Sakarya (Province)

Sakarya is a city located in the eastern part of the Marmara Region, place, which has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history. Economically, it holds a strategic position due to its fertile agricultural lands, industry activities, and transportation networks. The Acarlar Wetland, Sapanca Lake, and its highland meadows provide natural areas, while the city preserves its historical fabric through Taraklı and Ottoman-era structures. Earthquake’s location enables awareness campaigns linked to structures such as Adapazarı Earthquake and Culture Museum.

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History

Prehistoric Period

Due to its location along migration routes, Sakarya province has been home to human settlements since prehistoric times. Although archaeological research in the region has been limited, flint flakes found in Kaynarca, hand axes recovered in Kocaali, and baked clay vessels indicate settlement during the Chalcolithic and Neolithic periods. However, comprehensive excavations related to the prehistoric era have not been conducted.

Ancient Period

Although Sakarya lay within the boundaries of the Hittites, who established the first political unity in Anatolia, no remains from this period have survived to the present day. Around 1200 BCE, the migration of Sea Peoples into Anatolia ended Hittite dominance, and the Phrygians subsequently gained control of the region. The Phrygians expanded over a vast territory stretching from the Sakarya River to the Büyük Menderes, creating a cultural influence area extending as far east as Cappadocia.

During the Classical period, Sakarya was part of the Bithynia region. Bithynia encompassed a wide geographical area including present-day Kocaeli, Yalova, Sakarya, Bilecik, Bolu, Zonguldak, and Bursa provinces. Region derives its name from the Bitin people who settled there and later established their own kingdom. The Sakarya River was known in Phrygian mythology as the god Saggarios. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, the region remained under the influence of important cities such as Nicomedia (Izmit) and Prusias (Konuralp), becoming a strategic area along military and trade routes strategic.

Ottoman Period

Ottoman dominance in the region began in the first quarter of the 14th century. The lands of Sakarya, conquered by Ottoman commanders such as Konuralp Bey and Akçakoca Bey, played a significant role in the Ottoman state’s expansion in Anatolia. During the Ottoman era, intensive migrations occurred from Anatolia, Caucasus, and Rumelia, significantly shaping the demographic structure of the city.

The historical development of Adapazarı began in the 16th century as a small village. The clearing of surrounding forests during the Ottoman period created arable land, leading to increased settlement. By the 17th century, Adapazarı had become a market center, eventually evolving into the region’s trade hub. In the 19th century, Adapazarı acquired a town appearance and became a city center subordinate to the İzmit Sanjak. In 1869, a municipality administration was established, transforming the region into an administrative center as well as a commercial center. Additionally, the settlement of Caucasian migrants after the Crimean War contributed to rapid population growth.

National Struggle Period

Sakarya held strategic importance during the National Struggle years. Adapazarı, occupied by the Greek army on 25 March 1921, was recaptured on 21 June 1921 following Turkish army successful operations. During this period, people demonstrated significant resistance in the War of Independence. Additionally, the Adapazarı Uprising, one of the local revolts against the National Struggle, began on 3 April 1920 and was suppressed by Ali Fuat Cebesoy.

Republican Period and Sakarya’s Establishment as a Province

With the proclamation of the Republic in 1923, Adapazarı continued to develop and diversified its economic activities. In the first population census of 1927, the city’s population was recorded as 22,550. In the 1950s, the city entered an industrialization process and, in 1954, separated from Kocaeli to gain provincial status under the name Sakarya. Rapid industrialization from the 1950s onward led to the establishment of factories in the textile, leather, oil, tractor, chemical, and automotive sectors. Alongside traditional agricultural products, industrial production began to play a significant role in the economic structure.

Earthquakes and Reconstruction

Sakarya lies within the I. degree earthquake belt and has been affected by various earthquakes throughout history. Major earthquakes in 1943, 1967, and 1999 caused severe damage to the city. The 17 August 1999 Marmara Earthquake was one of the most destructive disasters for Sakarya, resulting in 3,891 fatalities in Adapazarı, the collapse of thousands of building, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. Following the earthquake, the city was rebuilt with contributions from state and civil society organizations.

