TOLERANCE WAY: PURSUING HISTORY AND NATURE FROM İZMİT TO İZNİK
In November 2024, we applied to a call for bloggers, discovered by "investigative blogger" Tuğçe :) The next day, we found ourselves packing our bags to join the HIKE Project event organized by Culture Routes Society between 8-10 November 2024. Of course, after traveling all the way from İzmir, we extended our journey to include Sapanca, Bolu, and Ankara. However, in this article, we will only focus on the Tolerance Way hike and our trip to İzmit.
WHAT IS THE HIKE PROJECT AND THE TOLERANCE WAY?
The HIKE Project (Hiking for a healthier lifestylE) is a project co-funded by European Union within the Erasmus+ program. This project aims to revive historic hiking routes to promote healthy lifestyles and explore cultural heritage. It also seeks to encourage sustainable tourism and foster eco-friendly travel habits.
The HIKE Project features three main routes:
The HIKE Project features three main routes:
- Via Francigena in Italy: One of Europe’s oldest pilgrimage routes, stretching approximately 2,000 km from Canterbury in England, through France, Switzerland, and Italy, all the way to the Vatican.
- Via Egnatia in Greece: An ancient road from the Roman Empire era, starting at Durrës on the Adriatic Sea and extending to Istanbul.
- The Tolerance Way in Turkey: Starting in İzmit (ancient Nicomedia) and ending in İznik (ancient Nicaea), this 126 km-long ancient path features seven different hiking routes. Turkey’s contribution to the project, this route stands out with its historical and natural beauty. The name Tolerance Way reflects the fact that the world’s first known edict of tolerance was issued here in 311 AD by Roman Emperor Galerius.
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The HIKE Project is coordinated in Turkey by the Culture Routes Society (Kültür Rotaları Derneği), which organizes walking trails suitable for all fitness levels. Founded in 2012 under the leadership of Kate Clow, who also researched, designed an mapped the famous Lycian Way, the Culture Routes Society is a vibrant organization dedicated to preserving existing cultural routes and creating new ones. You can explore their other projects by visiting their website.
OUR EXPERIENCE ON THE TOLERANCE WAY
After sharing some wiki-like facts, let’s move on to our personal experience. As a couple who has traveled to nearly half the world, we often find ourselves thinking about how much more places to explore in Turkiye we've left. One of the main reasons for this is our routine of spending summers in Turkey and heading back to Southeast Asia before the winter begins. The combination of Turkey’s summer heat and our love for being in Çeşme has made us realize how little we have traveled in Turkey. This year, we decided to delay our Southeast Asia trip to January, and it turned out to be a great decision. When this opportunity arose, we packed our bags without hesitation and headed to İzmit, ready to walk through a story steeped in history.
Tolerance Way is a 126-kilometer-long hiking trail that starts in İzmit and ends at the Hagia Sophia Mosque in İznik. This route offers to experience both the ancient world and the calming embrace of nature. The HIKE Project event in November 2024 took place over six days, between November 1–3 and November 8–10, in and around İzmit, Kocaeli. Alongside cultural heritage and nature hikes, the project had a health aspect as well. Volunteers had their blood pressure and glucose levels measured by students from Kocaeli University before and after the walks, as part of a study on the health benefits of hiking.
The trail is divided into seven sections, most of which were walked during the November 1–3 event, a week before we joined. We were in Izmit for the second part of the hike. First thing in the morning, our health measurements were taken by Kocaeli University students and we were briefed by İzmit Municipality Sports Department and the Culture Routes Society, then we set off with a large group of participants on this free hiking event.
The trail is divided into seven sections, most of which were walked during the November 1–3 event, a week before we joined. We were in Izmit for the second part of the hike. First thing in the morning, our health measurements were taken by Kocaeli University students and we were briefed by İzmit Municipality Sports Department and the Culture Routes Society, then we set off with a large group of participants on this free hiking event.
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For hiking on tolerance Way, our starting point was near İnikli the first day, and from there, we walked to Dikilitaş (Obelisk) and eventually to the Hagia Sophia Mosque in İznik on an easy 10-kilometer route under the beautiful autumn sun. Passing through olive groves, peach trees shedding their autumn leaves, and lush gardens, we took a break at the ancient Obelisk. This Roman monument, standing tall since the 1st century AD, was still commanding attention in the middle of a cultivated area. Staring at this silent structure, we could feel the timeless presence of history. After our break, we continued our hike through rural landscapes and trails where greenery and history intertwined. Every step on this trail, where nature and history merged seamlessly, made us reflect on how the theme of tolerance from the past continues to influence the present.
