Akyazı: Mosques, Sports and Tradition

Akyazı offers several distinct highlights for a stay: historic mosques, sporting and event history, and activities in the Keremali summit area. When choosing your holiday rental, consider whether local history or a planned day in the Keremali area will shape your trip. Seasonal activities and the route there are important planning considerations for the summit.

Mosques with a history of their own

The Gazi Süleymanpaşa Mosque in Akyazı was built in 1909 using some of the timber from the Süleyman Paşa Mosque in Pazarköy. The municipality highlights it as one of the most visited places in Akyazı. The area around the mosque has been landscaped and lighting installed; it has also been fitted with a şadırvan and washing facilities, and landscaping work has been carried out.

Another perspective on the area’s architectural history can be found in the Dokurcun neighborhood, outside Akyazı’s central settlement area: the historic Çengeller Mosque is located there. A report dated May 15, 2026, put its age at around 100 years and described wall decorations made with root and plant dyes. At the time, the mosque was undergoing restoration. The two building histories have different points of emphasis: one involves using some of the timber from Pazarköy, the other, wall decoration made with natural dyes.

Keremali: Activities and Getting There

In the Keremali summit area in Akyazı district, activities especially available in spring and summer include hiking, cycling, photography, motocross, off-roading, camping and picnicking. The options range from hiking and cycling to motocross and off-roading, with photography, camping and picnicking rounding out the selection. Keremali Tepesi is 20 km from the center of Akyazı district. There is no public transport to the summit. To get there by private vehicle, travel via Pazarköy and Güzlek; signs point toward Keremali. If the summit is part of your plans, factor the drive into your day.

Sports, Music and Community Events

On May 8, 2023, the first competitions of a regional Turkish school sports tournament for older students and young people were held at the Akyazı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Sports Complex. There were 500 athletes from 16 provinces. Guitar and bağlama are listed among the activities offered at the complex’s youth center.

In 2023, the traditional Aşure Day was described as an annual tradition organized by Akyazı Municipality. As part of the program, a total of 7,000 residents were served aşure at the Gazi Süleymanpaşa Mosque, Baraka Mosque and Cevat Ayhan Kubbeli Yeni Mosque. The Akbalık oil wrestling events in Akyazı district began in 1956. A 57th edition was held with strong attendance, and the municipality was working to ensure the event continued.

Admission to the first Akyazı Children’s Festival, held at Akyazı Atatürk Stadium, was free, and many Akyazı residents attended. The program at the time included inflatable play equipment, play courses, juggling, magic, a puppet show, carnival food, fairground games and competitions. Mehmet Niyazi Özdemir District Library opened on March 12, 2019; it is located in the Ömercikler neighborhood at Yahyalı Caddesi No. 38.

Discover more destinations: Elmalı, Pamukova, Sapanca, Camili Mahallesi, Taraklı, Levent Köyü, Söğütlü, Meşeli.

For the broader travel overview: Sakarya.