Sakarya Today

Today, Sakarya is a major center in industry, agriculture, and tourism. Its location between the two major metropolises of Istanbul and Ankara provides transportation advantages. Natural resources such as the Sakarya River and Sapanca Lake, along with the Acarlar Wetland, highland meadows, and beaches along the Black Sea coast, make it attractive for tourism. Additionally, Taraklı preserves its Ottoman-era architecture and historical monuments, sustaining its cultural heritage. Today, with its rapidly growing population, developing industry, and natural beauty, continues to be one of the important cities of the Marmara Region.

Taraklı Houses

Geographical Structure

Location and Boundaries

Sakarya is located in the northwest of Türkiye, in the eastern part of the Marmara Region. It borders Düzce to the east, Bolu to the southeast, Bilecik to the south, Kocaeli to the west, and the Black Sea to the north. The provincial center is Adapazarı, a key transit point between Istanbul and Ankara. Due to its geographical position, Sakarya enjoys advantages in industry, agriculture, and tourism.

Climate

Sakarya exhibits characteristics of both the Black Sea and Marmara transitional climates. The northern region, bordering the Black Sea, generally has a mild and humid climate. Summers are cool and winters are mild and rainy. Precipitation levels remain high year-round along the Black Sea coast, while continental climate influences become more apparent toward inland areas. Winter months see frequent snow snowfall in higher elevations. Annual average temperatures in Sakarya range between 13–15°C, with the coldest moon January and July being the warmest month.

Landforms

Sakarya features a diverse topography with both coastal plains and elevated inland areas. The majority of the province’s territory consists of lowlands and gently undulating plateaus.

• Plains: The Sakarya Plain is the largest in the province and hosts extensive agricultural land. The Pamukova, Geyve, and Akyazı plains are also notable for their fertile farmland.
• Mountains and Highland Meadows: The Samanlı Mountains extend in the south, while extensions of the Bolu Mountains are visible in the east. Dikmen, Keremali, and Çiğdem highland meadows are located in the province’s elevated areas and are significant for alpine tourism.

Natural Resources and Minerals

Sakarya is rich in water resources, but its underground mineral reserves are limited.

• Forests and Natural Resources: Approximately 40% of the province is covered by forests. Common tree species include hornbeam, oak, chestnut, and beech. Special ecosystems such as the Acarlar Wetland are also present.
• Minerals: Mineral reserves in Sakarya are limited, with limestone and marble deposits primarily found around Hendek and Pamukova. Thermal tourism has developed in the region due to its abundance of natural spring waters.

Rivers and Dams

Sakarya is rich in water resources, primarily through the Sakarya River and other river systems.

• Sakarya River: The Sakarya River, Türkiye’s third-largest river, flows through the province and empties into the Black Sea. Çark Suyu is one of its important tributaries.
• Other Rivers: Melen Çayı, Mudurnu Çayı, Karasu Deresi, and the streams feeding Sapanca Lake are other significant water sources in the province.
• Dams: Dams in the province serve irrigation and energy production purposes. Akçay Dam, Ballıkaya Dam, and Sapanca Lake play vital roles in drinking water supply and agricultural irrigation.

Sakarya’s geographical structure provides favorable conditions for both agricultural and industrial production. With its natural resources, river systems, and climate, it holds significant economic and touristic importance.

Sapanca Lake

Economic Structure

As one of the developing cities of the Marmara Region, Sakarya possesses significant economic potential in industry, agriculture, and trade. Its location between the two major metropolises of Istanbul and Ankara provides transportation advantages. While industry dominates the economic structure, agriculture and trade also play important roles.

Industry and Production

Sakarya is among Türkiye’s leading provinces in industrial production. The city’s industrialization began in the 1950s and accelerated significantly from the 1990s onward. Today, numerous organized industrial zones (OSB) support diverse sectoral production activities.

• Automotive Industry: Sakarya is one of Türkiye’s major automotive production centers. Production facilities of major companies such as Toyota, Otokar, and TürkTraktör are located here. The automotive ancillary industry is also well-developed, with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises supplying components.
• Machinery and Metal Industry: Machinery manufacturing and metal industries are well-established in the province. Factories engage in various metal processing, casting, and automotive parts production.
• Food Industry: Sakarya has a food industry based on agricultural production, manufacturing flour, oil, sugar, and dairy products. Companies also operate in the beverage and soft drink sector.
• Chemical and Plastic Industry: Various plastic and chemical products are manufactured in the city. Factories produce paints, detergents, and cleaning products.
• Construction and Building Materials: Industries related to construction, such as cement, brick, and marble production, are present in Sakarya.
• Organized Industrial Zones: Sakarya hosts the 1st and 2nd Organized Industrial Zones (OSB), as well as industrial areas in Hendek, Karasu, and Ferizli. These zones support the systematic development of industry.

