5 places to visit in the Çayırova district of Kocaeli: TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus, Çayırova Parks and Akse Village Historic Fabric. Plan your trip to Çayırova with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Çayırova is a district of Kocaeli province. The average elevation of Çayırova district centre above sea level is 68 metres.
It became a district in 2008 by a decision of the Council of Ministers, after separating from the district of Gebze. The former name of Çayırova was Güzeltepe, which gained municipal status on 2 November 1991 and became a town.
Çayırova gained district status through the merger of Güzeltepe, Şekerpınar, Çayırova and Yenimahalle. It is described as the meadow where Fatih Sultan Mehmet stopped on 3 May 1481 during a campaign. According to the district governorship’s website, the history of Akse village goes back 500–550 years. Güzeltepe grew rapidly after 1985 with industrialisation and migration, and became a municipality in 1992 (according to the district governorship’s website).
Last updated:
The Gebze campus of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) lies within the boundaries of Çayırova. It is one of the most important research centres in Türkiye in the fields of science and technology.
View on mapGreen spaces and parks laid out across the district offer room to breathe in a heavily industrial area.
View on mapAkse, one of Çayırova's old villages, reflects the district's rural heritage with its traditional village houses and narrow streets.
View on mapA mosque in Akse Neighbourhood, built in 1910 and registered by the Kocaeli Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets. It is the first registered historic monument in Çayırova.
View on mapA national garden built by the Metropolitan Municipality in Akse Neighbourhood, with a library, walking trails and picnic areas.
View on mapWhile you are in Çayırova, you can also see the highlights of Kocaeli province. These places are in other districts.
Pişmaniye, the traditional sweet of Kocaeli, is also widely eaten in Çayırova.
Islama köfte, prepared by placing meatballs on bread topped with tomato sauce, is one of the region's popular dishes.
The presence of the TÜBİTAK Gebze campus has contributed to the development of a culture of science and technology in Çayırova.
Çayırova, which receives migrants from different regions of Türkiye because of industrial employment, has a multicultural social structure.
The economy of Çayırova is based on industry, technology and the service sector. The TÜBİTAK campus and the technology companies around it contribute to R&D activities. Its proximity to the Gebze industrial zone provides employment.
Çayırova is 45 km from İzmit and 50 km from Istanbul. It lies close to the E-80 (TEM) and D-100 highways. It is 5 km from Gebze.
The highlights of Çayırova are 5 places: TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus, Çayırova Parks, Akse Village Historic Fabric, Akse Mosque and Çayırova Millet Garden.
Pişmaniye and Islama Köfte are the standout dishes on Çayırova's tables.
Çayırova is known for its Technology Products and Science and Technology Culture. The TÜBİTAK campus and the technology companies around it strengthen Çayırova's identity as a centre of knowledge and technology production.
Çayırova is 45 km from İzmit and 50 km from Istanbul. It lies close to the E-80 (TEM) and D-100 highways. It is 5 km from Gebze.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months.