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Kastamonu
Town in north-central Turkey with 65,000 inhabitants (2004 estimate), near the Gök River in a sparsely populated high basin, at 800 metres above sea level. It is the capital of Kastamonu province with 380,000 inhabitants (2004 estimate).
The economy of Kastamonu is relatively limited, with the production of copper utensils and sugar as the main industries. There is also some trade of local agricultural products. Kostamonu has a teacher-training school.
Kastamonu is fairly well-connected with other urban centra of its region by road only. Sinop is 200 km northeast, Karabük 120 km west and Ankara 250 km southwest.
Kastamonu is a charming town with many traditional houses. Among its landmarks is a fortress on a hill overlooking the town built by Timur Lenk. There are are a number of old and interesting mosques and a covered bazaar dating back to the 16th century.
HISTORY
Kastamonu appear first in history under the name of Castamon, and was an important Byzantine trade town.
11th century: Captured by the Seljuqs.
12th century: Captured by other Muslim rulers.
1393: Falls to the Ottomans.
1925: Mustafa Kemal delivers his first speech attacking the traditional fez hat here in Kastamonu.
© Copyright 1996-2008 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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