The Heart of Kocaeli: İzmit
When İzmit is mentioned, it can be thought of as synonymous with Kocaeli, but the situation is different. İzmit district is actually located in the center of Kocaeli province and serves as its central district. Beautiful İzmit is situated at an important crossroads that connects Asia with Europe. İzmit Gulf, a naturally charming port, is also a bustling sea route. İzmit has retained its value throughout history and has become one of the world's important junction points.
İzmit is a city with a rich history dating back to 3000 BC. The city was first inhabited by the Phrygians, then passed to the Byzantines, and finally came under the control of the Turks. İzmit was conquered by the Seljuk Turks in 1078 and revitalized. İzmit has suffered a major earthquake disaster approximately once every century. For this reason, the city has been rebuilt and restored. İzmit served as the last stop on the Silk Road beforeistanbul, making it a crossroads in trade.
The city, formerly known as 'İznikmid', had its name changed to 'İzmid'. İzmit Shipyard, on the other hand, was founded by Sultan Selim I. The main districts of İzmit include the old towns of Saraybahçe, Bekirpaşa, Alikahya, Kuruçeşme, and Akmeşe. Summers in İzmit are hot and dry, while winters are rainy, occasionally snowy, and cold. İzmit also caters to theater lovers, with a highly developed theater culture. The main cultural events include theater, exhibitions, shows, concerts, and library activities. The Av Köşkü, formerly used as a provincial building by Sultan Abdüaziz, has been renovated and reopened as the İzmit Museum. Folk education centers provide courses to the local people, and the works they produce are exhibited in Art Street for public appreciation. Major shopping malls also contribute to the revitalization of commerce and tourism in the district.