Discover Maşukiye: History, Railway and Views

Maşukiye can also be discovered through the history and landscape of its surrounding area. In Büyükderbent, historic buildings and transport routes meet at special viewpoints: the burial mounds at the Büyükderbent–Hikmetiye archaeological settlement site are located at a point overlooking Lake Sapanca and the Gulf of İzmit. When planning a holiday, anyone wishing to take in historical and scenic impressions as well as the town itself can keep Maşukiye and nearby Büyükderbent in mind as distinct points of interest in the area.

Historical Traces in Büyükderbent

Büyükderbent's history is linked to earlier travel and trade routes. During the Ottoman Empire, the town served as a Derbend unit on the pilgrimage route from Istanbul to the Hejaz. At the same time, Büyükderbent was an important centre on the Baghdad trade route, which connected Anatolia with the Middle East. These two historical connections illustrate the town's different roles: on the one hand, on the pilgrimage route; on the other, in trade between regions.

The Hikmetiye Mosque in Büyükderbent is a clearly identifiable historical landmark. Sultan Abdülhamid II had it built in 1899; in 1982, the Council for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets placed it under protection. The mosque has remained open for worship since it was built. For travellers interested in culture, it therefore combines a specific architectural history with its religious function. Its protected historical significance is one reason to include Büyükderbent when exploring the area around Maşukiye.

A tree also has its own historical entry: the “Kocaeli Üniversitesi Turizm İşletmeciliği ve Otelcilik Yüksekokulu Anıt Çınarı” is registered as a historic monumental tree. Its official name alone links it to the university and its School of Tourism Management and Hotel Management. Together with the Hikmetiye Mosque, this tree shows that local landmarks can take very different forms, from religious architecture to a registered natural monument.

Railway, University Campus and Choice of Location

Büyükderbent has a historic railway station on the Istanbul–Anatolia railway line. It has served the region's population since the 19th century. After being closed because of the high-speed rail project and signalling works between Köseköy and Pamukova, the station was reopened.

Büyükderbent is also home to a tourism campus of Kocaeli University. It includes the Faculty of Tourism, Kartepe Tourism Vocational School and Kartepe Park Hotel. The town is at a transport hub near Maşukiye, Sapanca and Kartepe, providing access to tourist activities in these nearby places.

Balaban: Trout Farming and Camping

Trout farming takes place in Balaban and the surrounding area within Büyükderbent, thanks to abundant natural water sources. This adds an insight into local food production to the area's historical and transport-related attractions. When planning your holiday, it is important to distinguish between the two: trout farming is an activity in Balaban and the surrounding area, not a statement about any particular dining options.

Some areas in Balaban are also considered suitable for camping. This may be of interest when choosing how to travel if you are considering a stay in a tent. A holiday apartment and a tent represent different ways to use the area as a base; which accommodation suits your trip depends on the kind of stay you are planning. Local features thus range from historic architecture and railway connections to water sources and designated camping areas.

More Places

Discover more places: Selimiye, Kartepe, Çerkeşli, Körfez, Degirmendere, Bakırlı Mahallesi, Kefken Köyü, Gebze.

Return to the main travel overview: Kocaeli.