Trade and Service Sector

Sakarya is a key commercial hub between Istanbul and Ankara. In addition to agriculture and industry, the service sector holds a significant share in the city’s economy.

• Retail and Wholesale Trade: The city center and districts feature numerous shopping centers, wholesale markets, and commercial areas. Trade activities focus on agricultural products, industrial goods, and textiles.
• Logistics and Transportation Services: Sakarya occupies a strategic position in road and rail transportation. Its location on the Istanbul-Ankara highway and railway network supports the growth of logistics services. Transportation, warehousing, and freight sectors are well-developed, facilitating national and international shipping.
• Tourism and Accommodation: Sakarya has potential for nature tourism, alpine tourism, and thermal tourism. Hotels around Sapanca Lake, thermal facilities in Akyazı and Taraklı, bungalow accommodations in highland meadows, and summer tourism along the Karasu coastline contribute significantly to the service sector.
• Finance and Banking: Branches of public and private banks are widespread in the city. The financial sector is growing in parallel with the development of industry and trade.
• Education and Health Services: Sakarya University and Sakarya Applied Sciences University make major contributions to the city’s education sector. Public and private healthcare institutions are also present. Thermal facilities and rehabilitation centers play an important role in health tourism.

Sakarya continues to be one of the important economic centers of the Marmara Region through its development in industry, trade, and services. Its economic growth is sustained by the diversity of investment areas and logistics advantages.

Infrastructure

Sakarya, as a growing city in industry, trade, and tourism, is supported by infrastructure investments. The city has significant investments in urban transportation, educational institutions, and universities and is integrated into regional and national transportation networks.

Urban Transportation

Urban transportation in Sakarya is provided through public transit, private vehicle use, and bicycle roads. Transportation services operated by the Metropolitan Municipality and private carriers connect the city center with districts and environment provinces.

• Public Transit: Sakarya Ulaşım A.Ş., affiliated with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, and private public buses play a major role in urban transportation. Minibus and dolmuş routes particularly connect districts with the city center.
• Rail System: The light rail system known as Adaray previously served between Adapazarı and Arifiye and remains among planned projects to ease urban mobility.
• Bicycle Paths: Sakarya is one of Türkiye’s cities designated as a “Bicycle-Friendly City.” Sports areas known as the “Bicycle Valley” host international cycling events.
• Main Transportation Axes: Key elements of urban transportation include the Ring Road, D-100 (E-5) Highway, TEM Motorway connections, and main city arteries (Atatürk Boulevard, Çark Street, Ankara Street).

Urban transportation continues to develop due to the proximity of Sakarya’s industrial and commercial centers, with new transportation projects being implemented by the metropolitan municipality.

Universities and Educational Infrastructure

Sakarya is a regional center in education, possessing a well-developed educational infrastructure through its universities, technical, and vocational schools.

• Sakarya University (SAÜ): Established in 1992, the university is among Türkiye’s leading institutions in engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, and education. Its campus is located in the Serdivan district and offers students extensive opportunities through modern educational buildings, libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and research centers.
• Sakarya Applied Sciences University (SUBÜ): Founded in 2018 after separating from Sakarya University, this university focuses on vocational and technical education. Through its applied education model, it collaborates with industry and business to provide students with both theoretical and practical training.

Educational Infrastructure

• Primary and Secondary Education: Sakarya has state schools under the Ministry of National Education, as well as private educational institutions, including Imam Hatip schools, vocational high schools, and science high schools.
• Technical and Vocational Education: As an industrial city, Sakarya’s vocational high schools are vital in training skilled labor for industry. Sakarya Vocational and Technical Anatolian High Schools hold a prominent position in this field.
• Private Educational Institutions: Private schools, colleges offering foreign language instruction, and institutions providing international education programs are present in Sakarya.
• Community Education Centers: Community Education Centers in Sakarya offer vocational training, art, and cultural development courses, providing educational opportunities to all segments of society.

Sakarya is a significant regional educational center due to its universities, vocational high schools, and educational infrastructure. Educational investments are increasing in parallel with its growing industry and population.