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One of the most awe-inspiring sights along Tolerance Way, was a massive cypress tree, estimated to be around 700 years old. While we had seen millennia-old olive trees before, the grandeur of this cypress was truly striking. After taking photos and videos around this magnificent tree, we spoke with some locals tending to the adjacent fields to hear the stories about this tree. Refreshed by this encounter, we continued our journey. Along the way, we enjoyed conversations with new friends, picked quinces offered by nature’s generosity, posed for group photos, and eventually arrived at the Hagia Sophia Mosque in İznik, also known as Orhan Mosque. While İznik itself deserves at least a full day to explore, our brief visit allowed us to glimpse the bustling market and the historic city walls (Nicaea City Wall) before we boarded buses to return to İzmit, pausing just long enough to savor a cup of tea.
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On November 9, the second day of the HIKE Project event, our route stretched 10 kilometers from Çobanoğlu Village to Gölkay Park in İzmit. This scenic trail led us through quaint villages, remnants of a Roman aqueduct, fertile fields, and greenhouses. The sun peeked through the clouds intermittently, and we spent the journey sharing stories about our lives, marveling at the beauty around us, and reflecting on the joys of travel with our walking companions. Before reaching İzmit, we took a break by a charming stream at Paşasuyu Recreation Area, enjoying light snacks amidst the serene surroundings. The day concluded at Gölkay Park, where we participated in a soothing 30-minute yoga session. This was followed by warm lentil soup and delicious cakes offered by İzmit Municipality, as we basked in the sun and relaxed before returning to the city center.
INSIGHTS FROM A MODERN-DAY EXPLORER
Back in İzmit, we attended a fascinating seminar by Kate Clow, the founder of Culture Routes Society. She shared practical tips on staying safe during long hikes and effectively using maps. It was inspiring to learn how someone could rediscover forgotten ancient paths and cultural heritage trails, charting them with maps and compasses like a modern explorer. Kate’s multi-layered work in uncovering these routes, breathing life back into them, and making them accessible to all left us in awe. We left with a deep appreciation for both the beauty of our homeland and the dedicated efforts of individuals like Kate, proving there’s always more to discover—even in places we think we know so well.
INSIGHTS FROM A MODERN-DAY EXPLORER
Back in İzmit, we attended a fascinating seminar by Kate Clow, the founder of Culture Routes Society. She shared practical tips on staying safe during long hikes and effectively using maps. It was inspiring to learn how someone could rediscover forgotten ancient paths and cultural heritage trails, charting them with maps and compasses like a modern explorer. Kate’s multi-layered work in uncovering these routes, breathing life back into them, and making them accessible to all left us in awe. We left with a deep appreciation for both the beauty of our homeland and the dedicated efforts of individuals like Kate, proving there’s always more to discover—even in places we think we know so well.
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The last day of the HIKE Project, November 10, took us on a shorter route, centered around Seka Park on İzmit’s coastline. As the largest urban park in Turkey, Seka Park offered a perfect setting for a relaxing end to our journey. Before the walk, we warmed up with some group stretches and then savored the crisp beauty of this autumn Sunday among the vibrant colors of fall foliage. For those of us who grew up by the sea, the smell of the ocean holds a special meaning, and this walk was a reminder of that. We breathed in the iodine-rich air, thankful for our health, as we cheerfully strolled along the scenic paths. Under the warming autumn sun, we enjoyed a small picnic, embracing the tranquil seaside atmosphere. In the afternoon, the project concluded with an informative event hosted by the Kocaeli Higher Education Association. The session featured presentations that delved into the purpose of the HIKE Project, its achievements so far, and its vision for the future. It was a fitting end to an enriching experience that connected us to history, nature, and new friends. We left Seka Park with a renewed appreciation for the power of walking not only to explore landscapes but also to reflect, connect, and cherish life’s simple pleasures.
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A Memorable Three Days Immersed in Nature and Culture in İzmit
Our three days were filled with unforgettable experiences, surrounded by nature, culture, and incredible people. We were delighted to cross paths with the Culture Routes Society, whose projects and efforts we deeply admired. We couldn’t help but envy İzmit for its beauty. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and well-organized city structure, İzmit offers countless attractions for visitors. It’s surprising that we discovered this gem so late among the must-visit places near Istanbul! During our trip, we took some time to explore İzmit’s city center, although our hikes took up much of our schedule. However, we quickly realized that İzmit deserves more of our time. We've promised ourselves to return soon to delve deeper into everything this captivating destination has to offer. If you’re searching for a charming getaway near Istanbul, İzmit should definitely be on your travel list.
Our three days were filled with unforgettable experiences, surrounded by nature, culture, and incredible people. We were delighted to cross paths with the Culture Routes Society, whose projects and efforts we deeply admired. We couldn’t help but envy İzmit for its beauty. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and well-organized city structure, İzmit offers countless attractions for visitors. It’s surprising that we discovered this gem so late among the must-visit places near Istanbul! During our trip, we took some time to explore İzmit’s city center, although our hikes took up much of our schedule. However, we quickly realized that İzmit deserves more of our time. We've promised ourselves to return soon to delve deeper into everything this captivating destination has to offer. If you’re searching for a charming getaway near Istanbul, İzmit should definitely be on your travel list.
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