Kocaeli, situated in the Marmara Region, is best known for its central district, Izmit. This area boasts a long history that goes back to the 8th century BC, when it was called Nikomedia. Visitors can still find traces of its Roman and Byzantine heritage, such as the citadel, the Temple of Augustus, and the agora. Although many of these ancient structures have deteriorated over time, artifacts uncovered in nearby archaeological digs are displayed at the local archaeology museum.
While Izmit is a major industrial center in Turkey, it also presents several attractions for visitors. The Kartepe ski resort, located at an altitude of 1600 meters, is a favored spot during winter. Coastal towns like Kerpe and Kefken along the Black Sea coastline are renowned for their scenic beaches. Furthermore, Golcuk and Karamursel provide seaside getaway options on the Gulf of Izmit. Tourists can also enjoy the city’s three public parks, amusement parks, and various outlet shopping centers.
Hereke, a town within Kocaeli, is renowned for crafting some of the finest Turkish carpets. These exquisite carpets were originally designed exclusively for the Ottoman sultans and were used to adorn their palaces. Today, they are highly prized and celebrated worldwide.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp, and we will get back to you promptly.