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5 places to visit in the central district of Düzce: Prusias ad Hypium Ancient City (Konuralp), Samandere Waterfall Natural Monument and Aydınpınar Waterfalls. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Düzce city centre lies on a wide and fertile plain in the Western Black Sea, watered by the Melen River. The distance between Merkez and Akçakoca district is about 40 km.

Ancient Times and History

In antiquity the region was part of the Kingdom of Bithynia. Prusias ad Hypium, in today’s Konuralp neighbourhood, was taken and developed by Prusias I, King of Bithynia, in the 3rd century BC. The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium reached its most brilliant period in the 1st–3rd centuries AD. Merkez district joined Ottoman lands in 1323 through the campaigns of Konuralp Bey. In the magnitude 7.2 earthquake of 12 November 1999, 845 people lost their lives. After the earthquake, Düzce, a district attached to Bolu, became Türkiye’s 81st province that same year and received the 81 plate code.

Economy and Agriculture

Düzce Merkez is one of Türkiye’s important hazelnut-growing areas; Akçakoca yellow hazelnut and Düzce chestnut are registered products.

Tourism and Climate

Düzce has a Black Sea climate, with rain in every season, mild summers and cool winters. Merkez district lies between Istanbul and Ankara on the Anatolian Motorway (TEM) and the D-100; it is about 2.5 hours from Istanbul and about 2.5 hours from Ankara.

History and Culture

Düzce became a province on 9 December 1999. Konuralp lost its legal personality in 2014 and became a neighbourhood of Düzce Merkez.

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Places to Visit in Düzce Central District

  • 1 Ancient City
  • 4 Nature
Ancient City

Prusias ad Hypium Ancient City (Konuralp)

An ancient city founded in the 3rd century BC by Prusias I, King of Bithynia, which reached its most brilliant period in the 1st–3rd centuries AD.

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Nature

Samandere Waterfall Natural Monument

A waterfall natural monument located 26 km from Merkez district.

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Nature

Aydınpınar Waterfalls

Waterfalls located 10 km from Merkez district.

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Nature

Efteni Lake

A lake located 10 km from Merkez district.

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Nature

Hera Plateau

A plateau within the boundaries of Aktarlar village in Düzce Merkez.

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What to Eat in Düzce Central District

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  • Düzce Pidesi

    Düzce pide is prepared with a thin dough and filled with minced meat or kaşar cheese, then baked in a stone oven over a wood fire. Brushed with butter for a glossy finish, it is one of the city's best-known dishes.

  • Bolu-Düzce Mantısı

    Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce. Melted butter with red pepper is drizzled over the top.

  • Karadeniz Hamsisi (Black Sea anchovies)

    Anchovies fried or steamed in cornmeal, the winter staple of Düzce. Hamsi pilaf and fried hamsi are the most popular varieties.

  • Fındıklı Baklava

    Making use of Düzce's abundant hazelnut production, hazelnut baklava is made with roasted hazelnut filling between thin layers of pastry, then soaked in syrup. It is the traditional sweet of festive tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Düzce Central District

  • Ancient City Heritage

    The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium in Konuralp reveals Düzce's history, which stretches back to the 3rd century BC. Ongoing archaeological excavations continue to bring new finds from the Roman period to light.

  • Rebirth After the Earthquake

    The 1999 Marmara and Düzce earthquakes caused severe damage to the city. During reconstruction a modern, earthquake-resistant city identity was created, and Düzce gained province status in 2000.

Local Products

  • Hazelnut — Düzce is one of Türkiye's major hazelnut-producing centres. Plump hazelnuts produced across the province are sold both on the domestic market and in international markets.
  • Chestnut Honey — Honey obtained from chestnut trees in Düzce's forests, recognised for its dark colour and distinctive aroma. Rich in antioxidants, chestnut honey is the region's premium natural product.

Economy

Düzce Merkez is the administrative and economic heart of the province. Hazelnut trade and processing industry are the main economic activities. Düzce University contributes to education and research. Its location on the Istanbul–Ankara motorway offers logistics and trade advantages. Since the 1999 earthquake, when it gained province status, public investment has increased.

How to Get to Düzce Central District

Düzce is 260 km from Istanbul and 330 km from Ankara. The Istanbul–Ankara motorway (O-4) runs through the city. The intercity bus terminal provides connections to all major cities. The nearest airport is Bolu-Yeniçağa.

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Düzce Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Düzce Merkez?

The 5 highlights of Düzce Merkez are: Prusias ad Hypium Ancient City (Konuralp), Samandere Waterfall Natural Monument, Aydınpınar Waterfalls, Efteni Lake and Hera Plateau.

What to eat in Düzce Merkez?

Düzce Pidesi, Bolu-Düzce Mantısı, Karadeniz Hamsisi and Fındıklı Baklava are the standout dishes on Düzce Merkez's tables.

What is Düzce Merkez famous for?

Düzce Merkez is known for its hazelnuts and its ancient city heritage. Düzce is one of Türkiye's major hazelnut-producing centres. Plump hazelnuts produced across the province are sold both on the domestic market and in international markets.

How do I get to Düzce Merkez?

Düzce is 260 km from Istanbul and 330 km from Ankara. The Istanbul–Ankara motorway (O-4) runs through the city. The intercity bus terminal provides connections to all major cities. The nearest airport is Bolu-Yeniçağa.

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