IZMIT

city, northwestern Turkey. It lies near the head of Izmit Gulf of the Sea of Marmara. The city spreads across several hills and over a narrow plain that contains its commercial and industrial sections. Originally a Megarian city founded in the 8th century BC and called Astacus (or Olbia), it achieved its greatest fame as Nicomedia, built c. 264 BC by Nicomedes I of Bithynia to replace the destroyed old city. It served as the capital of the kingdom of Bithynia and later, under the Romans, was often the residence of emperors. It became the eastern capital of the Roman Empire under Diocletian. After a period of decline under the Byzantines, it fell to the Ottomans in 1326. Historical monuments in the city include the remains of the ancient walls and a Byzantine fortress; a 16th-century mosque was built by the renowned Ottoman court architect Sinan. Izmit's growth in recent years has resulted mainly from its rapid industrialization and its position on the main road and rail line between Istanbul and Ankara. It is the centre of the Turkish paper industry, meeting about half of the country's requirements. It also has a large oil refinery. Other industries include cement, phosphate, textiles, petrochemicals, and tires. The port of Izmit handles both domestic and international shipping. The city is connected by road with major towns. Pop. (1980) 190,423.