262... 41... 1,203,335... 3,626... 29 E 55 - 40 N 46...

Kocaeli... Kocaeli is mostly known by its district center, Izmit. The ancient name of the city is Nikomedia. Remains from Roman and Byzantine times may be seen here, among which are the citadel, the Temple of Augustus and the agora. The city of Izmit is mainly an industrial center with numerous industrial establishments surrounding the Gulf of Izmit. However, there are also many touristic sites in this bustling province. Kartepe is a winter-sports resort that reaches a height of 1600 m Kerpe and Kefken on the Black Sea coast have fine beaches, while Golcuk and Karamursel in the Gulf of Izmit, are other beautiful sea resorts. At Arpalik near the Eskihisar village in the Gulf of Izmit, there is a yacht berth place with a capacity of 60-80 yachts. Lake Sapanca is another natural beauty, and a scenic place ideal for picnics. One of the towns of Kocaeli is Hereke, where the very best Turkish carpets are produced. The artistic carpets of Ottoman palaces were woven here. These carpets are priceless and well-known all over the world. A fast highway connects Istanbul with Izmit, the capital of Kocaeli province. An important city in Roman times when it was known as Nicomedeia, it is now a prosperous industrial center. The Saatci Efendi Konak, a restored typical 18th-century Ottoman Mansion, now serves as the Ethnological Museum. Pismaniye, the local sweet, consists of thousands of thin layers of stretched sugar. Hereke, west of Izmit, is a major carpet making center. Renowned throughout the world for their beauty and quality, these carpets fetch the highest prices in Istanbul's bazaars. On the Black Sea Coast, north of Izmit, particularly at Kerpe, Kefken and Kovanagzi, sandy beaches and comfortable guest houses attract vacationers. A fast highway connects Istanbul with Izmit,the capital of Kocaeli province. An important city in Roman times when it was known as Nicomedeia, it is now a prosperous industrial center. The Saatci Efendi Konak, a restored typical 18th century Ottoman Mansion, now serves as the Ethnological Museum. Pismaniye, the local sweet, consists of thousands of thin layers of stretched sugar. Hereke, west of Izmit, is a major carpet making center. Renowned throughout the world for their beauty and quality, these carpets fetch the highest prices in Istanbul's bazaars. On the Black Sea Coast, north of Izmit, particularly at Kerpe, Kefken and Kovanagzi, sandy beaches and comfortable guest houses attract vacationers.

Click here for links related to Kocaeli earthquake (August 17th, 1999 - Local time : 03:01)

East of Izmit, Sakarya is the provincial capital of Adapazari, an important agricultural and industrial region. The Sakarya (Sangarius) River waters this fertile land which abounds with fruit trees and fields of vegetables.In the city of Adapazari itself, the Atatürk and Ethnographical Museum displays personal effects of the founder of the Turkish Republic as well as regional artifacts. The Besköprü Bridge, built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 553, stretches for 429 meters across the river. Eight arches connect the two shores. A few kilometers away at lake Sapanca, quiet restaurants, hotels, and summer residences line the lakeshore. Istanbulites escape to this retreat in the Saman Mountain basin throughout the year. The Arifiye Forest on the highlands of Lake Sapanca, has nice camping and picnic areas and an excellent panoramic view of the lake below. The Akgöl Lake lies just inland from the Black Sea Karasu holiday center; both places offer scenic surroundings. At Tarakli you can wander though a town that preserves many of its old buildings.

The province of Bilecik lies southeast of Iznik in the verdant and fertile Sakarya River valley. In the old quarter of the city stands the mausoleum of Seyh Edebali, who was an important influence in the founding of the Ottoman Empire. Every September, a commemorative ceremony and a culture festival are held here in his honour. The Orhan Gazi Mosque is near his tomb.

Set amid the numerous willows which give Sögüt its name, a detour to this town is well worth the effort. The migrating Kayi Turks first settled here, and the tomb of their leader Ertugrul Gazi stands in the town. In September a commemorative ceremony is held in his honor. Other tourist attractions include the life-size busts of famous figures from Turkish history and the Ethnographical Museum which traces, through its displays, the history of Türkiye.