by migrant birds.

2-day watermelon festivals are held in the last week of every august to promote the region's famous watermelons and to support the producers.

On the 6th of may, a spring festival is held with picnics, bonfires and woves.

Overnighting And Meals

Municipal Tourist Hotel (28 beds), Trabzon Hotel (50 beds), and Mis Hotel (60 beds) are available for visitors. These establishments have their own restaurants which are much appreciated. Many of the gas stations on the interstate highway also own their recommended restaurants. Derbent Dam and State Hydraulic Works facilities serve a vast variety of trout dishes.

Pittas, meatballs and Turkish delight varieties with walnuts and sultanas of Bafra are indeed commendable as local specialities.