HISTORY

The present Asarcık grew from a small town and some villages where 1877-78 Ottoman-Russian war emigrants circassian origin were settled. It became a township in 1959 and a sub-prefecture in 1987. Its municipality dates back to 1989 nation-wide local administration elections.

GEOGRAPHY

At a distance of 44 kilometres south of Samsun, Asarcık is between Çarşamba in the east and Kavak in the west.

CLIMATE

A typical Black Sea climate prevails in the region where winters are rainy and cold and summers are generally warm.

SOCIO -ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

Scarcity of arable land and lack of irrigation hamper the farming. The production is barely enough for consumption. Wheat, maize and barley are the main products. There is a very limited amount of apiculture also. Handicraft products strive to make up the lack of income.

TRANSPORTS

There is no problem of transport between provincial seat and Asarcık, though bad weather conditions sometimes isolate the villages for periods as much as two months during winter.

SIGHTSEEING

Asarcık may not be said to be so rich as the other subprefectures. Mosques in Kılavuzlu and Gökgöl villages and historical church remnants at Ayaklıalan village may be of interest.

The Gökgöl mosque, a wooden structure, was built in 1759 and repaired twice in 1870 and 1970.

The forest areas of Asarcık offer good opportunities for picnicking and the stream running through Yarımca village teems with fish.

The Asarcık fair is held every September for the past 53 years. It is highlighted with wrestling bouts and horse races.

A synthesis of circassian and Turkish cultures is prevalent in the area, as a result of the settlement of emigrants from the Caucasian region.

OVERNIGHTING AND MEALS

There are no hotels and other overnighting facilities. But the teachers' club and vicarage's guesthouse can accomodate four or five persons each.

There is a limited number of restaurants which cater for visitors with such local meals as circassian chicken and pasta with goose together with other foods.