Gebze is situated in the northwestern region of Turkey on the banks of the Sea of Marmara, within the district of Kocaeli. Istanbul is located 30 kilometres west of Gebze. The district is bordered by Tuzla, Pendik, Sile, and Körfez. Gebze is a growing residential and industrial region and location of prominent tourist attractions.
The Osman Hamdi Bey Museum is one of the most visited locations in Gebze and contains a collection of murals created by Turkey’s finest painter. Ballikayalar Canyon is Gebze’s most impressive natural feature, great for sightseeing, hiking, climbing, and mountaineering all year long. Other popular architectural and historical sights include the Çoban Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Eskihisar Castle.
Public transportation around Gebze is primarily serviced by the IETT bus network, including area stops at the Gebze Istasyonu Station and MakasBasi Station. The subway is an additional form of transit, routing out of the Gebze Suburban Railway Station. From Istanbul to Gebze requires a 45-minute taxi ride or drive by car.
Gebze, formerly known as Libyssa, was the place of death of the famous Carthaginian army general Hannibal. The warrior took his own life after an unbearable military defeat to the army of Pergamon, one of Rome’s greatest allies.