THE HISTORY OF KOCAELİ , as the centre of the rising Bithinia Kingdom, After the Republic was declared Izmit became the becomes a great Hellenistic city. It is granted to the centre of the . During the Republic Romans in 91-94 B.C. In 284 B.C. the Emperor period industrial investments made in the region the Research has shown that people from eras beyond Diocletionus makes Nicomedia the capital again. In his city´s industrial foundation is set and both state and history have lived in and around Izmit, which is the era Nicomedia is the world´s fourth largest city after private ventures increase. Today Kocaeli is an junction of the world´s most important roads, since Rome, Antioch and Alexandria. In the last quarter of advanced industrial city and is surrounded by railway 3000 B.C. The first evidences of Izmit, in which the 11th century Nicomedia is taken over by the Seljuks. and the most advanced motorway network. Also, with people have continued to dwell to this day, can be Nicomedia was retaken in the 1st Crusade and after its and Izmit ports it has sea routes to all four traced back to the 12th century B.C. At this time the remaining under the occupation of the Latins for a corners of the world. Kocaeli is a small province with Phrygians ruled the region after which a group while was returned to the Seljuks. In the era of Orhan regard to its land measurement and is an interesting migrating frrom Greece´s city of Svlegara to find Ghazi the city was taken by the of the worldwide example with its production in industry, themselves a new place to dwell formed a city in the Adapazari and regions, Akgakoca, and brought added value and people working in this sector. Its Başiskele district and called it ASTAKOZ. After the King under the rule of the Ottoman State. At first the city´s natural beauties, beaches, plateaus, skiing centres and Lysimakhos of Thrace destroyed the city of ASTAKOZ a name was Iznikmid, meaning neighbour of , and historical sites as well as the coasts of the new city called NICOMEDIA was built on the hills on later became Izmit. Izmit was part of until and the Marmara Sea are also important for the which the present Izmit is located. The city was built in 1888 when it became a separate city. Prior to the War province of Kocaeli with regard to commerce and 262 B.C. by King Nicomedes who was appointed by of Independence the city was freed frrom English and tourism. Alexander the Great to conquer Anatolia and was Greek armed occupation on 28th June 1921. named fort he king’s wife.

Izmit is the central county of Kocaeli and has the same It is the most second crowded city comparing with The GEOGRAPHICALLOCATION OF KOCAELI name. It is a coastal town near the eastern point of the population increasing rate is yearly ‰27. Istanbul. It is Gulf (Korfez). It is an ancient city built on one of the the seventh smallest city in . Kocaeli is a province east of the Marmara Sea and the most important routes between Turkish Asia and which connects Asia and Europeand Europe. There are large industrial establishments and Tourism located in Çatalca-Kocaeli part of Marmara region shopping centres and the population has reached a İzmit Sekapark: In Sekapark, which is actualized as a between29º22&769;-30º21&769; east longitudes and total of 371.725 including the villages and subdistricts. first industrial transformation area, is a coastal complex 40º3&769;&769;&769;-41º13&769; north latitudes.It is Although Izmit is known as an industrial town it is also which could be used for having a rest and doing sport. comprised of a total of seven counties which are , a town where serious ventures are taking place to There are a huge artificial grass hill 15 m high and 150 Körfez, Karamursel, Golcuk, Kandira, Derince and the become a city of culture, art and education. The m size, the biggest skateboard in our country, artificial Central County of Izmit. The Black Sea is to its North, the town´s own special local delicacy, Pişmaniye, is famous sand beach, multi functional landing stages, a platform is in the East and South east, is in worldwide. the South and the provinces of and Istanbul are of concert and perform for over one thousand people , located to its West. With regard to its location Kocaeli is hundred thousands m2 grass area, 6 thousand trees, THE SOCIO-ECONOMICAL STRUCTURE OF KOCAELİ Turkey´s sixth smallest province. According to the 2002 23 km pedestrian lane, 1600 m bike lane and a car Its Position and Population consensus the population was 1.437.926 and the park with 800 cars capacity. There are also cafes, meat Kocaeli is like a junction which interlinks two continents population per km2 was 398. It is one of Turkey´s most and fish restaurants and a grass field. In this beautiful Asia and Europe in Marmara Region. The area of it is important travel points by Road, railway, Sea and Air. area you can have a rest, do sport and eat something 3.505 km2 and the population of it is 1.437.926 with your friends as well as you can get on the net with according to the census in 2007. the connection of Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality.