Sakarya Historic Places – Explore the Cultural Heritage of Türkiye’s Green City

Sakarya, located between Istanbul and the Black Sea, is known for its forests, thermal springs, lakes, and rivers. But it is also home to important landmarks from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The city offers castles, bridges, traditional houses, old mosques, and cultural villages that tell the story of Anatolian life.

Below are the top historic places to visit in Sakarya:

🏰 1. Justinian Bridge (Beşköprü)

One of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in Sakarya.

🌉 Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire
🧱 365 meters long stone bridge
🌊 Crosses the Sakarya River near Serdivan
🏛 UNESCO temporary heritage list

A must-see monument that connects past and present.

🏰 2. Taraklı Historic Houses

A preserved Ottoman town famous for white wooden mansions.

🏚️ Traditional Ottoman architecture
🕌 Narrow streets, old mosques, and squares
🏠 UNESCO-recognized slow city, “Cittaslow”
📸 Beautiful location for cultural photography

Taraklı is like an open-air museum of Ottoman village life.

🕌 3. Yunus Paşa Mosque (Taraklı)

An elegant Ottoman mosque dating back to 1517.

🕌 Built by Mimar Sinan’s students
🧱 Stone and wooden design
📍 Located in Taraklı center
🤲 Still active for worship

Surrounded by historic houses and traditional shops.

🧱 4. Sakarya Castle (Harmantepe Kalesi)

An ancient fortress overlooking the Sakarya plain.

🏰 Located in Geyve district
📜 Dates back to Byzantine times
🌲 Surrounded by forests and hiking paths
📸 Panoramic valley views

A hidden gem for nature and history lovers.

🌉 5. Çark Street & Historic Train Station (Adapazarı)

A cultural area in the city center.

🚉 Old Adapazarı Train Station
🏚️ 19th-century buildings and shops
🛍 Traditional markets and cafes
🚶 Popular walking area for tourists

A blend of modern life and historic charm.

🕌 6. Orhan Gazi Mosque (Geyve)

One of the oldest mosques in the region.

📜 Built during the early Ottoman era
🕌 Simple, historic architecture
📍 Located in Geyve old town
🤲 Still used for worship

A spiritual and cultural symbol of Sakarya.

🕌 7. Acarlar Longoz Village Heritage

While famous for its natural park, the surrounding villages preserve historical rural architecture.

🏠 Old wooden houses
🌳 Traditional farming lifestyle
🛶 Close to the Longoz swamp and river

Great for eco-tourism with cultural touches.

🧱 8. Old Bridges of Sakarya River

Historic stone bridges around Geyve and Karapürçek.

🌉 Ottoman-era architecture
🧱 Hand-built stone arches
💧 Located near rivers and forests
📸 Perfect for nature and culture photos

Many travelers visit these spots on village tours.

🕌 9. Sapanca Old Mosque and Village Streets

Sapanca is known for its lake, but also has cultural heritage.

🕌 Old wooden mosque near town center
🏠 Traditional houses and local bazaars
🌿 Beautiful lake and forest surroundings

A peaceful stop mixing nature and history.

✅ Why Visit Historic Places in Sakarya?

🌿 Ottoman villages and traditional houses
🌉 Byzantine landmarks like the Justinian Bridge
🕌 Early Ottoman mosques and old settlements
📸 Perfect for cultural, eco, and city tourism
🚶 Accessible day trips from Istanbul