Düzce (Province)

Düzce is a city in Black Sea Region in Türkiye that gained provincial status in 1999. West is the only surviving ancient city on the Black Sea coast. City has been a settlement area for various civilizations and became a trade center during the Ottoman period. Today it maintains its economic vitality through agriculture industry and trade.

Düzce City Center - Ahmet Bozdemir

History

Düzce’s documented history extends back to around 1390 BCE. Region has been subject to invasions by numerous peoples and states throughout history. Remnants of civilizations such as the Phrygians Lydians Persians Romans Byzantines Seljuks and Ottomans are visible in the region. The area’s transition to Ottoman rule occurred in 1323 following a victory by Konuralp one of Gazi’s commanders against Byzantine lords. This region was named after Konuralp Bey and has retained this name to the present day. The ancient settlement within the village of Konuralp attached to Düzce dates back to the 3rd century BCE.

Bitinia Period

During the Bitinian period Düzce was known by the name of Prusias (Üskübü) located in what is now the village of Konuralp. At that time the Düzce Plain was a vast swampy area unsuitable for agriculture.

Roman and Byzantine Periods

The region was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 74 BCE and during this period the swamps were drained and converted for agricultural use. The area began to develop under Roman rule and after the fall of the Roman Empire it came under Byzantine control. During the Byzantine period Düzce especially in its later centuries experienced significant growth.

Ottoman Period

Düzce was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1323 by Konuralp Bey one of Orhan Gazi’s commanders. During the Ottoman period the region known as Konsopa gradually increased in commercial and economic importance. From the first quarter of the 14th century onward the area was referred to as “Konuralp District” or “Konrapa”. Until 1869 Düzce was a subdistrict under the Kastamonu Vilayeti Bolu Mutasarrıflığı. In 1870 it became a district under Bolu Sancağı. In 1871 the district center was moved from Üskübü (Konuralp) to Düzce.

Republican Period

After the proclamation of the Republic Düzce developed economically and infrastructurally becoming one of Türkiye’s major trade centers. The passage of the D-100 highway and the TEM motorway gave the region strategic importance in national and international transportation. The city suffered extensive damage in the earthquakes of 17 August and 12 November 1999 and was subsequently rebuilt as modern a modern city. On 9 December 1999 it was officially declared Türkiye’s 81st province.

Geography

Düzce lies between 40°50' and 41°10' north latitudes and 30°50' and 31°50' east longitudes. The province is located in Türkiye’s Western Black Sea Region bordered by Bolu to the east Sakarya to the west the Black Sea to the north and Zonguldak to the south. The city situated at an elevation of 160 meters above Sea sea level lies along the D-100 highway and the TEM motorway strategic providing key access.

Geomorphology

Except for the coastal area Düzce’s terrain features a central depression surrounded by mountains. The Akçakoca Mountains lie to the north the Bolu Mountains to the east and the western extensions of the Abant Mountains to the southeast and south. Among Düzce’s most prominent elevations are Kaplandede Mountain (1160 m) Elmacık Mountains and Sünnice Mountains. The North Anatolian Fault runs through the southern part of the region. This fault has played a major role in the formation of the Düzce Plain and renders the city seismically vulnerable.

Hydrography

The most important river in Düzce is the Melen Çayı which splits into two branches: the Küçük Melen and the Büyük Melen. The Küçük Melen flows as far as Efteni Lake while the Büyük Melen empties into the sea at Melenağzı Village. Efteni Lake is one of the province’s significant wetlands and supports over 150 species of birds. Additionally the Hasanlar Dam located between Düzce and Yığılca is used for irrigation and energy production.

Climate and Vegetation

Düzce lies under the influence of the Black Sea climate. The annual average temperature is 13°C the annual precipitation is 823.7 mm and the relative moisture humidity is around 75%. Humidity levels are higher in mountainous areas while the plain regions exhibit a more dry microclimate. Düzce is rich in natural plant vegetation. Along the coast Mediterranean shrubland and false maquis communities are found while inland extensive forested areas consist of hornbeam oak chestnut beech black pine yellow pine and oriental beech.

