Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 6 places to visit in the Ereğli district of Zonguldak: Ereğli Museum, Cehennemağzı Caves and Ereğli Seafront. Plan your trip to Ereğli with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Introduction
Karadeniz Ereğli is a district within Zonguldak province, located in the north of Türkiye in the Western Black Sea section of the Black Sea Region. It covers 736 km². The average elevation of the district centre above sea level is 286 metres. The district has 3 towns, 31 neighbourhoods and 94 villages.
Economy
The district’s main livelihood is mining and the iron and steel industry. The Ereğli Iron and Steel Works (ERDEMİR) is the largest industrial enterprise in the district. Karadeniz Ereğli has an 80-kilometre stretch of coastline. It has some of Türkiye’s largest ports and fishing harbours, as well as shipyards of international standard.
History
Ereğli is a very ancient town whose historical roots go back to the 2000s BC. Written sources document that the district was home to many Anatolian civilisations, from the Ionians to Turkish rule. What developed Ereğli was the coal mine opened in 1848 and the Ereğli Iron and Steel Works put into operation in 1965.
Mythology and Culture
Ereğli was once known as Heraklia. According to ancient Greek mythology, Heracles, son of Zeus, fought the three-headed dog Cerberus in the Cehennemağzı Cave in the district centre.
Museums
The town has 3 museums: the Karadeniz Ereğli Museum, the Gazi Alemdar Ship Museum and the City Museum set up by the municipality. The Karadeniz Ereğli Museum displays more than 3,000 archaeological objects.
Festivals
Every year on 18 June the Ottoman Strawberry Culture and Arts Festival is held in Karadeniz Ereğli. As part of the Hamsi Festival, on 22 December 2002 an attempt was made to break the record for the “Longest Grill in the World” at 2,002 metres, and since 1,600 metres was accepted, the district was entered in the Guinness Book of Records. The Love, Peace and Friendship Festival, the largest festival in Türkiye, has been held every year in the first week of July since 1994.
History and Culture
Ereğli is known by its old name Heraklia; in mythology it is the place where Heracles fought Cerberus. The Love, Peace and Friendship Festival has been held every year at the start of July since 1994. A coal mine was opened in Ereğli in 1848, and the Ereğli Iron and Steel Works were put into operation in 1965.
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