14 Amazing landmarks and archaeological sites in Kocaeli (Turkey) : A Journey Worth Taking
Welcome to Kocaeli (Turkey) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 14 must-see landmarks and archaeological sites that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Kocaeli (Turkey) like a local, we’ve got you covered with 14 hidden landmarks and archaeological sites gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 14 thrilling landmarks and archaeological sites that will get your heart racing.
Information about Kocaeli (Turkey)
Kocaeli is located in the Marmara region, and it is mostly famous for its center Izmit, and it is possible to see many monuments of the Roman and Byzantine eras, among them the castle and temple of Augustus and the Agora, most of which are in ruins and difficult to see, but the results of some excavations can be found in the Archaeological Museum, and these are The region is a major industrial center in Turkey with many industrial establishments surrounding the Gulf of Izmit, and because of its size and the natural conditions of the Gulf of Izmit, the state constitutes a huge natural harbor that faces environmental challenges. Kocaeli plays an important role in connecting the continents of Asia and Europe, and its strategic location enriched its culture and heritage, and gave it a unique and stunning natural beauty.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Kocaeli
Looking for the best landmarks and archaeological sites spots in Kocaeli (Turkey) ? Our curated list features the most exceptional destinations, meticulously selected by our team, and based on the experiences of fellow travelers. Start planning your next adventure with us.
1- Orhan Mosque
Orhan Mosque – Orhan Mosque was built in 1332 by Prince Gazi Suleiman Pasha and named after his father, Orhan Gazi. It is located on a hill overlooking the entire city of Izmit. This valuable work that was built in the region after the conquest of Izmit is considered a symbol of conquest, and the mosque building that we see today It is the result of the reform carried out by order of Sultan Abd al-Majid in 1843.
Place address: Orhan, 41060 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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2- Hasan Fehmi Paşa Mosque
Hasan Fehmi Paşa Mosque – The Hassan Fehmi Pasha Mosque is one of the distinctive historical mosques in the city of Sapanca, which was built by the Ottoman minister, Hasan Fehmi Paşa. The structure of the mosque was distinguished by being made of stone and interior wood decorated with beautiful embroidery. The mosque, which recently entered service after a detailed restoration, is getting the attention it deserves among the historical beauties of the area for its aesthetic appearance and function.
Place address: Mahmudiye Mahallesi, Unnamed Road, Mahmudiye, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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3- Hikmetiye Mosque
Hikmetiye Mosque – Al-Hikma Mosque is located in Derbent, one of the charming areas in the Kartepe region. It was built by Abdul Hamid II in 1899 AD, according to the Gregorian calendar. Today, the mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the country, which was distinguished by an Ottoman architectural design, with an ornate minaret and interior walls on which verses from the Holy Qur’an were inscribed.
Place address: Hikmetiye, Doğukan Cd. No:2, 41080 Kartepe/Kocaeli, Turkey
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4- Masukiye Gul Mosque
Masukiye Gul Mosque – Masukiye Gul Mosque was built in 1992 in the Masukiye district, and it is considered one of the main mosques in Kocaeli Province. It is characterized by its simple architecture in the Ottoman style. It includes a minaret, a large central dome, and a spacious prayer hall. Inside it there is a group of distinctive Islamic inscriptions and decorations, as it surrounds The mosque has a large courtyard and some lush plants and trees.
Place address: Çınarlı, Kartepe Cd. No:16, 41295 Kartepe/Kocaeli, Turkey
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5- Shepherd Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Shepherd Mustafa Pasha Mosque – The mosque complex of the patron Mustafa Pasha is located on a hill in the northwestern part of Gebze in Kocaeli Province. The buildings of the complex, surrounded by roads on four sides, occupy a rectangular site. According to the inscription on the gate of the mosque, the construction of the complex was commissioned in 1523 by the patron Mustafa Pasha, who He left his life as a shepherd to join Selim I’s campaign to Egypt, to eventually become the ruler of Egypt, minister, and brother-in-law to the Sultan. The buildings of the complex are in line with the Qibla, and the mosque is located in the middle, preceded by a rectangular courtyard in the middle of which is a large ablution fountain, and to the south of it is a large walled garden surrounding the tomb of the founder.
Place address: Hacıhalil, 1222/2. Sk. No:3, 41400 Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
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6- Fevziye Mosque
Fevziye Mosque – The historical Fawzia Mosque is located in the center of Izmit, and it is one of the most beautiful mosques in Kocaeli, as it has a typical architectural structure for the buildings of the Ottoman period. It was built by Mehmet Bey in the second half of the sixteenth century, and in it you can feel the fragrance of history, peace and spirituality at the same time. Time, and in front of this mosque there is a fountain for ablution, and behind it a library selling religious books, and around it a picturesque tea garden.
