Gültepe Necropolis

Necropolis means "city of the dead" in Ancient Greek. Gültepe Necropolis fits this definition perfectly: a sacred area outside the city boundaries where the ancient city of Nicomedia buried its dead. Accidentally discovered in 1991 during the construction of the TEM highway, the site features both Roman-era tomb structures and the remains of a hypogeum (underground sacred structure) dating to the Byzantine period. Spanning a period from the 2nd to the 9th century AD, this timeframe highlights how long the site remained in use.

Ancient Nicomedia was established where modern İzmit stands today and became one of the most important cities of the East during the Roman Empire. Gültepe Necropolis served as the burial ground for this great city, offering tangible evidence of the death rituals, tomb architecture, and religious practices of Roman and Byzantine civilizations. In particular, the hypogeum remains represent an archaeologically valuable find as they bear traces of Byzantine Christianity in the region.

However, the site has not received adequate protection since its discovery in 1991. Illegal excavations and natural degradation have damaged a significant portion. This issue is frequently brought up in discussions regarding Kocaeli's cultural heritage.

For the open-air archaeological site of Gültepe Necropolis, spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most ideal times to visit. In summer, İzmit's humid and hot weather can make exploring open-air sites challenging. In winter, rainy and muddy ground conditions make accessing the site difficult. Morning light is more favorable for photography.

Gültepe Necropolis is located approximately 2 km from İzmit city center, along the old Istanbul road next to the TEM highway. If traveling by private vehicle, you can take the Gültepe exit off the TEM highway; the site is located south of the highway and east of the Gültepe park area, slightly elevated above the park. If using public transport, you will need to check the municipal bus lines running between central İzmit and Gültepe. You can call the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality transportation hotline for up-to-date schedule information.

Gültepe Necropolis is not a large-scale archaeological park, but rather a relatively compact open-air site. 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient to view the tomb structures and hypogeum remains, take photos, and explore the surroundings. If you have a deep interest in archaeology or ancient history, you might want to extend your stay slightly. You can also combine your visit with other historical sites in İzmit to plan a half-day cultural tour.

You can create a meaningful travel itinerary by combining Gültepe Necropolis with other historical and cultural spots in İzmit. The İzmit Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, displaying artifacts from ancient Nicomedia, serves as a natural complement to a necropolis visit. Historical structures in the city center and other archaeological sites in Kocaeli can also be included in the same day's itinerary.

The site has been subjected to illegal excavations for decades and is partially damaged. During your visit, refraining from touching the remains, climbing onto structures, or moving any objects is crucial for both personal safety and cultural heritage preservation. Wear comfortable walking shoes suited for open terrain conditions. You can check with the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality or the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism in advance for information regarding visiting hours and access conditions.

Among the most striking features of the site are the stone tomb structures and the entrance to the hypogeum remains. Side lighting in the morning accentuates the texture of the stone surfaces, allowing for more impactful shots. Wide-angle photos taken from the side of the site facing the TEM highway create an interesting contrast, documenting the juxtaposition of antiquity and modern infrastructure.

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