Tuzla is on a headland on the coast of Marmara Sea, at the eastern limit of the city.

During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, a majority of inhabitants of Tuzla were Greek farmers and fishermen.

It is also a popular location for wealthy or retired residents of Istanbul to move into houses that are further away from the cityside.

The local birdlife is primarily sustained by the wetland from the coast, which has since largely deteriorated due to the accelerating growth of the city as well as environmental product dumping by factories.

This has led to criticism of the government for their lack of control of illegal employment and inaction in regards to companies and improving their working conditions.