Cuisine and Dishes

Sakarya’s cuisine is rich in cultural diversity due to its geographical position and historical migration movements. While retaining traces of Ottoman cuisine, the influence of Balkan, Caucasian, and Black Sea cuisines is clearly evident in Sakarya’s culinary traditions. The development of agriculture and animal husbandry has enriched the cuisine with diverse ingredients, making grain products, meat dishes, dairy products, and vegetables the foundation of its food culture.

Main Dishes and Specialties

Islama Köfte

One of Sakarya’s most famous dishes, Islama Köfte, was introduced by Balkan migrants and has become a local specialty. The köfte is prepared with minced meat, onion, and spices, and served alongside grilled bread slices dipped in bone broth. On top of is poured over the dish using a red dust pepper sauce.

Keşkek

Keşkek is a dish prepared especially in Kaynarca district during wedding, holiday, and special occasions. Found in various forms across Anatolia, in Sakarya it is prepared using keşkek meat. The meat and wheat are cooked together, then pounded until smooth, and served with melted butter and a special spice called dartı.

Kabak Tatlısı

As one of Türkiye’s most important pumpkin production centers, Sakarya’s pumpkin dessert is very popular. Pumpkin is cut into thick slices, cooked with sugar, and served with tahini, walnut, or hazelnut. Sweet is commonly consumed, especially during winter months.

Çerkez Tavuğu

Sakarya’s cuisine also reflects the influence of Caucasian migrants. Çerkez Tavuğu is made by mashing boiled chicken meat with walnuts, bread crumbs, and garlic to create a special sauce. This cold dish is traditionally served at guest tables meze.

Ayva Yemeği and Tatlısı

Due to its significant quince production, quince dishes and desserts hold an important place in local cuisine. Quince is used to add a sweet-sour aroma to meat dishes. Particularly, quince cooked with lamb is sweetened with cinnamon, carnation, and pomegranate sourness. Quince dessert is also served with kaymak.

Balkabağı Çorbası

Abundantly grown in Sakarya, pumpkin is consumed not only in sweet preparations but also as a only. Pumpkin soup is prepared with milk, butter, and spices and served as a warm starter, especially during winter months.

Dough Products and Grain-Based Foods

Boşnak Böreği

A delicacy introduced by Balkan migrants, Boşnak Böreği is made by rolling thin dough with a filling of minced meat, potato, or cheese, then baking it in a tray. It is served hot with melted butter drizzled on top.

Pırasalı Kapama

A dough product particularly prepared in Pamukova and Geyve districts, Pırasalı Kapama features a filling of leeks, minced meat, and spices enclosed in yeast dough and baked in the oven.

Gözleme and Bazlama

A common food in Sakarya’s villages, bazlama and gözleme are cooked on a griddle over wood fire and filled with cheese, potato, or minced meat.

Local Beverages

Karadut Şurubu

Karadut syrup, made from black mulberries grown in Sakarya, is consumed as a refreshing drink, especially in write months. It is prepared by crushing mulberries and boiling them with sugar and water.

Kızılcık Şerbeti

Especially popular in Geyve and Taraklı districts, cranberry sherbet is a refreshing beverage served at meals. The berries are boiled with sugar and then cooled before serving.

General Characteristics of Sakarya Cuisine

• Local Ingredients: Sakarya cuisine is notable for its heavy use of local produce such as pumpkin, quince, black cabbage, hazelnuts, and corn flour.
• Migrant Cuisine Influence: The influence of Balkan, Caucasian, and Black Sea cuisines has increased dish variety and created unique flavors.
• Meat and Grain Products: Meat dishes are common in Sakarya cuisine, with wheat, corn flour, and vegetables forming the core ingredients.
• Desserts: Sakarya’s desserts stand out through their use of pumpkin and hazelnuts.

In conclusion, Sakarya cuisine is a rich and original culinary tradition shaped by its historical and geographical characteristics and bearing traces of various migration movements. This kitchen, where local ingredients meet traditional recipes, offers a wide flavor for both locals and visitors.

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Historical Structures

Sakarya, having been influenced by various civilizations throughout history, houses significant structures from different periods. Buildings from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras reflect the city’s historical identity. Mosques, bridges, castles, and tombs are among the important monuments illuminating Sakarya’s past.

Mosques and Religious Structures

Orhan Camii

One of Sakarya’s oldest mosques, Orhan Camii, was built by Konuralp Bey in the name of Orhan Gazi after the Ottoman conquest of the region. The mosque, with a single minaret and Rectangle plan, was entirely renovated during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II. Today, it continues to exist as an important building both architecturally and historically.

