Gebze, city in northwestern Turkey, in Kocaeli province, located between Istanbul and Izmit on the north shore of the Sea of Marmara. Gebze is a major tourist center. Many Europeans store their yachts in the city's mooring facilities and boatyards during winter. There are direct highway and railroad connections to Istanbul and Izmit. In ancient times, Gebze was called Dakibyza. A fortress was built here by the Byzantines to help protect their capital of Constantinople (now Istanbul) from attacks from the east. Population (1996 estimate) 247,412.
