Izmit – a Turkish city in the northern-west part of Anatolia, known also as Kocaeli. It is situated at the Gulf of Izmit, part of the Sea of Marmara, in the distance of around 100 kilometres from Istanbul. The neighbourhood is known for manufacture of unique tiles. Already in the 17th century there were more than 300 workshops specializing in ceramics production, and today the craft is still strong.
Many fairs, mainly food and textile ones, take place in the city, so if you feel like going shopping and trying local products, make sure to visit one of them. The biggest market is on every Thursday on the parking lot by the shopping mall Dolphin. Smaller bazaars take place by the clock tower (next to
Çocuk park) and close to Migros shop. Very popular among locals is the fashion Outlet Centre, located in the suburbs of Izmit.
Alongside the shore is located Seka Park, one of the biggest green areas in the world! You can find there pleasant paths for foot and bike trips, and many playgrounds for kids. The park has a lovely view for the sea, and numerous eateries, in which it is nice to have supper or late dinner, as in the evenings the neighbourhood looks even more pretty. Close to the park ships are docking. It is worth to take from there a cruise on the Sea of Marmara to admire the shore from a different perspective.
Hungry? One of the most popular and liked restaurant is, specializing in Turkish cuisine, Kebapci Mehmet Usta at Cenedag Mahallesi, Denizciler Caddesi 21/C. Other place serving great, local dishes is Kofteci Yusuf at Ovacik Mahallesi D-100 Karayolu 18, it is worth to visit it for breakfasts. A very good meal accompanied with possibility of admiring fantastic nature, you will have in Maznara, a restaurant located a few kilometres from Izmit, in Kartepe, in Yolu Park. Do you wonder what to take for the dessert? Get tempted by local sweets – pişmaniye or halva, which even though incredibly sweet, are worth tasting.
