Situated on the banks of the western Black Sea, Bartın is a forest rich city at the western end of Küre Mountains National Park. With its 3000 years old historical, cultural and folkloric values, Bartın city includes ancient Sesamos (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucaşile) and Erythinoi (Çakraz).
The river Parthenios (Bartın Çayı) forms a natural border between the ancient regions of Paphlagonia and Bithynia. Ancient historians mention Parthenopolis, today's Bartın, as an important settlement on the banks of the river. The city center is surrounded by water on three sides, making the region the only river port in Türkiye, as well as the only city through which three rivers flow.
Social elements such as ship throwing ceremony, folkloric costumes, hand embroidery, wire breaking, weaving, wood carving (charm), ship building, stone slab making, local cuisine, local events and festivals are essential to the vibrant cultural life of Bartın.