Population and Demography

Düzce’s population has fluctuated throughout history due to migrations economic changes and natural disasters. According to 2024 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) the total population of Düzce is 412344. The population of the provincial center is recorded as 263220.

Economy

Düzce’s economy is largely based on agriculture trade and industry.

Agriculture

Düzce is one of Türkiye’s important hazelnut production centers. In addition maize row corn wheat rice and fruit cultivation are widespread.

Industry and Trade

Düzce is an industrializing province. Automotive textile furniture forest products and food processing are the leading sectors. Its strategic location between Istanbul and Ankara supports industrial development.

Culture and Tourism

Düzce is a region distinguished by its historical and natural features. Remains from the Roman Byzantine and Ottoman periods along with various water sources are defining elements of its geographical and cultural structure.

Historical and Cultural Structures

• Konuralp Museum: Opened on 18 November 1994 it houses archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. The museum’s collection includes a total of 6124 artifacts from the Roman Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
• Prusias ad Hypium Ancient City: Settlement is known to have begun in the 3rd century BCE. After coming under Roman rule the city developed structurally and various public buildings were constructed. Surviving remains include an ancient theater a Roman bridge and city walls.
• Konuralp Ancient Theater: Built during the Roman period the structure measures 100 meters in length and 74 meters in width. White limestone was used as the primary building material.
• Roman Bridge: Constructed on the Tabak Stream using white marble blocks without mortar three arches remain standing today.
• Mosaics: Discovered during excavations in 1959 these mosaics depict mythological scenes including Orpheus the four seasons and Achilles and Thetis.
• Statue of Tyche: Believed to have been created in the 2nd century CE the statue represents Tyche the protective goddess of ancient cities. It is currently exhibited at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
• Konuralp Hammam and Mosque: Built during the Ottoman period. The hammam is thought to have been commissioned by Konuralp Bey.
• Walls and Atlı Gate: Remnants of the ancient city walls have survived. Some coins depict a double-towered city gate.

Natural Features and Water Sources

Düzce offers diversity in rivers and lakes originating from its mountains. Some rivers converge at Efteni Lake before flowing into the Black Sea via the Büyük Melen River. Water resources are of significant ecosystem value and have been the subject of various studies.

• Efteni Lake and Wetland: The lake serves as a habitat for migratory birds and is designated a nature conservation area.
• Waterfalls:
• • Güzeldere Waterfall: With a drop of 120 meters it is situated among hornbeam and oak trees.
  • Samandere Waterfall: This area features various cascades and waterfalls and is one of the first sites in Türkiye to be officially registered as a “Natural Monument”.
  • Aydınpınar Waterfall: Surrounded by mixed deciduous forests it offers several nature walking trails.
  • Aktaş Waterfall: Located in the district of Akçakoca it is surrounded by rich vegetation.
  • Saklıkent Yoğunpelit Mengen and Harmankaya Waterfalls: Located in the Yığılca and Cumayeri regions these waterfalls stand out due to their distinct geological formations.

Black Sea Coastline

The district of Akçakoca on Düzce’s Black Sea coast has held importance for trade and transportation during various historical periods. The region contains various historical and natural formations.

• Ceneviz Castle and Beach: Believed to have been built in the Middle Ages the castle was used during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Coastal formations are observable around the site.
• Melenağzı and Karaburun Beaches: Located along the coastline fishing activities are carried out in these areas.

Düzce is a region of cultural and natural diversity that offers potential for research in archaeology history biogeography and geology.

Düzce Akçakoca - Ahmet Bozdemir

Administrative Structure

Düzce Province consists of 8 districts 2 towns and 278 villages:

• Districts: Akçakoca Gölyaka Cumayeri Çilimli Gümüşova Kaynaşlı Yığılca and Merkez
• Towns: Beyköy Boğaziçi