The city of Izmit is positioned at the head of the Izmit Gulf on the Sea of Marmara. Izmit is the capital of the Kocaeli Province situated 100 kilometres east of Istanbul, Turkey. It is the region’s legislative and industrial centre, reputed for being both a port city as well as a major power in the markets of paper and oil. A plethora of historic remains from the Ottoman era attracts visitors worldwide.
The Izmir Clock Tower is the most prominent interest in the area, offering great views of the city, a rustic vibe, artificial waterfall, and quaint cafe. Seka Park is a beautiful beachside park lined with palm trees, a true tourist gem for walking and photography. Several museums and mosques round out the allurements of the area, including the Gayret Gemi Museum, Pertev Paşa Mosque, and Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography.
Izmit is well connected to the rest of the world via ferry systems, motorways, and rail lines. İzmit Central railway station serves as the primary hub of public transportation around the area. Coaches run frequent routes between Istanbul and Izmit as well, and the city is joined with Europe along the Trans-European Motorway, making for a wide variety of transit options.
Izmit was once known as the important town of Nicomedia and the ruling centre of Bithynia. Through much decline and the plight of a devastating earthquake in 1999, Izmit remains a viable epicentre of industrialisation and commerce.