Pink Rocks

Pink Rocks, located within the boundaries of the Kefken village in the Kandıra district of Kocaeli province in Türkiye’s Marmara Region, are situated along the Black Sea coast approximately one kilometer from the Kefken shoreline. Access to the area is typically provided via the routes from Kaynarca, Kumcağız, Kerpe and Kefken.

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Pink Rocks derive their name from their distinctive pink geological composition. These rocks have a soft structure when submerged in seawater but harden over time after extraction. This characteristic makes them suitable for use as building stone, and this physical property has enabled their use in various architectural structures throughout history.

Pink Rocks have been used as a stone quarry since antiquity. During the Ottoman period, these rocks were cut into rectangular blocks and transported by sea to Istanbul, where they were employed as construction material in various buildings. Stone obtained from Pink Rocks can be found in significant Ottoman architectural structures such as Sultan Ahmet Camii and Rumeli Hisarı.

Archaeological findings dating to prehistoric periods have been discovered in the Pink Rocks area. This indicates that the region has been a site of human settlement or activity since prehistoric times.

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Today, Pink Rocks serve as a destination that combines natural and cultural heritage value. Thousands of visitors each year, particularly during spring and summer, come to the area for photography and nature observation. The quiet and natural environmental conditions are the main reasons for its popularity. Additionally, the area lies along cycling and nature walking trails.

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In past years, fish ponds and various anthropogenic waste sources in the area have been removed. Today, the surroundings of Pink Rocks have been restored to a cleaner appearance and better aligned with their natural character. Environmental improvements along the coastline have helped preserve the natural area.