Karamürsel
Karamürsel is a municipality and district of Kocaeli Province, Turkey. Its area is 262 km2, and its population is 59,676 (2022). It is on the south coast of the Gulf of İzmit. Before its conquest by the Ottomans it used to be called by the Greek name of Praenetos (Πραινετός in Greek). The modern name commemorates Kara Mürsel who founded the Ottoman navy and designed distinctive galley ships, called kadırgas, for it.
Karamürsel | |
|---|---|
District and municipality | |
Map showing Karamürsel District in Kocaeli Province | |
Karamürsel Location in Turkey Karamürsel Karamürsel (Marmara) | |
| Coordinates: 40°41′21″N 29°36′54″E | |
| Country | Turkey |
| Province | Kocaeli |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Ahmet Çalık (CHP) |
| Area | 262 km2 (101 sq mi) |
| Population (2022) | 59,676 |
| • Density | 230/km2 (590/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (TRT) |
| Postal code | 41500 |
| Area code | 0262 |
| Website | www |
Karamürsel holds special significance for the Turkish Navy, as it was here in 1323 that the Ottoman Empire first established an outlet to the sea, thus laying the foundations for the Ottoman Navy which would go on to dominate the eastern Mediterranean for several centuries.
The Karamürsel area is not as heavily industrialised as other parts of Kocaeli province,.
Ferry services link Karamürsel to İzmit and Hereke on the northern side of the Bay of İzmit.