Yalova

Museums & History

Black Church (Kara Kilise)

Black Church (Kara Kilise) is a historic structure in Çiftlikköy, Yalova, near the Marmara coast. Associated with the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods, the building is believed to date from around the 5th or 6th century. Its red brickwork and cross-shaped architectural plan are among its most distinctive features. The structure is thought to have served different purposes over time. Historical accounts describe an earlier use as a bathhouse before its conversion into a church. Today, Kara Kilise offers visitors an opportunity to explore a lesser-known part of Yalova’s historical heritage and learn about the region’s changing cultural landscape. If you are exploring Çiftlikköy and the surrounding coastline, you may wish to include this historic site in your itinerary. Before visiting, check locally whether the site is accessible to the public and whether any entrance restrictions apply.

📍 Kilise, Sahil, Akasya Cd. No:17, 77600 Çiftlikköy/Yalova

Museums & History

Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha Mosque

Located in Hersek neighbourhood in the Altınova district of Yalova, Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha Mosque is a historic place of worship that preserves the architectural heritage of the early Ottoman period. Commissioned by Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha, an Ottoman grand vizier, the mosque reflects the historical importance of the old settlement along the Gulf of İzmit. The building dates to the late 15th or early 16th century. Its square prayer hall, central dome, cut-stone walls and entrance portico create a restrained and balanced architectural composition. The mosque was also part of a wider religious and charitable complex, illustrating the role of Ottoman foundations in supporting local communities. Over the centuries, earthquakes damaged parts of the structure. The mosque was repaired after the devastating earthquake of 1766 and underwent further restoration in later periods. Together with the nearby tomb and surviving historic features, it preserves traces of the charitable legacy associated with Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha. For travellers exploring the Altınova area, the mosque offers an opportunity to discover early Ottoman architecture beyond the better-known imperial monuments. Look closely at the stonework, the domed roof and the remains of the surrounding complex. The site tells a quieter story of Ottoman provincial life, religious patronage and architectural continuity.

📍 Hersek Mahallesi, 77740 Altınova/Yalova, Türkiye

Museums & History

Ibrahim Muteferrika Paper Museum

Established as Turkey's first paper museum, the Ibrahim Muteferrika Paper Museum honors the historical legacy of the Yalova Paper Mill (Yalakabad Kagitnamesi), founded in 1745 by Ibrahim Muteferrika, the pioneer of the first official Ottoman printing press. Located within the Yalova Cultural Center, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the 2,000-year history of paper, its production techniques, and its cultural impact. Visitors can explore ancient documents, historical machinery, and art collections, while also participating in hands-on workshops where they can produce their own handmade paper using traditional methods.

Museums & History

Muzaffer Ahmet Turna Yogurt Museum

Recognized as Turkey's first and only yogurt museum, the Muzaffer Ahmet Turna Yogurt Museum is a fascinating thematic venue dedicated to the 6,000-year history of yogurt. Located on the road to Termal, this boutique museum documents the cultural journey of dairy production, traditional fermentation techniques, and the historic tools used over centuries. It also highlights the poignant migration story of Balkan immigrant families who brought their artisanal yogurt-making traditions to Yalova, offering visitors a unique blend of culinary history and local heritage.

📍 Kazım Karabekir, Termal Yolu No:3, 77200 Yalova Merkez/Yalova

Museums & History

Sudusen Waterfall - sudüşen şelalesi

Tucked away in the rugged valleys of the Samanlı Mountains, Sudüşen Waterfall is one of the most breathtaking nature spots in Turkey. Dropping from a height of approximately 15 to 20 meters into a clear, emerald-green basin, this spectacular waterfall creates a refreshing microclimate surrounded by dense beech and oak forests. Perfect for those seeking rewarding day trips from Istanbul, the site offers scenic trekking trails, wooden viewing platforms, and rustic picnic areas along the rushing stream, making it an essential eco-tourism destination on the Marmara coast.

Museums & History

Taskopru Central Mosque

Taşköprü Central Mosque is located in Taşköprü, a town within the Çiftlikköy district of Yalova. It serves the local community as a place of worship and forms part of the everyday religious and social life of the neighbourhood. Situated in Taşköprü Merkez, the mosque can be a brief stop for travellers exploring the settlements beyond Yalova’s main urban centre. Its surroundings offer a glimpse of the town’s local character and daily routines. Visitors should dress respectfully, observe prayer times and maintain a quiet atmosphere when worship is taking place.

📍 Taşköprü Merkez Mahallesi, Fatih Caddesi No: 7, 77600 Çiftlikköy/Yalova, Türkiye

Museums & History

The Walking Mansion

Centuries-old oriental plane tree whose branches were about to be cut to protect a pavilion, and a leader who declared, 'The tree shall remain, the pavilion shall walk!' Yalova’s Walking Pavilion, the most aesthetic monument proclaiming Turkey’s environmental consciousness to the world, is now in our museum archive with its historical photographs, technical details, and practical visitor tips

📍 İsmet Paşa Mahallesi, Merkez Hakim Sadettin Berki Caddesi (Sahil Yürüyüş Yolu), 77100 Yalova Merkez / Yalova.

Museums & History

Yalova 1999 Earthquake Memorial and Museum

Built to honor the victims of the devastating August 17, 1999 Marmara earthquake, the Yalova 1999 Earthquake Memorial and Museum is a deeply moving open-air monument and memory space. Located along the coastline on the very debris fields of the disaster, the memorial features marble blocks inscribed with the names of 2,504 casualties, often accompanied by small personal items or flowers left by loved ones. The indoor museum section houses a powerful collection of photographs, earthquake simulation rooms, and audio-visual archives that preserve the memory of the tragedy while raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness.

Museums & History

Yalova Bonsai Museum

Standing out as Turkey's first and only official bonsai museum, the Yalova Bonsai Museum is a unique cultural and botanical venue dedicated to the ancient art of miniature trees. Located in the Kadikoy district, the museum showcases a breathtaking collection of decades-old bonsai trees, carefully shaped by master artists using traditional techniques. Bringing together Japanese culture and Turkish nature, this green oasis offers a peaceful sanctuary for plant enthusiasts, art lovers, and tourists seeking a unique aesthetic experience in Yalova.

📍 Merkez, Kala Caddesi No:4, 77202 Kadıköy/Yalova Merkez/Yalova

Museums & History

Yalova Termal Atatürk Köşkü

Located in the heart of Yalova's healing hot springs and surrounded by majestic sequoia trees, the Termal Ataturk Mansion is a wooden architectural masterpiece built in just 38 days in 1929 by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Designed by the renowned architect Prof. Sedad Hakki Eldem, the mansion served as the summer headquarters of the state during the early Republican era. It hosted historic milestones, including the establishment of the Liberal Republican Party and the foundations of the Turkish Historical and Language Societies. Today operating as a museum under the National Palaces Administration, it showcases priceless antiques, hand-woven carpets brought from Dolmabahce Palace, and an original painting by Ivan Aivazovsky, all accessible via guided tours.

📍 Gökçedere, Kaplıcalar Cd. No:10, 77400 Termal/Yalova