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7 places to visit in the Kilimli district of Zonguldak: Kilimli Seafront, Kilimli Mine Gallery Ruins and Gelik Forests. Plan your trip to Kilimli with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Introduction

Kilimli is a district of Zonguldak province. It became a district following Law no. 6360, adopted by the Grand National Assembly on 12 November 2012. It covers 145 km². It has a large harbour. Fishing plays an important role in the district’s economy.

History

The history of the region goes back to the 1400s BC. The Hittite Empire, which dominated almost all of Central Anatolia, collapsed with the migrations known as the Aegean Migrations, which began in the 1200s and moved from Central Europe into Central Anatolia. The first inhabitants of the Zonguldak region and its surroundings were the migrant communities of Bithin, Marlandyn and Migdan, most of whom were Phrygian tribes. With the colonisation that began in western Anatolia in the 6th century BC, trading harbours were established in the area at places such as Ereğli (Herakleia Pontica), Hisarönü (Teion) and Amasra (Sesamus). The Ottomans, by agreement with the Genoese, incorporated Ereğli in 1380 and Zonguldak and its surroundings in 1392 into their territory.

Economy

The economy of Kilimli is a coastal economy based on coal. Around 500 people make their living from fishing, and 100 tonnes of fish are caught in a season. Kilimli, which became a subdistrict in 1926, had its municipality founded on 1 April 1952.

Caves

Kızılelma Cave is 6,250 metres long and, after Pınargözü Cave, is the second longest cave in Türkiye.

History and Culture

Kilimli became a district by Law no. 6360, adopted on 12 November 2012. Kilimli became a subdistrict in 1926, and its municipality was founded in 1952. The first inhabitants of the Zonguldak region were the migrant communities of Bithin, Marlandyn and Migdan. The Ottomans incorporated Zonguldak and its surroundings into their territory in 1392.

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Places to Visit in Kilimli

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Nature
  • 2 Beach
Nature

Kilimli Seafront

The Kilimli seafront on the Black Sea coast has a rocky structure and natural coves. The walking route along the shore is a favourite spot for local people and visitors, especially in the summer months.

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Historic

Kilimli Mine Gallery Ruins

Mine galleries opened in the second half of the 19th century in the Ottoman period, among the oldest production sites in the Zonguldak basin. Gallery entrances and remains of old facilities can still be seen as part of the industrial heritage.

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Nature

Gelik Forests

Beech and oak forests in the Gelik area, south of Kilimli, with areas suitable for hiking and picnicking. The paths through the forest offer a riot of colour, especially in autumn.

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Religious

Kilimli Mosque

The mosque in the district centre was built at the start of the 20th century with contributions from mining families. The building, which carries traces of Black Sea architecture, is one of the oldest places of worship in the district.

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Beach

Göbü Seafront

An 800-metre-long, 60-metre-wide seafront in Kilimli.

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Beach

Türkali Seafront

A 1,500-metre-long, 40-metre-wide seafront in Kilimli.

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Nature

Cumayanı Cave

A cave in Cumayanı neighbourhood, attached to the Kilimli district centre.

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Places to Visit Around Zonguldak Province

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While you are in Kilimli, you can also see the highlights of Zonguldak province. These places are in other districts; Kilimli is about 8 km from the provincial centre.

  • Gökgöl Cave — An active stalactite cave 3,350 metres long in the Üzülmez area; it is the cave with the largest visitor area in Türkiye and has an 875-metre walkway.
  • Karadeniz Ereğli — A district of Zonguldak with an area of 736 km² and 80 km of coastline; it is known for its large ports and the Erdemir plants.
  • Cehennemağzı Caves — Three adjoining caves in the ancient Achelon Valley in the centre of Ereğli, also called the Church Cave or Hercules Cave; the first cave has a mosaic floor and apse remains.
  • Zonguldak Mining Museum and Coal Experience Mine — Established in 2016 in the Çınartepe neighbourhood, this is Türkiye's first hard-coal mining museum, together with the TTK training-mine gallery.
  • Filyos (Tios) — The ancient settlement of Tios, in the town of Filyos in Çaycuma, where the Filyos Port project is being built.
  • Devrek — A district of 953 km²; it is known for the Devrek walking stick, its kiren and its baklava.

Practical Information for Visiting Kilimli

Suggested time
Half a day to 1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–September)
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Kilimli

Food guide →

  • Hamsi Tava (fried anchovies)

    Hamsi, the indispensable fish of the Black Sea, is coated in cornmeal and fried in a pan. Hamsi tava, served fresh in fish restaurants in Kilimli, is the most loved dish of the winter months.

  • Mısır Çorbası (cornmeal soup)

    A traditional Black Sea soup made with cornmeal and butter, never missing from Kilimli tables on cold winter days. It is served with cornbread.

  • Karalahana Sarması (kale leaf rolls)

    A local dish of kale leaves wrapped around a mixture of rice and minced meat, one of the cornerstones of Kilimli cuisine. It is served with butter.

  • Fish

    A general dish, featured in hotels and restaurants on the Göbü and Türkali seafronts; there is no specific recipe.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kilimli

  • Miners' Solidarity Culture

    Kilimli has been a district living side by side with mining since its founding. The tradition of miners supporting one another has shaped the social fabric of the district. The solidarity of mining families shows itself in every area, from weddings to funerals.

  • Black Sea Folk Music

    Black Sea folk music, performed to the accompaniment of the kemençe and tulum, is kept alive at weddings and festivities. The horon is the most widespread folk dance in the district.

Local Products

  • Hard coal — Kilimli is one of the major production centres of the Zonguldak hard coal basin. The mines in the district have been in operation since the 19th century.
  • Hazelnut — Hazelnuts grown in the interior of the district are a traditional agricultural product of the Black Sea region. Hazelnuts gathered by local producers contribute to the regional economy.

Economy

The economy of Kilimli is largely based on hard coal mining. The mines run by the Turkish Hard Coal Enterprise are the district's main source of employment. Alongside mining, fishing, hazelnut farming and small-scale trade also contribute to the economy.

How to Get to Kilimli

Kilimli is 8 km from Zonguldak city centre. It lies on the Zonguldak–Bartın road. Zonguldak Airport is about 20 km away. The district is served by municipal buses and minibuses.

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Kilimli: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kilimli?

The top 7 places in Kilimli: Kilimli Seafront, Kilimli Mine Gallery Ruins, Gelik Forests, Kilimli Mosque, Göbü Seafront, Türkali Seafront and Cumayanı Cave.

What is there to eat in Kilimli?

Hamsi Tava, Mısır Çorbası, Karalahana Sarması and fish are the standout dishes on Kilimli's tables.

What is Kilimli known for?

Kilimli is known for hard coal and its Miners' Solidarity Culture. Kilimli is one of the major production centres of the Zonguldak hard coal basin. The mines in the district have been in operation since the 19th century.

How do I get to Kilimli?

Kilimli is 8 km from Zonguldak city centre. It lies on the Zonguldak–Bartın road. Zonguldak Airport is about 20 km away. The district is served by municipal buses and minibuses.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Kilimli?

Suggested visit length: half a day to 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).

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