Tahtalı Göleti

Tahtalı Göleti is an artificial reservoir in the Derince district of Kocaeli Province, created in 1982 by damming the Tahtalı River. The water body reaches depths of approximately 28 meters and covers around 1.2 square kilometers, holding roughly 7.2 million cubic meters of water collected from rainfall across the surrounding region.

The reservoir was constructed in 1982 to improve regional water supply and support agricultural irrigation. Building a dam across the Tahtalı River altered its natural flow and created a new aquatic environment that local wildlife has adapted to over the decades.

The name reflects the Tahtalı region, with "Göleti" meaning reservoir in Turkish. Today it functions as both a working water resource for farming and a gathering spot where locals walk, fish, and spend time outdoors with family and friends.

The site is easily accessible by local bus 148 from the town center, making it a straightforward visit. Plan your trip in advance and bring comfortable shoes for walking along the paths around the water.

Near the reservoir stands a small burial mound believed to contain the remains of King Nikomedes, the founder of nearby İzmit. This archaeological site adds an ancient historical layer to what is otherwise a modern working water resource.