Yunus Paşa Camii (Kurşunlu Camii)

Constructed in 1517 during the Yavuz Sultan Selim period by Grand Vizier Yunus Pasha, the mosque is considered a work of Sinan. It exhibits characteristics of Ottoman classical architecture and is built from cut stone. Its dome is covered with lead, hence its popular name “Kurşunlu Camii.” Its interior space decorations and inscriptions are particularly striking.

Hacı Hasan Camii

One of Adapazarı’s oldest mosques, Hacı Hasan Camii is a structure reflecting Ottoman-era architecture. It has undergone various renovations over time and is notable for its minaret and interior decorative elements.

Castles and Defense Structures

Harmantepe Kalesi

Harmantepe Castle, built during the Byzantine period to protect east boundaries, was constructed in the 11th or 13th century. Located on the western bank of the Sakarya River, castle served as a forward defense and observation tower. Today, it is preserved as an important cultural heritage site.

Paşalar Kalesi (Karaceyş Kalesi)

Paşalar Castle, located in Pamukova district, is a Byzantine-era structure. It was incorporated into Ottoman territories in 1314 during the reign of Gazi. The castle was built to control trade routes and the Pamukova Plain. Roman-period recycled stones were used in its walls.

Bridges

Sakarya Köprüsü

Constructed between 1936 and 1937 on the orders of Atatürk and commissioned by then Minister of Public Works Ali Çetinkaya, the 108-meter-long and 4.80-meter-wide bridge spans the Sakarya River. It is considered one of the most important transportation structures of the Republican Era and has become one of the city’s symbols.

II. Bayezid Köprüsü (Alifuatpaşa Köprüsü)

Constructed in 1495 by Ottoman Sultan II. Bayezid, this bridge spans the Sakarya River and is built from cut stone. Originally featuring 14 arches, part of the structure has survived to the present day, with some sections restored. It is recognized as one of the important bridge structures of Ottoman architecture.

Tombs and Cemeteries

Keremali Türbesi

Located in Akyazı district on Keremali High Meadow, tomb is a revered pilgrimage site. It is said that two warriors named Keremali and Ali were martyred here, and the tomb derives its name from them. The area, with its natural beauty and mystical atmosphere, attracts visitors.

Museums and Historical Structures

Sakarya Museum (Atatürk’s House)

The Sakarya Museum is housed in the home where Atatürk met his mother, Zübeyde Hanım, on 17 June 1922 and stayed for three day. The building suffered major damage in the 1967 earthquake and was restored in 1983. Today, it operates as a museum, exhibiting various artifacts from the Ottoman and Republican periods.

Adapazarı Earthquake and Culture Museum

Opened in 2004, this museum narrates the aftermath of the 1999 Marmara Earthquake. It features photographs, debris from collapsed buildings, seismograph instruments, and simulation rooms related to the earthquakes of 1967 and 1999. The museum is an important center for raising earthquake awareness and documenting Sakarya’s seismic history.

Other Historical Structures

Taraklı Houses and Sakin Şehir Status

Taraklı district is one of the few settlements that have preserved Ottoman-era civil architecture to the present day. Cumbalı wood houses, stone-paved streets, and its traditional bazaar reflect the Ottoman urban fabric. Additionally, Taraklı is included in the Cittaslow (Slow City) network based in Italy.

Maden Deresi and Historical Mining Road

Located between Karasu and Kocaali districts, Mine Deresi was used as a mining site during the Ottoman period. The remaining old mine galleries and walking paths constitute an important historical tourism gravity point.

Poyrazlar Lake and Surrounding Historical Remains

Remains of Roman and Byzantine-era stone structures and tomb buildings are found around Poyrazlar Lake. The area attracts attention for both its natural beauty and historical traces.

Sakarya has hosted various civilizations throughout history and acquired significant structures during this process. Mosques, historical bridges, castles, and tombs representing the finest examples of Ottoman architecture illuminate Sakarya’s past. Additionally, museums and protected historical settlements are essential elements preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The city possesses great potential for cultural tourism through its natural and historical structures.

Uzunçarşı

Administration

Sakarya is governed as a metropolitan municipality through the coordinated work of central and local administrative units. The governorship, as the representative of the central government, ensures public order, while metropolitan and district municipalities deliver local services.

