Pink Rocks

Pembe Kayalar are located within the boundaries of the Kefken village, in the Kandıra district of Kocaeli province, in Türkiye’s Marmara Region. This natural formation lies on the Black Sea coast approximately one kilometre from the Kefken shoreline. Access to the area is typically provided via the routes from Kaynarca, Kumcağız, Kerpe and Kefken.

Pembe Kayalar.(Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

Geological Features

Pembe Kayalar derive their name from their distinctive pink geological composition. These rocks have a soft structure when submerged in seawater but harden over time after extraction. This characteristic makes them suitable for use as building stone, and their physical properties have enabled their use in various architectural structures throughout history.

Historical Use

Pembe Kayalar have been used as a quarry since antiquity. During the Ottoman period, these rocks were cut into rectangular blocks and transported by sea to Istanbul, where they were employed as construction material in numerous buildings. Stones sourced from Pembe Kayalar can be found in significant Ottoman architectural structures such as the Sultan Ahmet Camii and Rumeli Hisarı.

Archaeological findings dating to prehistoric periods have been uncovered during studies in the Pembe Kayalar region. This indicates that the area was a site of human settlement or activity since prehistoric times.

Pembe Kayalar.(Kocaeli Governorship)

Tourism and Visitor Profile

Today, Pembe Kayalar serve as a destination valued for both its natural and cultural heritage. Thousands of visitors each year, particularly during spring and summer, come to the area for photography and nature observation. The region’s quiet and natural environment is a primary attraction. Additionally, the area lies along cycling and nature walking trails.

Pembe Kayalar.(Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

Environmental Status

In past years, fish ponds and various human-generated waste in the area have been removed. Today, the surroundings of Pembe Kayalar have been restored to a cleaner appearance and better aligned with their natural character. Environmental improvements along the shoreline have helped preserve the natural landscape.