a.      a.      History

b.      b.      Kastamonu known as an old settlement place had became Gases' country B.C. in the 18^TH century and the Gas had given its name to Kastamonu. Then the region was directed by Hittites, Phrygians, Cimmers, Lydians, Persians, Pontusians, Romans, Byzantinians. Pompeipolis state which is the center of Phaphlagonia was established by the Romans is in Taşköprü at present. Kastamonu Castle which was built by Kommenoses who was the dynasty of Byzantium, has been the historical center of Kastamonu and it has been greeting visitors with its marvellous view for centuries.

c.       c.       After Turks had begun to came Anatolia, Kastamonu opened its doors and hearth to Danishmends, Anatolian Seljuks, the Dominions (Çobanoğulları, Candaroğulları)and Ottomans and became one of the governmental and cultural centers of these ages.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet, in 1460, subjected Kastamonu to rule of the Ottoman empire and there had never been an invasion.Although Kastamonu hadn't been occupied at Türkish War of Independent, it became the third city by number of martyrs after Ankara and Konya Local people had reacted against the occupation of the country and organized a lot of protest meetings. One of these important meetings is the first Turkish Woman Meeting and it was organized by women on 10 December 1919.

Kastamonu, the safest region for the logistic support during the Independence War, provided great profits in the consignment of supplies, ammunition and soldiers from İnebolu Harbor to Ankara.Despite the difficult transportation conditions people in the area supported the National Struggle. Şerife Bacı, Halime Çavuş became the symbols of their extraordinary endeavor and courage. Fishermen of İnebolu were rewarded with National Medal. Kastamonu has a special role in modernization of Turkey. Atatürk, the great leader of Turkey, started "Hat and Cloth Revolution" between 23-31 august 1925 in Kastamonu and İnebolu. The photographs of this visit are being cxhibited in Kastamonu Archeology Museum where Ataturk made a speech about the revolution.


b. Cultural Existences

Our city seems to be an open museum with its archeological and historical values such as castles, mosques, rock graves, historical school, puplic baths, inns, and bridges. Besides Taşköprü Pompeipolis Antique City there are many archeological places in Çatalzeytin Ginolu, İnebolu and Devrekani. A lot of works belonging to old Anatolian Civilizations are being exhibited in the Kastamonu Archeological Museum.

There are a lot of historical monuments around Kastamonu which have remained from Ottomans and Candaroğulları. Some of them are Atabey Mosque, İsmail bey Complex, Yılanlı Health Center, Frenkşah Turkish Bath, Aşir Efendi Inn, Karanlık Bazaar, Nasrullah Complex, Yakup Ağa Complex. Mahmut Bey Mosque which has remained from ^TH century, is in Kasaba Village and it is one of the most beautiful samples of wood carvings.

Kastamonu is also well-known as Mulim Saints City. The monuments and memories; firstly from Sufi Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli who lived in 16^TH century, and from a lot of Muslim Saints have casued Kastamonu to be one of the atractive places of religios tourism. The most important of these monuments are Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli Complex, Benli Sultan Complex and Aşıklı Sultan Shrine.

Kastamonu is a rare city keping especially original samples of Ottoman architecture. The old streets and buildings of Kastamonu, Taşköprü, Küre, İnebolu, Cide and Abana arouse visitors' interest. The governmental building which made by Vedat Tek and Kastamonu Archeological Museum built by Architect Kemalettin, the notable houses like Liva Paşa Mansion, Hilmi Bey Mansion and Daday Köpekçioğlu Mansion built according to patriarchal family structure, the houses of İnebolu are among the best samples.