Yığılca is a town and district in Düzce Province, located in the western Black Sea region of Turkey. It serves as the seat of Yığılca District.
Geography
Yığılca is situated at an elevation of 331 meters (1,086 ft) above sea level. The district covers an area of 636 km² (245 sq mi), making it the largest district in Düzce Province by surface area. Approximately 65% of the district (32,666 hectares) is covered by forests, making it the most forested district in the province.
The district is bordered by:
- West: Düzce center and Akçakoca
- South: Kaynaşlı and Bolu center
- North: Alaplı, Devrek, and Ereğli districts of Zonguldak Province
- East: Mengen district of Bolu Province
The terrain is rugged and steep, with limited agricultural land. The district lies within the upper basin of the Melendere Stream, which flows into the Hasanlar Dam Lake that irrigates the Düzce Plain. Notable peaks include Kızıltepe (1,486 m), Geymen Tepe (1,438 m), Kiriş Tepe (1,398 m), and Sarıkaya Tepe (1,036 m). The district is rich in streams, including Karadere, Aksu Deresi, İncirli Deresi, Hacı Deresi, and others, all feeding the Melen River. The Hasanlar Dam is also located within district boundaries.
The climate is temperate, resembling the western Black Sea climate (classified as Cfb under the Köppen system).
History
Yığılca was originally a sub-district (nahiye) of Düzce. It was elevated to district status in 1954 by Law No. 6324.
Administration
Yığılca has 4 neighborhoods (mahalle) in the town center and 38 villages (köy) under the district. The current mayor (as of the 2024 local elections) is Selami Savaş of the Justice and Development Party (AK Parti). The district governor (kaymakam) is Mustafa Talha Aydın.
Mayors
| Election | Mayor | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Recep Temizel | Unknown |
| 1968 | Hasan Çamlı | — |
| 1973 | Recep Temizel | — |
| 1984 | Hayati Hatipoğlu | — |
| 1989 | Recep Temizel | — |
| 1994 | Şevket Yıldırım | — |
| 2004 | Ali Kemal Sezgin | AK Parti |
| 2009 | Bünyamin Şahin | CHP |
| 2014 | Muzaffer Yiğit | AK Parti |
| 2019 | Rasim Çam | MHP |
| 2024 | Selami Savaş | AK Parti |
Demographics
As of 2022, the town of Yığılca has a population of 3,024. The total district population was 14,644 in 2020, with 3,061 living in the urban center and 11,583 in rural villages. The district has the lowest population in Düzce Province.
Economy
Due to the steep and forested terrain, agricultural land is limited and relatively unproductive. Total agricultural area is approximately 104,250 decares. Key crops include:
- Corn: 12,000 tons/year
- Wheat: 7,500 tons/year
- Hazelnuts: 8,000 tons/year
- Barley: 600 tons/year
- Rye: 60 tons/year
Livestock includes approximately 8,500 cattle, 550 water buffalo, 2,924 sheep, 1,226 goats, and 1,800 beehives. Trout production at three farms amounts to about 3 tons annually. Broiler chicken production reaches 5,363,750 per year.
Education
The district has one Multi-Program Anatolian High School and one Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, serving approximately 2,850 students with 172 teachers. A Public Education Center offers courses in machine embroidery and garment-making.
Points of Interest
- Sarıkaya Cave – a notable natural formation within the district
- Hasanlar Dam – located within district boundaries
- Yığılca Nature Park – known for its pristine forests, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor activities
Transportation
Yığılca is located 33 km from the Düzce city center. Distances to major cities: Adapazarı 100 km, İstanbul 234 km, Ankara 276 km.
