Zonguldak, Turkey
Tourism

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surface and an important coal-mining industry has grown up in the deep mountain valleys. The absence of work-place safety regulations means that Zonguldak mine counts as one of the most dangerous mines in the world. The last serious mining disaster occurred in March 1992.

Until 1850 Zonguldak was a small village but the coal fields, the steelworks in neighboring Karabük (with a rail link for transporting coal) and Karadeniz Ereglisi and the resulting expansion of the original 1899 harbor have transformed the place into the second-largest town on the Black Sea coast. Nestling in the steep wooded areas to the west and east of the town are the mining communities of Kozlu, Kilimli and Catalagzi. The name Zonguldak derives from "zongalik" meaning reeded marshland. The small port of Sandaraca stood here in antiquity. In the Hittite times it was known as Palla.

The coastal region to the east of Zonguldak beyond the Yenice Irmagi offers fine sandy beaches with Karpuz and Inkum (Inkumu) 70km/43mi to the east worth a special mention. Other excellent beaches can be found near Kuzlu (e.g. Iliksu) 18km/11mi west of the town.