"Izmit or Kocaeli?" Kocaeli by mirchica

Kocaeli Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 588 photos

Local people told me that in Turkey there are 81 cities and one of them is Kocaeli. But this “city” has not the same meaning as I’m used to understand it. So what I figured out was that Kocaeli is a province of Marmara region and Izmit is its district center.

Anyway, Izmit is a nice place where you can spend some time round its streets and nearby destinations. It is located on Marmara Sea and it’s a big industrial center. Izmit is only 100km far from Istanbul, on the main road Istanbul - Ankara and it is easily accessed.
Here is some info about the city:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/İzmit

Unfortunately Izmit is famous with the big earthquake in 1999(7.4). Around 10000 people have lost their lives and many others were supposed to move from the city, losing their homes. It took them 5 years to turn Izmit into its previous shape

Pros and Cons

Pros:Calm and beautiful
Cons:No night life

Intro Written Aug 6, 2010
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Reviews (19)

Hotel Altinnal Hotels (1)

A very pleasant 3* hotel in the center of the city. It was nothing special but very comfortable and the stuff was very... more travel advice

Cai(Tea) Local Customs (5)

You’ll say what is so unusual about the tea - the way they prepare it. They have 2 pots and the smaller one is put on... more travel advice

Traditional costumes – Factory Armelit - Kocaeli

Traditional costumes – Factory Armelit Local Customs (5)

This factory is located between Izmit and Istanbul and is the biggest producer of traditional costumes. Also they make... more travel advice

Traditional dances – Armelit Local Customs (5)

Armelit is folkdance group and they were our host in the workshop I’ve attended. Many talented young people dance there.... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Baron
Restaurants (5)
See All Keyfinn garden

Things to Do (7)
See All Mavi Dus
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Comments (2)

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cachaseiro Aug 7, 2010 at 9:44 PM

Nice page :O)
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johngayton Aug 6, 2010 at 9:18 AM

Hi Mira. Good to see you in the "Top Daily Contributors". Nice page, I especially like the sound of the ferry trip.