Imagine standing on a cliff where the Black Sea stretches endlessly before you, its waves carving the rugged coastline, while a gentle breeze carries the scent of pine trees and saltwater. Welcome to Zonguldak — a quite small city which is overlooked but never forgotten once visited.
In April 1, 1924 the city became the first official city of Turkish Republic.
The city Zonguldak is in the west side of Black Sea, only 2.5 hours driving away from Istanbul and Ankara. The city is shaped by its roots in coal mining and its natural beauty. Although it is not as famous as other cities in Turkiye, Zonguldak offers authencity, serenity, and an invivation to slow down and discover.
The spirit of coal mining is still visible today. One of the best places to experience this is the Zonguldak Mining Museum, which offers interactive journey into the life of miners and history of the region. You can walk through exhibits and tat show the proud working life of the people. It’s not just a museum but it’s a moving tribute to the resilience of the community.
However, the story goes even further back than mining. In the neighboring district of Karadeniz Ereğli, history stretches all the way to ancient times. According to mythology, Ereğli was the land where Hercules completed one of his legendary twelve labors, capturing the three-headed dog Cerberus from the gates of Underworld. Today, you can visit the Cehennemağzı Caves (Entrance of Hell), a mystical place believed to be the entrance to the underworld.
Gökgöl Cave is also another must-visit destination. It is one of the largest caves open to visitors in Türkiye, famous for its impressive formations and cool atmosphere.
If you are looking for a day by the sea, Kapuz Beach and Filyos Beach offers clear waters and a relaxed local vibe (Do not forget that the sea is deep in Black Sea, it takes one step!) For those who love history, a visit to Filyos rewards you with ancient ruins, and a beautiful beach.
For Erasmus students and adventurous travelers, Zonguldak offers an authentic experience: a glimpse into real Turkish life, untouched cliffs, and stories that echo from both mythological times and industrialization era.
If you are ready to step off the path and find a place where it’s quite small and relaxing, where you can find a place history, nature and community meet under the vast of Black Sea sky, Zonguldak is a great destination to visit!
Sibel Maden
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