Place address: Tepecik, Hürriyet Cd. No:65, 41200 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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7- Selim Sirri Pasha Mansion
Selim Sirri Pasha Mansion – The beautiful Selim Seri Pasha Palace is located in Haci Hassan district in the city of Izmit in Kocaeli Province, and there is a picturesque garden around it and a nice cafe. It was built by the ruler of Izmit, Selim Seri Pasha, and it is the best example of nineteenth century architecture, and it is characterized by its decorated interior walls. With different landscape paintings, it also has an amazing view of Izmit Bay.
Place address: Hacıhasan, Sırrı Paşa Cd. No:18, 41000 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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8- Cami Cedid
Cami Cedid – This mosque is considered one of the prominent monuments in Sapanca, which is visited by tourists permanently when visiting the city. The mosque is distinguished by its beautiful architectural design, which represents the ancient art of architecture. It is an old mosque that was built in 1899 AD. The mosque was subjected to many restoration and renovation operations, which increased its beauty each time, so it was called the New Mosque. The mosque is located in the old Sayed neighborhood.
Place address: Camicedit, Cami Cedid Cami, İzci Sk. No:1, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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9- Rahime Sultan Mosque
Rahime Sultan Mosque – Rahima Sultan Mosque is one of the oldest and most ancient mosques in the city of Sapanca, which is characterized by an Islamic architectural design with arched windows in the front part of the building, and it is built of stone and brick. The mosque is also characterized by a dome decorated with inscriptions, and it is one of the few mosques that preserved its original structure today. It is a popular destination for tourists and visitors.
Place address: Uzunkum, Uzunkum Köyü İç Yolu, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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10- Rüstem Paşa Mosque
Rüstem Paşa Mosque – The mosque was built after Rüstem Paşa, one of the former Ottoman viziers who served as grand vizier for fifteen years during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. The total area of the mosque’s land is 750 square meters, and its interior area is 250 square meters. It was characterized by an Islamic architectural design, with Islamic inscriptions and decorations that cover the interior walls.
Place address: Rüstempaşa, İstasyon Cd. No:30, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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11- Ayazma Mosque
Ayazma Mosque – Ayazma Mosque offers one of the most amazing views on the skyline of Izmit. It is a historic mosque built in 1760 AD in the heart of the city. The Baroque-style mosque and simple minaret takes its name from Ayazma Palace, which stood on the same site thousands of years ago. Today, the mosque is one of the most important religious tourist sites in the city.
Place address: Barbaros, Bağdat Cd. No:2, 41090 Başiskele/Kocaeli, Turkey
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12- New Friday Mosque
New Friday Mosque – The new Friday Mosque was built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, and it is considered one of the most important works that date back to the Ottoman period in the city of Izmit in Kocaeli. In its original form, which is characterized by a large central dome, one high minaret, and distinctive Islamic decorations.
Place address: Yeni Cuma Cami, Karabaş, 41040 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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13- Eskihisar Castle
Eskihisar Castle – Eski Hisar Castle is located in a village of the same name in Kocaeli Province. It was mentioned for the first time in 1241 as a Byzantine fortification, and its internal walls were built by Emperor Manuel I Komnenos in the second part of the twelfth century, and the Byzantine Emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes built the walls The curtain of the inner fortress was built in 1241, and the outer walls and towers in the southeast corner were built during the reign of Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos around 1300.
Place address: Eskihisar, 41700 Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
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14- Degirmendere Waterside Houses
Degirmendere Waterside Houses – The Degremndir houses built in the Golcuk area of Kocaeli on the Degremndir beach attract the attention of many local and foreign tourists. They were built within the framework of the “History Corridor” project, and add great historical and heritage value to the city. It consists of about 12 buildings and mosques that have been restored according to their original form. And transforming it into a place for social living, today it hosts a group of social and cultural facilities such as cafes, hotels, shops, art galleries, ceramic workshops, and others.
Place address: Değirmendere Yalı, Faruk Demirer Cd. No:35, 41950 Gölcük/Kocaeli, Turkey
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the unique and fascinating region of Kocaeli (Turkey) . From its stunning natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage, Kocaeli (Turkey) is a destination that promises to leave you awe-inspired and enriched. We encourage you to take your time and immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the history and traditions of the region, and connect with the people who call it home. Remember that every journey is a personal one, and your experience in Kocaeli (Turkey) will be different from anyone else’s. So, don’t be afraid to follow your instincts, take a detour, and explore the unknown. As you journey through Kocaeli (Turkey) , we invite you to embrace the unexpected and discover the hidden treasures that await. We hope that our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels, happy exploring, and until next time!