MINE LEGENDS - TURKEY
The coal in Turkey was first found by a peasant boy named long Mehmet. During that period (19 th century) the coal was imported from England. This situtation became difficult when it was in a state of war with Britain.
Sultan Mahmud Han ordered a search for coal in the country by issuing order. The comander of the long nehmet told his soldiers to search for coal in the direction of this order. He showed a piece of coal to the soldiers and said:
-What you see in my hands is coal. Similar to stone but its flammable. When you return to your homeland , you will find coal and let me know.
Uzun mehmed started looking for coal in everwhere when he returned to his village. One day he saw black Stones as he walked by the side of the Neyren Creek by chance. He filled the sack next to these Stones.
When he came home he threw these stones on the oven and saw them burn. So he realized that these Stones were actually the coal commanded by his commander. The next day he went to İstanbul with the coal he had filled with nuts. He delivered the coal to relevant authorities. They gaved him 50 pouch gold prizes. They went out to show the location of the coal to the authorities. He was poisoned when he returned to his village. (1829)
Two of the coal nines in Zonguldak are named after UZUN MEHMED. There is also a great statue in memory of him in the city center.