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Hendek
Hendek
Hendek is a small district located in the Sakarya Province of Turkey, situated on the D-100 Highway approximately 30 kilometers from Istanbul and 275 kilometers from Adapazari. As part of the larger Black Sea Region, Hendek serves as an important connection between the Marmara Region and the surrounding areas.
The district was initially established as a municipality in 1907 but gained its current status after being connected to Kocaeli Province in 1926. In 1954, Sakarya Province officially incorporated Hendek into its administrative boundaries. The area has experienced significant growth due to various historical events, including the influx of immigrants from the Caucasus region following the Russian War (1877-1878). These newcomers contributed to an increase in population and helped establish Hendek as a thriving village.
Historical records indicate that Hendek was previously known by the name "Lateas" during the Ottoman period. The district played a crucial role in connecting the eastern Roman Empire with Istanbul, passing through this area on its way to Anatolia. During this time, it was linked to the Ottoman Empire under the command of Osman Bey.
In 1877-1878, Hendek Law became an important village within Sultan Süleyman's territory. The region experienced a surge in population following the arrival of immigrants from the Caucasus after the Russian War. As the Ottoman Empire expanded into the Balkans, some of these new arrivals were settled in Hendek.
On July 3, 2020, a devastating air factory explosion occurred in Hendek, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. The district's population has continued to grow, with an estimated total of 90,153 residents according to ADNKS data from 2023. Notably, the municipal law governing new capital cities states that all villages have no permanent population.
Hendek is home to a sports team called Hendekspor, which competes at the league level and plays its matches at the 1,500-seat Hendek Atatürk Stadium. The district's geography features a unique combination of urbanization and natural landscapes, with the TEM Highway situated just 175 meters from sea level.
In terms of demographics, Hendek is one of the ten metropolitan districts within Sakarya Province, serving as an integral part of the region's administrative structure.