İzmit City Identity and Mosques, Masjids from the Ottoman Period to the Present Day

Izmit which hosted various civilizations in its history which is more than 3000 years and was an accommodation and trade centre in Ottoman Period; is a rich city in terms of historical values with Islamic-Ottoman social complexes, mosques, Turkish baths, fountains, military and administrative buildings, historical neighbourhoods and houses. However, “Alienation” feeling towards city have been observed in the people who have lived in Izmit which lost its historical city feature owned till 1960s and has an industrial city identity for last 50 years. Today, cultural prosperity of Izmit which is known as “industrial city, transit city, earthquake city, developing city, gulf city, maritime city and trade city” has always remained secret. Historical heritage which is the complementary part of the culture is an important element representing the nations. Therefore, recording the Ottoman monuments, which still remain standing in Izmit and enlighten the future and is one of the most important proofs showing the city identity besides being a historical heritage, and noticing their features have great importance to provide cultural continuity. In this article, 15 mosques and prayer rooms from monument architecture works remaining from Ottoman Period have been described with their historical and architectural features.