Zonguldak, Coal mining district on the Black Sea coast of Turkey.
Zonguldak is a city on the western Black Sea coast of Turkey, stretching along the shoreline and defined by port facilities and mining operations. The urban landscape is shaped by industrial sites and residential neighborhoods that developed around the central extraction areas.
The settlement was founded in 1849 as a coal port and grew substantially when French and Belgian companies established mining operations in the region. This development made it the country's coal production center and shaped its economic structure for generations to come.
The population of 101,749 inhabitants maintains strong ties to the mining heritage, with many families having multiple generations involved in coal extraction activities.
Access is convenient through Zonguldak Railway Station, which offers direct connections to major Turkish cities. The port is active and the waterfront invites walks, though visitors should expect uneven terrain and industrial infrastructure.
The region holds substantial coal deposits that have been continuously extracted for more than 150 years. This long mining tradition has deeply shaped the identity and economy of the place.
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