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Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi was the first man who flew a significant distance using wings across the Bosphorus.

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A Turkish market in Karsiyaka, Izmir, Turkey

Buying Fruits and Vegetables at Weekly Markets

Kocaeli

Area: 3.626 km²

Population: 936.163 (1990)

Traffic Code: 41

Districts: Izmit (center), Gebze, Golcuk, Kandira, Karamursel, Korfez.

Sites of Interest

  • Kuzuyayla and Findiklitepe forest recreation areas
  • Bayramoglu, Karamursel, Kefken and Kerpe coasts
  • Ballikayalar
  • Eskihisar Castle
  • Hannibal's Grave
  • Pertev Mehmed Pasha and Coban Mustafa Pasha mosque complexes
  • Orhan Gazi, Mehmed Bey (Fevziye) and Imaret mosques
  • Sultan Suleyman Bridge
  • Yali and Mehmed Bey baths and Yenihamam and Kucukhamam
  • Canfeda Kethuda Kadin and Misiroglu fountains
  • Sultan's mansion
  • Izmit Watch Tower
  • Izmit, Yarimca and Osman Hamdi Bey Museums

Cultural Resources and Organizations

  • Provincial Cultural Directorate, Telephone: (262) 322 44 04 - 322 11 50, Fax: (262) 324 54 64
  • Kocaeli Cultural Center, Sabanci Kultur Sitesi E5, Karayolu Ustu Vilayet Karsisi, Kocaeli; Telephone: (262) 322 28 26
  • State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate, Eski Vali Konagi, Kocaeli; Telephone: (0 262) 321 19 60, Fax: 324 54 64
  • Kocaeli (Izmit) Museum, Tepecik Mah. Saray Yokusu Saat Kulesi Yani, Kocaeli; Telephone: (262) 321 22 74
  • Ethnography Museum, Veli Ahmet Mahalle, Kocaeli, Telephone: (262) 224 25 38

Historical Sites and Ruins

  • Archeology Museum
  • Kerpe - Kandira
  • Anibal - Gebze
  • Cenedere - Izmit / Derince

Local Days of Celebration

  • 6-19 July: Yarimca Golden Cherry Culture and Art Festival, Korfez
  • Last week of July: Nuts and Culture and Art Festival, Degirmendere
  • August: Pear Festival, Masukiye
  • October: Quince Festival, Esme

Expositions

  • 28 June-15 July: Kocaeli Industry Exposition, Izmit
  • 15 July - 15 August: Kocaeli Entertainment Fair, Izmit

Festivities

  • 21-23 April: Children's Celebrations, Degirmendere