Governorship Administration and Responsibilities

The Sakarya Governorship is managed by the provincial governor, governor, the highest-ranking public official, who oversees security, education, health, and public services.

Governors Who Have Served in Sakarya:

• Mehmet Nazım ÜNER (1954 - 1960)
• Eşref KURT (1960)
• Sedat KİRTETEPE (1960 - 1962)
• Ertuğrul ÜNLÜER (1962 - 1967)
• Alaattin ERİŞ (1967 - 1968)
• Muzaffer Naci ÇEREZCİ (1968 - 1970)
• Mustafa UYGUR (1970 - 1975)
• M. Necdet KAMBUR (1975 - 1979)
• Sadri TURAN (1979 - 1981)
• Mehmet ALDAN (1981 - 1983)
• Hayri KOZAKÇIOĞLU (1983 - 1987)
• Nurettin TURAN (1987 - 1991)
• Erdoğan ATASOY (1991 - 1992)
• Enver HIZLAN (1992 - 1992)
• Erdinç BÜYÜKAKALIN (1992 - 1996)
• Gökhan AYDINER (1996 - 1997)
• Yener RAKICIOĞLU (1997 - 1999)
• Mustafa Cahit KIRAÇ (1999 - 2004)
• Nuri OKUTAN (2004 - 2007)
• Hüseyin ATAK (2007 - 2010)
• Mustafa BÜYÜK (2010 - 2014)
• Hüseyin Avni COŞ (2014 - 2017)
• İrfan BALKANLIOĞLU (2017 - 2018)
• Ahmet Hamdi NAYİR (2018 - 2020)
• Çetin Oktay KALDIRIM (2020 - 2023)
• Yaşar KARADENİZ (2023 - 2024)
• Rahmi DOĞAN (2024 - Present)

Municipal Administration and Mayors

The Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality is the local administrative body responsible for urbanization, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental planning.

Mayors Who Have Served in Sakarya:

• Osman KANGAL (1898 - 1901)
• İbrahim OCAKLI (1902 - 1904)
• Murat AYDOSTU (1909 - 1912)
• Ömer DIYARBAKIRLIOĞLU (1913 - 1915)
• Emin Muharrem GÜNER (1916 - 1917)
• Salih YÖNTEM (1918 - 1919)
• M. Faik ABASIZ (1920 - 1921)
• Hacı Hasan EMİROĞLU (1921 - 1923)
• A. Faik ABASIYANIK (1934 - 1945)
• İhsan KOÇAK (1945 - 1946)
• İzzet Şükrü ENEZ (1946 - 1950)
• Suavi DAMALI (1950 - 1955)
• Ali Necdet GÜVEN (1955 - 1960)
• Cevat ÖZSUNAY (1960 - 1960)
• Eşref ERKUT (1960 - 1960)
• Sedat KİRTETEPE (1960 - 1963)
• Ertuğrul ÜNLÜER (1963 - 1963)
• M. Vedat ÖNSAL (1963 - 1966)
• İbrahim KANGAL (1966 - 1966)
• Selahattin GÜRDRAMA (1966 - 1973)
• Behçet DERYAOĞLU (1973 - 1973)
• Meziyet Sevim SÖZER (1973 - 1975)
• Ünal OZAN (1975 - 1975)
• Behçet DERYAOĞLU (1975 - 1977)
• Ünal OZAN (1977 - 1980)
• Hikmet OĞUŞ (1980 - 1980)
• Turgut ARABACIOĞLU (1981 - 1984)
• Erkal ETÇİOĞLU (1984 - 1989)
• Ünal OZAN (1989 - 1994)
• Aziz DURAN (1994 - 1999)
• Aziz DURAN (1999 - 2004)
• Aziz DURAN (2004 - 2009)
• Zeki TOÇOĞLU (2009 - 2014)
• Zeki TOÇOĞLU (2014 - 2019)
• Ekrem YÜCE (2019 - 2024)
• Yusuf ALEMDAR (2024 - Present)

Sakarya’s Districts and Administrations

Sakarya consists of 16 districts, each governed by its own municipality and coordinating with the metropolitan municipality.

Sakarya’s Districts:

• Adapazarı
• Serdivan
• Erenler
• Arifiye
• Akyazı
• Hendek
• Sapanca
• Geyve
• Pamukova
• Karasu
• Kocaali
• Ferizli
• Kaynarca
• Söğütlü
• Taraklı
• Karapürçek