4 places to visit in the central district of Zonguldak: Zonguldak Mining Museum, Zonguldak Seafront and Üzülmez Mine. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Zonguldak is a province of 3,341 km² in the Western Black Sea section of the Black Sea Region, founded on the coast where the mountains drop steeply into the sea. The richest hard coal deposits in Türkiye are here. Coal has shaped the city’s economy and identity for a century.
Gökgöl Cave is in the Üzülmez area, 4 km from the Zonguldak exit of the Zonguldak–Ankara road. Together with its branches it is 3,350 metres long. With a walking route of 875 metres, it is the largest cave in Türkiye open to visitors. It contains every type of cave formation, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone curtains.
The museum consists of a gallery used by TTK as a training centre and a museum building beside it, in Çınartepe Neighbourhood. It is the first hard coal mining museum in Türkiye.
The districts of the province are Merkez, Alaplı, Çaycuma, Devrek, Karadeniz Ereğli, Gökçebey and Kilimli, which became a district in 2012, and Kozlu.
Zonguldak has a mild but very rainy Black Sea climate. The best time to visit is May to September.
Zonguldak Airport was opened in 1999, closed in 2002 and returned to service in 2007. The airport has an annual capacity of 500,000 passengers. The Zonguldak–Ankara road and the Black Sea coastal road pass through the area.
Coal was first found in the region in 1829, during the reign of Mahmud II. Zonguldak and its surroundings came under Ottoman rule in 1460, when Mehmed the Conqueror took Amasra. The Anatolian Seljuk army conquered the region in 1084. French troops occupied Zonguldak in 1919 on the pretext of protecting the rights of French companies. During the Turkish War of Independence, Zonguldak played an important role in relations with the USSR.
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Housed in the building that is Turkey's first and only mining museum, it presents the history of hard coal mining, which has been carried on since 1848. A replica of a real mine gallery, mining equipment and photographs are important parts of the collection.
View on mapA seafront stretch along the Black Sea coast, with walking routes and tea gardens, a place where city residents relax. The fishing harbours on the seafront reflect traditional Black Sea life.
View on mapThe first hard coal mine in Türkiye, opened in 1848, is of great importance for industrial heritage. The area around the mine can be visited as part of industrial tourism.
View on mapThin-crusted, generously topped Zonguldak pide, baked in a stone oven. It is the best-known dish in the region, served with minced meat and cheese.
The emblematic fish of the Black Sea, hamsi is prepared in many ways, including fried, steamed and as pilaf. It is at its tastiest from November to March.
Bread made from cornmeal, an indispensable part of everyday meals in Zonguldak.
Since 1848, Zonguldak has been Türkiye's mining capital. The lifestyle, traditions and culture of solidarity of its miners have shaped the identity of the city. Events are held every year on 4 December, World Miners' Day.
The economy of Zonguldak Merkez district is based on mining, industry and trade. The Turkish Hard Coal Enterprise (TTK) is the city's largest employer. Bülent Ecevit University contributes to the education sector. The iron and steel industry is also an important economic activity.
Zonguldak Airport is 10 km from the city centre. Ankara is 300 km away and Istanbul is 350 km away. The intercity bus terminal provides connections to major cities.
The top 4 places in Zonguldak Merkez: Zonguldak Mining Museum, Zonguldak Seafront, Üzülmez Mine and Zonguldak Port.
Zonguldak Pidesi, Karadeniz Hamsisi and Mısır Ekmeği are the standout dishes on the tables of Zonguldak Merkez.
Zonguldak Merkez is known for hard coal and its Mining Culture. Zonguldak is Türkiye's only hard coal production centre. Mining, carried on since 1848, forms the basis of the city's economic identity.
Zonguldak Airport is 10 km from the city centre. Ankara is 300 km away and Istanbul is 350 km away. The intercity bus terminal provides connections to major cities.