Kozlu District is a second‑level administrative division (ilçe) of Zonguldak Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. Established as a district in 1972, it is situated on the western coast of the province, bordering the Black Sea to the north and the districts of Zonguldak and Gökçebey to the east and south, respectively.
Geography
The district covers an area of approximately 151 km² (58 sq mi). Its terrain is predominantly coastal and low‑lying, with a maritime climate characterized by relatively high humidity and mild winter temperatures. The town of Kozlu serves as the district’s administrative center and is located about 4 km west of the provincial capital, Zonguldak.
Demographics
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the population of Kozlu District was 48,322 in the 2022 Address‑Based Population Registration System (ADNKS). The population is concentrated mainly in the urban center of Kozlu, with smaller villages and rural neighbourhoods scattered throughout the district.
Economy
Kozlu’s economy has historically been linked to the coal mining industry, which is a major economic activity throughout Zonguldak Province. The district hosts several state‑owned and private coal mining facilities, and a portion of the local labor force is employed in extraction, processing, and associated services. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the local economy through small‑scale manufacturing, services, and maritime activities, including a modest fishing sector along the Black Sea coast.
Administration
Kozlu District is governed by a district governor (kaymakam) appointed by the Ministry of the Interior, while the municipality of Kozlu is headed by an elected mayor (belediye başkanı). The district comprises one central municipality (Kozlu) and several villages (köy) and neighbourhoods (mahalle) that are administratively subordinate to the district government.
Transportation
The district is served by the D-555 state highway, which connects Kozlu to Zonguldak and further to the major coastal highway D-100. A railway line, part of the former Zonguldak Coal Railway network, runs through Kozlu, providing freight transport for coal and limited passenger services. The nearest airport is Zonguldak Çaycuma Airport, located approximately 30 km to the east.
Education and Culture
Kozlu hosts several primary and secondary schools overseen by the Ministry of National Education. The district also contains cultural facilities such as the Kozlu Cultural Centre, which offers venues for community events, exhibitions, and performances.
References
- Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Address‑Based Population Registration System (ADNKS), 2022.
- Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, Law No. 6360 (Establishment of Districts), 1972.
- Zonguldak Province Directorate of Industry and Trade, Coal Production Reports, 2021‑2023.
