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7 places to visit in the Kozlu district of Zonguldak: Bülent Ecevit University Campus, Kozlu Shore and Pier and Kozlu Former Mine Directorate Historic Building. Plan your trip to Kozlu with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Introduction

Kozlu is a district of Zonguldak province in Türkiye. It became a district following the law no. 6360 adopted by the Grand National Assembly on 12 November 2012. The district, which has coal deposits, had a total population of 46,661 according to the 2020 census. The district covers an area of 177 km². Its centre lies at sea level, while all of its neighbourhoods are located in mountainous areas.

Education and History

The preparatory classes of Bülent Ecevit University are located in the district at the İncirharmanı Campus. Once a mining town with a population of around 60,000, Kozlu has been losing population rapidly since the downsizing of the Turkish Hard Coal Enterprise (TTK). Kozlu is 5 km from Zonguldak city centre.

Economy

The district is home to the Kozlu Works Directorate, which belongs to the Turkish Hard Coal Enterprise. There is also a Small Industry Site. Other main sources of livelihood are farming and livestock rearing, forest product production and tourism.

Tourism

Tourism in Kozlu is developing rapidly. The Kozlu shore and the Değirmenağzı and Ilıksu coves are worth seeing.

History and Culture

Kozlu was established in 1941 as a town attached to the central district, and became a district by law no. 6360. Kozlu is 5 km from Zonguldak city centre and has 23 villages attached to it. In Kozlu, the main source of livelihood is mining, with small-scale farming, livestock rearing and fishing also practised.

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Places to Visit in Kozlu

  • 2 Historic
  • 2 Nature
  • 2 Beach
  • 1 Cultural
Cultural

Bülent Ecevit University Campus

The İncirharmanı Campus of Bülent Ecevit University.

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Nature

Kozlu Shore and Pier

Located on the Black Sea coast, Kozlu's shore, together with its historic fishermen's pier, is the most characteristic spot in the district. The fishermen's shelter and tea gardens around the pier offer a place to relax with sea views.

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Historic

Kozlu Former Mine Directorate Historic Building

The old mine directorate building, constructed in the late 19th century, is one of the examples of Ottoman-era industrial architecture. The building served for many years as the administrative centre of the Zonguldak coal basin.

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Historic

Kozlu Coal Washery Remains

The remains of a coal washing and sorting plant established in the Republican period are a valuable heritage for industrial archaeology. The facility is one of the tangible proofs of Türkiye's industrialisation history.

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Beach

Ilıksu Beach

A public beach in Aşağıçayır village, attached to Kozlu, which takes its name from a nearby geothermal water source. The beach area is managed by Kozlu Municipality.

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Nature

Değirmenağzı Cove and Waterfalls

The Değirmenağzı cove and waterfalls, the Ilıksu area and the coastal road make up the district's tourist potential.

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Beach

Kozlu Beach

According to Wikipedia, Kozlu beach is mentioned together with the Değirmenağzı and Ilıksu coves.

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Places to Visit Around Zonguldak Province

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While you are in Kozlu, you can also see the highlights of Zonguldak province. These places are in other districts; Kozlu is about 5 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 Kozlu

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 Kozlu

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  • Zonguldak Pide

    Thin-dough, generously filled Zonguldak pide is prepared in Kozlu's bakeries in stone ovens. With minced meat, kaşar cheese and egg varieties, it is the district's most popular flavour.

  • Hamsi Pilavı (anchovy rice)

    A regional dish prepared by baking fresh anchovies with rice in the oven, reflecting Kozlu's fishing culture on the table. It is the most preferred fish dish during the winter months.

  • Karalahana Çorbası (kale soup)

    A soup made with kale, cornmeal and dried beans, Karalahana çorbası is an essential of Kozlu's winter tables. It is served with butter and red pepper.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kozlu

  • Mining Town Identity

    Kozlu has developed as a mining town since the early years of the Republic. The miners' housing, social facilities and union buildings in the district are the physical traces of this identity. The lifestyle and spirit of solidarity of mining families form the cultural fabric of the district.

  • University Culture

    The main campus of Bülent Ecevit University being located in Kozlu has given the district a young and dynamic population. University events, concerts and festivals enrich the district's cultural life.

Local Products

  • Bituminous Coal — Kozlu is one of the most important production centres of the Zonguldak bituminous coal basin. The mines in the district, operated by TTK, account for a significant share of Türkiye's bituminous coal production.
  • Fresh Seafood — Fresh anchovy, horse mackerel and whiting from Kozlu's fishing shelter are the district's important local products. Fishing is the second traditional source of livelihood after mining.

Economy

The economy of Kozlu is based on bituminous coal mining and the university sector. The Kozlu Works, which belongs to TTK, is the district's largest employer. Bülent Ecevit University makes an important contribution to the education and service sectors. Fishing and small-scale trade are also among the economic activities.

How to Get to Kozlu

Kozlu is 5 km from Zonguldak city centre. It lies on the Zonguldak-Bartın highway. Zonguldak Airport is about 15 km away. Regular transport to the centre is provided by city buses and minibuses.

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Kozlu: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kozlu?

The 7 highlights of Kozlu are: Bülent Ecevit University Campus, Kozlu Shore and Pier, Kozlu Former Mine Directorate Historic Building, Kozlu Coal Washery Remains, Ilıksu Beach, Değirmenağzı Cove and Waterfalls, and Kozlu Beach.

What is there to eat in Kozlu?

Zonguldak Pide, Hamsi Pilavı and Karalahana Çorbası are the standout flavours on Kozlu's tables.

What is Kozlu famous for?

Kozlu is known for Bituminous Coal and Mining Town Identity. Kozlu is one of the most important production centres of the Zonguldak bituminous coal basin. The mines in the district, operated by TTK, account for a significant share of Türkiye's bituminous coal production.

How do I get to Kozlu?

Kozlu is 5 km from Zonguldak city centre. It lies on the Zonguldak-Bartın highway. Zonguldak Airport is about 15 km away. Regular transport to the centre is provided by city buses and minibuses.

How much time should I set aside for a trip to Kozlu?

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

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