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7 places to visit in the Karasu district of Sakarya: Sakarya River Delta, Küçükboğaz Lake and Karasu Beach. Plan your trip to Karasu with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Karasu is a district of Sakarya province in the Marmara Region, lying in the north of Sakarya. The district covers an area of 411 km² and has an average elevation of 7 metres above sea level.

Etymology

The former settlement of Karasu was the village of Küçük Karasu. It was named after the marshes around the village.

History

The Kingdom of Bithynia ruled the area from the 3rd century BCE until Roman rule in the 1st century BCE. In 1322 it was incorporated into the Ottoman state by Konuralp, one of the commanders of Orhan Gazi. In 1933 it was made a district and attached to İzmit. In 1954, with the establishment of Sakarya province, it became a district of that province. During the Second World War, the German submarine U-20 of the 30th submarine flotilla, which was sunk off Karasu, was located in 2008.

Climate and Economy

Karasu has a Black Sea climate: winters are not very cold, summers do not see extreme heat, and rain falls throughout the year. The district’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism and fishing; the leading agricultural products are hazelnuts, maize and wheat. With 143 boats, around 2,000 tonnes of seafood are caught each year.

Tourism

Acarlar Longoz is a swamp forest that is studied internationally for its endemic plant and animal species and attracts attention. Since 2000, young Sturgeon have been released into the Sakarya River, and efforts are being made to revive the sturgeon population, which was heavily fished in past years.

History and Culture

In 1898, zinc and lead ore was found in Karasu and was mined until the 1st World War.

History and Culture

Karasu was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1322 by Konuralp, one of the commanders of Orhan Gazi. Karasu became a district of Kocaeli province in 1933. On 22 June 1954, with the establishment of Sakarya province, Karasu became a district of Sakarya. Little remains of the castle in Karasu today. Since 2000, sturgeon fry have been released into the Sakarya River. The name İpsiz Recep Emice holds an important place in Karasu’s history.

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Places to Visit in Karasu

  • 5 Nature
  • 2 Attraction
Nature

Sakarya River Delta

The area where the Sakarya River flows into the sea, known as the Sakarya Mouth.

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Nature

Küçükboğaz Lake

A lake favoured by amateur anglers and picnickers for its unusual formation.

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Nature

Karasu Beach

A wide sandy beach stretching along the Black Sea coast, favoured for swimming and sunbathing in summer. Cafés and restaurants line the seafront.

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Nature

Acarlar Longoz

Acarlar Longoz, one of the largest longoz forests in Türkiye, is a rare wetland ecosystem covering 1,200 hectares. The trunks of alder and ash trees rising from the water create a unique landscape. Bird watching and canoe tours are organised here.

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Attraction

Karasu Seafront Park

The park laid out along the seafront, with its walking and cycling routes, children's play areas and sports facilities, is an ideal place for families.

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Attraction

Yenimahalle (Sakarya River Mouth)

A settlement in Karasu at the point where the Sakarya River flows into the sea.

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Nature

Maden Stream and Waterfall

A stream and waterfall in Karasu district, promoted as an alternative for nature lovers.

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Places to Visit Around Sakarya Province

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While you are in Karasu, you can also see the highlights of Sakarya province. These places are in other districts.

  • Sapanca Lake — A tectonic freshwater lake 12 km west of Sakarya city centre, 16 km long and covering 46.9 km²; its deepest point is 61 metres.
  • Justinian Bridge (Beşköprü) — A stone bridge of about 430 metres, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 559–562; because the Sakarya River changed its course, it now stands over the Çark Stream.
  • Taraklı — A district in the south-east of the province that has preserved its Ottoman townscape with mansions more than three centuries old; it is known for making boxwood spoons and combs.
  • Yunus Paşa Mosque — A domed, lead-roofed mosque in Taraklı built in 1517 by Grand Vizier Yunus Paşa; locally it is known as the Kurşunlu Mosque (Lead Mosque).
  • Poyrazlar Lake — A 67-hectare barrier lake 7–8 km north-east of Adapazarı, formed when the Sakarya River changed its course; 154 bird species have been recorded on its forest-fringed shore.
  • Sakarya Museum — A museum opened in 1993 in a house built in 1915, where Atatürk stayed in 1922 and met his mother Zübeyde Hanım; it displays archaeological and ethnographic items.

Practical Information for Visiting Karasu

Suggested time
1-2 days
Best time to visit
June-September (sea and beach), spring (longoz)
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Karasu

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  • Fresh Fish

    Fresh fish from the Black Sea are served grilled or pan-fried in Karasu's seafront restaurants. Anchovy, horse mackerel and whiting are the most preferred species.

  • Islama Köfte

    The signature dish of Sakarya, Islama köfte is also widely served in Karasu. Prepared using recipes passed down from generation to generation, it is an important part of the region's culinary culture.

  • Corn Bread

    Bread made from cornmeal and baked on a sač griddle. In Karasu it is the traditional accompaniment to fish dishes.

  • Hazelnut Products

    Hazelnuts, Karasu's most important agricultural product, form the main source of the district's economy, and a variety of hazelnut products are on offer.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Karasu

  • Coastal Culture

    Karasu is the only district of Sakarya with a coastline. Summer tourism shapes the district's social and cultural life.

  • Fishing Tradition

    Fishing is a long-established tradition in Karasu. The fishermen's shelter and daily fish auctions are living examples of this culture.

Local Products

  • Hazelnut — Karasu is one of Sakarya's largest hazelnut-producing districts. The plump hazelnut variety is grown intensively.
  • Fresh Seafood — Fresh fish and seafood from Karasu harbour are important local products of the district.

Economy

Karasu's economy is based on tourism, fishing and hazelnut farming. Coastal tourism is an important source of income in the summer months. Hazelnut processing plants and small-scale industry also contribute to the economy.

How to Get to Karasu

Karasu is 35 km from Adapazarı. The D-010 highway passes through the district. It is approximately 140 km from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

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Karasu: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Karasu?

The 7 highlights of Karasu: Sakarya River Delta, Küçükboğaz Lake, Karasu Beach, Acarlar Longoz, Karasu Seafront Park, Yenimahalle (Sakarya River Mouth) and Maden Stream and Waterfall.

What should I eat in Karasu?

Fresh Fish, Islama Köfte, Corn Bread and Hazelnut Products are the standout dishes on Karasu's tables.

What is Karasu famous for?

Karasu is known for hazelnuts and its Coastal Culture. Karasu is one of Sakarya's largest hazelnut-producing districts. The plump hazelnut variety is grown intensively.

How do I get to Karasu?

Karasu is 35 km from Adapazarı. The D-010 highway passes through the district. It is approximately 140 km from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

How much time should I spend in Karasu?

Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: June-September (sea and beach), spring (longoz).

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