Photo: Kocaeligönüllüsü (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 11 places to visit in the İzmit district of Kocaeli: İzmit Clock Tower, Kocaeli Museum (Former Government House) and Pertev Paşa Mosque. Plan your trip to İzmit with local food, practical tips and transport information.
İzmit is a district in Kocaeli province, Türkiye. It lies on the eastern shore of the Gulf of İzmit, in the Çatalca-Kocaeli section of the Marmara Region. The district was established under Law No. 5747, dated 22 March 2008.
The name İzmit derives from Nicomedia, through its etymological and historical usage. The name Nicomedia was given to the city after Nicomedes, King of Bithynia, who ruled there.
Research has shown that people have lived in İzmit and its surroundings since around 3000 BC. In the 12th century BC the Phrygians held the region. At the end of the 3rd century, while making administrative arrangements across Roman lands, Nicomedia was made the capital of the eastern region of the Roman Empire. In the 11th century Nicomedia passed to the Turks who dominated Anatolia. In 1078 Süleyman Şah I took Nicomedia. The city passed to the Ottomans during the reign of Orhan Bey.
The name İzmit comes from Nicomedia. İzmit was conquered by Akçakoca during the time of Orhan Gazi and came firmly under Ottoman rule in 1337. In 1327 Akça Koca took the southern part of the Gulf of İzmit.
Research has established that people have lived in İzmit and its surroundings since around 3000 BC. İzmit was conquered by Akçakoca during the reign of Orhan Gazi and came firmly under Ottoman rule in 1337. Occupied during the First World War, İzmit was liberated on 28 June 1921 and gained provincial status in 1924.
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Photo: Kocaeligönüllüsü (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Built in 1901 to mark the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne, the clock tower has become the symbol of İzmit. The four-faced tower is an elegant example of late Ottoman architecture.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Housed in the historic government building, the museum presents the history of the region from the ancient Nicomedia period to the Ottomans. The collection includes Roman-period sculptures, coins and ethnographic works.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Built in 1579 by Mimar Sinan for the Grand Vizier Pertev Mehmet Paşa, this mosque is the most important example of classical Ottoman architecture in Kocaeli, with its single dome and elegant minaret.
View on mapA mosque in the Tepecik neighbourhood, built in the second half of the 16th century.
View on mapİzmit's conquest mosque, built in the name of Orhan Gazi.
View on mapA building constructed as a palace for the sultan, now used as a museum.
View on mapThe former station area in the Kozluk neighbourhood, built between 1873 and 1910.
View on mapA coastal strip running along the Gulf of İzmit, with walking and cycling paths, seating areas and cafés. It offers a place to rest with views of the gulf.
View on mapAn urban forest with picnic and walking areas, near the Umuttepe Campus of Kocaeli University.
View on mapA science centre with experimental installations, set up in the building of the Seka Paper Factory.
View on mapWhile you are in İzmit, you can also see the highlights of Kocaeli province. These places are in other districts.
Pişmaniye is made by pulling sugar and flour into fine threads using a special technique, and is İzmit's geographically indicated sweet. It is known for its soft, cotton-like texture.
İzmit köftesi, made from beef mince, is grilled and served with piyaz (white bean salad) and hot red pepper.
Fresh fish from the Gulf of İzmit, especially hamsi (anchovy), lüfer (bluefish) and çinekop (bluefish), served grilled or steamed in seaside restaurants.
İzmit's ancient name was Nicomedia, founded in 264 BC by Nicomedes I, King of Bithynia. It served as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire between AD 286 and 324. Emperor Diocletian had his palace built here.
Kocaeli is known as the industrial capital of Türkiye. İzmit is the centre of the automotive, chemical and petrochemical sectors, and this industrial identity has shaped the social and cultural fabric of the city.
İzmit is the provincial centre of Kocaeli and one of Türkiye's most important industrial cities. The main sectors are automotive, chemicals, petrochemicals and paper. The TÜPRAŞ refinery and the Ford Otosan factory are among the region's largest employers. Kocaeli University contributes to the education sector.
İzmit is 100 km from Istanbul and 330 km from Ankara. The E-80 (TEM) and D-100 (E-5) motorways pass through the district. Marmaray and the suburban train provide links to Istanbul. Cengiz Topel Airport is 30 km from the district. There is an intercity bus terminal.
The 11 highlights of İzmit are: İzmit Clock Tower, Kocaeli Museum (Former Government House), Pertev Paşa Mosque, İzmit Gulf Coastal Promenade, Kasrı Hümayun Palace Museum, Kocaeli City Forest, Fevziye Mosque, Orhan Mosque (Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque), Kocaeli Science Centre, Historic Railway Station and Kabaoğlu Ancient Aqueduct.
Pişmaniye, İzmit Köftesi and Gulf Fish are the standout flavours on İzmit's tables.
İzmit is known for İzmit Pişmaniyesi and the Legacy of Ancient Nicomedia. It is a product registered as a protected designation of origin with TÜRKPATENT.
İzmit is 100 km from Istanbul and 330 km from Ankara. The E-80 (TEM) and D-100 (E-5) motorways pass through the district. Marmaray and the suburban train provide links to Istanbul. Cengiz Topel Airport is 30 km from the district. There is an intercity bus terminal.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-June, September-October).