The link between the mainland (which itself is a bigger peninsula) to the west and Boztepe to the east is an isthmus of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) length and only 300 metres (980 ft) width.[1] Thus the peninsula looks like an island and it is sometimes called "island".[2] The area of the peninsula is about 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi). The bay to the south of the peninsula (called İçliman) is a natural harbor sheltered from most winds except for the south east wind.[3] Because of this advantage historically Sinop was one of the most active ports of the Black Sea coast before the Battle of Sinop in 1853.[4]
The peninsula is quite populated. More than half of the Sinop city, including the historical buildings, is either in the southwest part of the peninsula or on the isthmus.[5] In the east part of the peninsula a street runs in parallel to the coast and encircle the peninsula. At the easternmost end of the peninsula there is a lighthouse equipped with a foghorn.[6]
