Akyazı (District)

Akyazı is located within the boundaries of Sakarya province, in the Eastern Marmara subregion of the Marmara Region. It borders Hendek and Mudurnu to the east, Erenler and Karapürçek to the west, Adapazarı to the northwest, and Bolu-Göynük to the south. According to TÜİK 2024 data, its population is 98,098.

History

The history of Akyazı extends back to the Mysia and Bithynia periods. It was part of the Kingdom of Bithynia, which existed from the 9th century BC to the 4th century AD. The region came under the rule of Persian King Cyrus II and later Alexander the Great. Rome took control of the area in 85 BC. During the Byzantine period, the eastern part of the Sakarya River was known as Regio Tersia.

The Seljuks seized the region in 1072 through Artuk Bey but later lost it to the Byzantines. In 1075, Süleyman Bey of the Kutalmışoğlu dynasty regained control. The Ottoman period brought significant conquests and administrative changes to Akyazı. In 1944, the district was attached to Kocaeli, and in 1954, it was transferred to Sakarya. During the National Struggle, Akyazı played a strategic role.

Geographical Structure

Akyazı is distinguished by significant natural formations such as Keremali Mountain and Kapıorman Mountains. Located in the southeast of Akova (Sakarya Plain), the district is characterized by the Mudurnu Stream and its tributaries. Natural lakes such as Sülüklü Lake and Çamlıca Lake are important water sources for the district.

Agriculture

Akyazı is known for agricultural products such as hazelnut, maize, wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes. Hazelnut, in particular, is a major income source, with an average annual production of 11,000 tons. In recent years, greenhouse farming has developed significantly, and beekeeping, sericulture, and wild strawberry cultivation have also become important. Income is also derived from forest products including parquet manufacturing and timber sales. Mushroom cultivation is practiced in some villages.

Akyazı Maize Harvest (Akyazı Municipality)

Transportation

Akyazı is situated at a strategic transportation node, located on the E-5 and D-100 highways and the TEM motorway. Direct access is available to many major cities. Roads are generally asphalted and well maintained.

Natural Environment and Climate

Akyazı exhibits characteristics of both the Marmara and Black Sea climates. The district receives abundant rainfall, and snowfall occurs in its higher elevations during winter. Its rich forests are composed of tree species such as hornbeam, oak, poplar, and beech.

Akyazı Natural Environment (Akyazı Municipality)

Population and Industry

According to TÜİK 2024 data, the population is 98,098. Population growth has been observed due to industrialization in the region. In particular, the hot springs in Kuzuluk are of tourist importance. Timber processing is also one of the district’s prominent industrial sectors.

Tourist Attractions

Kuzuluk Hot Springs

Kuzuluk Hot Springs play a significant role in health tourism. The springs are beneficial for stomach, rheumatic, and skin conditions.

On 04.12.2006, the Council of Ministers issued Decision No. 2006/11354, officially declaring the “Sakarya Akyazı Kuzuluk Thermal Tourism Center.” The decision was published in the Official Gazette on 16.12.2006 and entered into force.

The use of the springs dates back to the Seljuk period and has been utilized for therapeutic purposes for centuries. It is regarded as one of the best-organized thermal spas in Turkey operated by private enterprise, renowned for its high medicinal water quality.

Water Characteristics

The average temperature of the spring water is 84 °C. It has a distinctive odor and slightly acidic taste due to its gas content. The region’s geology, particularly fault lines, has played a decisive role in the formation of the hot springs. Previous measurements have indicated temperature increases from north to south.

Kuzuluk Hot Springs (Akyazı Subdistrict Governorate)

Summer Pastures

The Akyazı district of Sakarya province hosts numerous summer pastures due to its natural geography and rich vegetation. These pastures, concentrated in the southern part of the district, attract attention through their historical heritage, plant diversity, geographical features, and local culture. The Akyazı summer pastures constitute an important cultural and natural landscape area linked to settlement, agriculture, animal husbandry, and traditional festivals.

Acelle Summer Pasture

Acelle Summer Pasture, located 35–40 km south of Akyazı at an elevation of 1,200 meters, features a forest structure composed of broadleaf and coniferous trees. Undergrowth includes low-growing plants such as forest rose and heather. Various mushroom species, including Kanlıca and kuzugöbeği, grow in the pasture. A reservoir has been constructed on the Enişte Stream, which flows through the center of the pasture, to assist in combating forest fires. The stream is inhabited by carp fish as well as frogs and water lizards.

Every year, during the last week of July, festivals are held at the pasture, during which hundreds of tents are set up. Permanent wooden houses exist on the pasture, and camping facilities are available. Access from the district center takes approximately 60 minutes. Routes include Beldibi-Boztepe-Çatalkaya, Taşburun-Ballıkaya-Taşyatak-Hasyatak, or Taşburun-Ballıkaya-Taşyatak-Yanık pasture.

Acelle Summer Pasture (Akyazı Municipality)

Keremali Summer Pasture and Summit

The highest point in Akyazı, at 1,541 meters, is Keremali Summit, named after the Keremali Türbesi located there. According to tradition, Keremali fell in battle against the Byzantines during campaigns in the 12th century, and his tomb stands on the summit. Due to its historical and spiritual significance, the site is a destination for visitors.

Keremali Summit offers panoramic views of Sakarya and its surroundings. To the west, one can see Akyazı, Karapürçek, the Sakarya city center, Sapanca Lake, and Kartepe; to the east, Hendek and Düzce are visible. The area is suitable for hiking, cycling, motor sports, and photography. A lake lies just below the summit, and a short walk leads to the tomb.

Sultanpınar Summer Pasture

Sultanpınar Summer Pasture, at an elevation of 1,200 meters, was shaped by settlers migrating from the Black Sea region. It features a flat plateau surrounded by forest. Established in the mid-19th century to supply hornbeam timber for the Ottoman navy, the area is notable for its hornbeam and oak trees.

The pasture has hiking trails and walking routes connecting it to neighboring pastures. Accessible via the Akyazı-Dokurcun road, the pasture is 45 km from the district center. Transportation is provided during summer months by vehicles from Boztepe Village. Traditional summer pasture houses are present, and long-distance walking paths link it to surrounding pastures.

Sultanpınar Summer Pasture (Akyazı Municipality)

Davlumbaz Summer Pasture

Davlumbaz Summer Pasture, located 10 km south of Dokurcun at an elevation of 1,300 meters, lies west of Sülüklü Lake. The name “Davlumbaz,” believed to have Georgian origins, means “summit.” The pasture is particularly notable for viewpoints offering bird’s-eye views of Sülüklü Lake. It is surrounded by forests of hornbeam, pine, fir, and oak; the prevalence of thyme and clean drinking water are also characteristic features.

The pasture is suitable for hiking, picnicking, and camping. Wooden summer houses are present, and dairy farming and animal husbandry are practiced. Festivals are held on the first Sunday of July. Access is via stabilized roads from Dokurcun.