# Körfez > district and town of the Kocaeli Province in Turkey **Wikidata**: [Q27161](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27161) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Körfez) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/korfez ## Summary Körfez is a district and town in the Kocaeli Province of Turkey, serving as a significant urban and administrative center. With a population of 165,503 as of 2018, it is classified as both a city and a town, located near the Gulf of İzmit. The area spans 301 square kilometers and has experienced notable urban growth over the past three decades. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Situated in Kocaeli Province, Turkey, at coordinates 40.760756° N, 29.7839402° E. - **Area**: 301 square kilometers. - **Population**: 165,503 (2018 estimate), up from 157,282 in 2016, with urban population growing from 65,786 in 1990 to 174,632 in 2021. - **Timezone**: UTC+03:00 (observed since October 2, 2018). - **Elevation**: 50 meters above sea level. - **Administrative Status**: Functions as both a district and a town, part of the Address-Based Population Registration System. - **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 418147905024879091119, GeoNames ID 737961, UN/LOCODE TRKFZ, OpenStreetMap Relation ID 1211492. - **Website**: http://www.korfez.bel.tr/. - **Aliases**: Körfez District, كُرْفَزُ. - **Geographical Features**: Borders the Gulf of İzmit. - **Language Coverage**: Featured in 39 Wikipedia languages, including Turkish, English, and Arabic. ## FAQs - **What is Körfez's administrative role?** Körfez is a district and town within Kocaeli Province, Turkey, recognized as both a city and a town in official classifications. - **How has its population changed over time?** The urban population grew from 65,786 in 1990 to 174,632 in 2021, reflecting steady urbanization, while the rural population declined from 18,706 (1990) to 3,841 (2012). - **What are its key geographical features?** Körfez is located at 40.760756° N, 29.7839402° E, spans 301 km², and borders the Gulf of İzmit. Its elevation is 50 meters above sea level. - **What time zone does it observe?** Körfez uses UTC+03:00, aligned with Turkey’s time zone policy since October 2, 2018. - **Where can I find official information about Körfez?** The official website is http://www.korfez.bel.tr/, and it is documented in sources like Wikidata and GeoNames. ## Why It Matters Körfez plays a critical role as an urban hub within Kocaeli Province, a region of industrial and logistical importance in northwest Turkey. Its population growth—from 65,786 in 1990 to over 174,000 in 2021—reflects broader trends of urbanization in Turkey. As a district bordering the Gulf of İzmit, it likely supports regional economic activities, though specific industries are not detailed in the source material. Its administrative structure and inclusion in national registration systems underscore its significance in local governance and resource allocation. ## Notable For - **Rapid Urbanization**: Urban population increased by 165% between 1990 and 2021, while rural populations declined by 80% in the same period. - **Dual Classification**: Recognized as both a "city" and "town" in official Turkish statistical systems. - **Geographical Significance**: Strategic location adjacent to the Gulf of İzmit, a key maritime and industrial area. - **Consistent Timezone Policy**: Adherence to Turkey’s unified UTC+03:00 timezone since 2018. ## Body ### Geography and Location Körfez is situated in the Kocaeli Province of Turkey at coordinates 40.760756° N, 29.7839402° E, covering an area of 301 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Gulf of İzmit, a natural inlet of the Sea of Marmara, contributing to its maritime and industrial context. The town’s elevation is 50 meters above sea level, as referenced by its official website. ### Administrative and Demographic Profile As of 2018, Körfez has a population of 165,503, with urban dwellers comprising the majority. The Address-Based Population Registration System documents steady growth: 157,282 (2016), 162,230 (2017), and 165,503 (2018). Urbanization trends show a rise from 65,786 urban residents in 1990 to 174,632 in 2021, while rural populations decreased from 18,706 (1990) to 3,841 (2012). This shift underscores Körfez’s role as a focal point for regional development. ### Classifications and Identifiers Körfez is classified as a "city," "big city," and "town" in various sources, including Statoids.com. It is linked to multiple identifiers: VIAF ID 418147905024879091119, GeoNames ID 737961, UN/LOCODE TRKFZ, and OpenStreetMap Relation ID 1211492. These designations facilitate its recognition in geographic, administrative, and cultural databases. ### Timezone and Infrastructure Since October 2, 2018, Körfez has observed UTC+03:00, consistent with Turkey’s nationwide timezone policy. This alignment is documented in official gazettes and reflects the country’s efforts to optimize daylight usage. ### Cultural and Digital Presence The town is represented across 39 Wikipedia languages, including Turkish, English, and Arabic, with a dedicated Commons category. Its inclusion in platforms like iNaturalist (ID 106635) and cultural taxonomies (Kültür Envanteri ID 1031) highlights its broader significance in ecological and heritage contexts. ### Historical and Statistical Context Population data from 1990 to 2021 illustrates Körfez’s transformation into a predominantly urban settlement. The town’s growth mirrors national trends, with migration to urban centers driven by economic opportunities. While specific industrial or economic activities are not detailed in the source material, its location near the Gulf of İzmit suggests a role in regional logistics and trade. ## References 1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018 2. [Source](https://statoids.com/ytr.html) 3. [Source](https://www.lexpera.com.tr/resmi-gazete/metin/gun-isigindan-daha-fazla-yararlanmak-amaciyla-butun-yurtta-uygulanan-ileri-saat-uygulamasinin-devam-3) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. GeoNames 6. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/tr.htm) 7. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)