If you're looking for a place so close to Istanbul that still preserves its own historical texture, tranquility, and soul, you've come to the right place. When you want to escape the weekend crowds but also have a fulfilling day, I can almost hear the first question that pops into your mind: I'm in İzmit, what should I do now? The answer to this question lies hidden in a historical triangle right in the heart of the city, with each point just a few steps from the others.

In this guide, we will explore the three magnificent stops at the top of our list of things to do in İzmit Clock Tower and the Historical Center. This route, which will take you on a journey through time in a single day, is both very easy and incredibly enjoyable. If you're ready, let's head towards the heart of İzmit!

See the tower, a symbol of İzmit, built by Sultan Abdülhamit

There couldn't be a better starting point for your İzmit tour. The Clock Tower, which greets you with all its grandeur right in the city center, is not just a timepiece but also a living witness to an empire's modernization story. It is one of the many clock towers built across Anatolia by a decree sent to governors by Sultan II Abdülhamit to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.   

Built in the Neoclassical style with travertine stones brought from Hereke and Tavşancıl, the tower stands at a height of 16.40 meters. One of the most striking features of the four-story tower is the marble fountains that adorn its three facades. The star and crescent motifs on these fountains and the tughra (imperial seal) of Sultan II Abdülhamit within marble medallions on the third floor are the clearest proof that the structure bears the imperial seal.   

There is also a charming mystery regarding the tower's architect. While most sources point to Mimar Vedat Tek, some say the structure was built by Mihran Azaryan, an Armenian master from İzmit. Even this detail shows what a rich cultural heritage the tower is a product of. Recently restored by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, the tower is being carried into the future as İzmit's most precious heritage.   

Explore the restored historical İzmit houses on Kapanca Street

As you leave the imposing atmosphere of the Clock Tower and start climbing the slope right behind it, a narrow street that transports you to another world greets you: Kapanca Street. This place is known as İzmit's History Corridor, and it deserves this name to the fullest. As you walk on the cobblestone road, you are accompanied by bay-windowed wooden mansions, the finest examples of 19th-century civil architecture.   

The 18 historical structures on this street have been registered and placed under protection. Thanks to restoration work, the houses have been brought back to life without losing their old spirit. As you ascend the street, you can visit the Kocaeli Press Museum on your left and witness the history of the local press.   

The biggest surprise of the street is the İzmit Historical Bazaar, opened in the mansion right next to the Press Museum. Inside this bazaar, you'll find a traditional cologne maker, a sweet shop, stores selling handicrafts, a furniture restorer, and small shops where you can find souvenirs unique to İzmit. When you get tired, you can take a break at an authentic coffee shop or consider staying in one of the mansions that have been restored and converted into boutique hotels. Kapanca Street is like a living museum, where every structure is a work of art in itself.   

Visit the Kasr-ı Hümayun Palace Museum (Hunting Pavilion)

The final and most magnificent corner of our historical triangle is the Kasr-ı Hümayun Palace Museum, located right next to the Clock Tower. This structure has a very important feature that makes it unique: it is the only Ottoman palace built outside of Istanbul. Built as a hunting pavilion during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, this palace is an elegant blend of Euro-Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.   

The exterior of the palace is completely covered in marble. When you step inside, you are greeted by fascinating ceiling decorations, the work of French painter Sason. The architecture of the palace bears the signature of the Balyans, the most famous family of architects in the Ottoman Empire. However, it would be incomplete to see this palace merely as a relic of a sultan. Kasr-ı Hümayun is also the place where the founding philosophy of the Republic of Turkey blossomed.   

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk held his most important press conference in this palace on January 16, 1923, months before the proclamation of the Republic, and shared the fundamental principles of the new state with the public for the first time here. In other words, these walls have witnessed both the last days of an empire and the birth of a young republic. This feature makes Kasr-ı Hümayun one of the must-see places in İzmit.   

Since You've Come This Far...

If you still have time and energy after visiting these three wonderful spots in the historical center of İzmit, we have a few more suggestions for you. You can go down to the nearby coast and take a walk in the vast green areas of Seka Park, a favorite on lists of other places to visit in Kocaeli, or have a coffee by the sea. If you're looking for a different experience, you can visit the Gayret Ship Museum, also within walking distance, and explore the inside of a real warship.   

If you have more time and want to be in touch with nature, you can choose any tour you wish from ourKocaeli Tours page.

Bibliography: For more detailed technical and registration information about the İzmit Clock Tower, you can visit the official inventory pageof the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you go inside the İzmit Clock Tower? No, the Clock Tower is generally a monument closed to visitors. However, the surrounding square and park area are open to the public, and it is free to examine the tower's architecture up close.   

Is there an entrance fee for the Kasr-ı Hümayun Palace Museum? Is the MuseumPass valid? Yes, there is an entrance fee for the museum. However, the MuseumPass is valid for citizens of the Republic of Turkey. The current ticket price is 100 TL (as of 2024), and it is free for Turkish citizens under the age of 18.   

Is it possible to visit these three places (Clock Tower, Kapanca Street, Palace Museum) in one day? Absolutely! These three spots are just a few minutes' walk from each other. You can explore all of them at a leisurely pace in half a day and spend the rest of your time enjoying the other beauties of İzmit.