Balıkesir, Turkey
Region: Balıkesir
Geographic Coordinates: 39.633300, 27.883300
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 40.0°C (14°F to 104°F)
Climate: Balıkesir has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters.
Population: 331788
Language: Turkish
Balıkesir is a stunning city situated in the northwestern part of Turkey. It serves as the capital of Balıkesir Province and has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Throughout its history, Balıkesir has been inhabited by different civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, And Ottomans. One of the most famous attractions in Balıkesir is its historic district that comprises several ancient structures such as mosques, Churches, And castles. These structures showcase the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The 14th-century Balıkesir Castle located on a hilltop offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Another significant attraction in Balıkesir is its thermal baths that are believed to have therapeutic properties. Visitors from all over Turkey come here to relax and rejuvenate their bodies. Balıkesir also boasts several natural wonders like Mount Ida (Kazdağı), Which stands at an altitude of 1774 meters above sea level and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The city has many parks where visitors can spend time with their families or friends while enjoying nature’s beauty.
Atatürk Parki is one such park with lush greenery, Fountains, Walking trails as well as picnic areas making it an ideal destination for those looking for some outdoor fun. For food enthusiasts visiting Balikesir should try out some local delicacies like sucuk (spicy sausage), Pastirma (dried beef), Kebab, And pide (a type of Turkish pizza). These dishes can be found in local restaurants around town along with other traditional Turkish cuisine options. whether you’re interested in history or nature or just want to relax in thermal baths while enjoying delicious food – there’s something for everyone in Balikesir.
It is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage that offers visitors an opportunity to explore Turkey’s best past and present.
- Kazdağı National Park
- Ayvalık Islands
- Edremit Bay
- Balıkesir Clock Tower
- Balıkesir Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography
- Hasanboğuldu Canyon
- Manyas Bird Sanctuary
- Kyzikos Ancient City
- Altınoluk Beach
- Susurluk Thermal Springs
- Agriculture: Balıkesir is known for its fertile land and agricultural production. The region produces various crops such as wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, olive, figs, and tobacco.
- Textile: Balıkesir has a thriving textile industry that produces clothing items such as shirts, pants, dresses and other products made from fabrics.
- Food processing: The food processing industry in Balıkesir focuses on meat products such as sausage and salami.
- Manufacturing: There is also a manufacturing sector that includes the production of machinery parts and construction materials like cement blocks and bricks.
- Tourism: Balıkesir’s proximity to the Aegean Sea makes it an attractive destination for tourists who enjoy beach activities like swimming or sunbathing.
- Mining: There are also mining activities in the region with deposits of coal reserves which are used for energy production purposes.
- Healthcare services: The healthcare sector is growing rapidly with new hospitals opening up across the city to cater to the needs of residents and visitors alike.
- Education services: Education is another important industry in Balıkesir with many universities offering degree programs in various fields including engineering sciences and social sciences among others.
- Construction: Construction business plays an important role especially after 2000’s due to economic growth of Turkey.
- The Seljuk Turks founded the city in the 13th century when they had control over much of Anatolia.
- During the Ottoman Empire, Balıkesir was an essential hub for trade and commerce.
- In 1919, Greek forces occupied Balıkesir as part of their attempt to expand their territory into Anatolia during World War I.
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who established modern Turkey, visited Balıkesir several times throughout his lifetime and gave speeches there.
- The city is home to various historic mosques such as Ulu Mosque that dates back to the 14th century.
- For centuries, Balıkesir’s thermal springs have been renowned for their healing properties.
- İbrahim Hakkı Erzurumi (18th-century Islamic scholar), Necmettin Erbakan (former Prime Minister of Turkey), and Murat Boz (Turkish pop singer) are some of the notable individuals from Balıkesir.
Overall, Balıkesir has played a significant role in shaping Turkish culture and society over time due to its rich history spanning centuries.
- Balıkesir Museum showcases the history and culture of Balıkesir and the surrounding region.
- Kaz Mountains National Park is home to beautiful forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Ayvalık Islands Nature Park consists of a group of islands off the coast of Ayvalık known for their stunning beaches and crystal clear waters.
- Edremit Bay is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum displays traditional clothing, tools, and artifacts from the region’s past.
- Sütüven Waterfall is located in the foothills of Mount Ida (Kaz Mountains) near Altınoluk town.
- Karesi Bey Mosque was built during Ottoman Empire period in 14th century by Karesi Bey who was one of Turkish tribal leaders at that time.
- Zeytinli Rock Tombs are ancient rock tombs carved into the cliffs overlooking Zeytinli village near Ayvalık town.
- Seyitgazi Tomb & Mosque Complex is a religious complex built around Seyitgazi Tomb which is believed to be resting place of a saint with same name who lived during Ottoman Empire period in 13th century.
- Bandırma Ferry Monument commemorates Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s arrival to Bandırma on September 16th 1922 after he led Turkish War Of Independence to victory against invading forces from Greece.
- Balıkesirspor: This football club was established in 1966 and has participated in various leagues, including the Turkish Super League. The team’s colors are green and white, and they play their home matches at Balıkesir Atatürk Stadium.
- Bandırmaspor: This football club was founded in 1965 and is located in the nearby town of Bandırma. They have also competed in several leagues, including the Turkish Super League, with blue and white being their team colors.
- Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyespor: This multi-sport club was established in 2014 and features teams for basketball, volleyball, handball, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, karate, athletics, swimming, chess, table tennis, and cycling.
- Karesi Spor Kulübü: This multi-sport club began as a gymnastics association back in 1926 but has since expanded to include teams for football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, judo, karate, tai-kwon-do, and athletics.
Over time these sports clubs have made significant contributions to Balıkesir’s sporting culture by providing local athletes with opportunities to display their talents at both national and international levels while bringing pride to their community through on-field or court or mat or ring achievements.
- Balıkesir Kebapçısı is famous for its delicious kebabs and grilled meats.
- Çağdaş Restaurant is known for its traditional Turkish dishes such as manti, pide, and lahmacun.
- Sındırgı Tava Ciğer Salonu specializes in tava ciğer (pan-fried liver), which is a popular local dish.
- İmam Bayıldı Sofrası offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, including the famous imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant).
- Köfteci Ramiz is a must-try for meat lovers; this restaurant serves mouth-watering meatballs and grilled meats.
- Şahin Pide Salonu is famous for its delicious pides (Turkish-style pizza) with various toppings such as cheese, sucuk (spicy sausage), and vegetables.
- Hacısakir Uzunyalova Tatlıları is a dessert shop that offers a variety of sweet treats including baklava, künefe, and lokma tatlısı (fried dough balls soaked in syrup).
- Bursa Iskender Kebapçısı serves the famous Iskender kebab which consists of thinly sliced lamb or beef served over bread with tomato sauce and yogurt.
- Yenice Mantıcılar Lokantası offers traditional Turkish cuisine including mantı (Turkish dumplings), karniyarik (stuffed eggplant), and güveç (clay pot stew).
- Bahar Pastanesi & Cafe – A popular spot to grab coffee or tea along with some sweet treats like baklava or Turkish delight!
- Atatürk Park: A large public park in the center of Balıkesir, featuring a lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Kazdağı National Park: A popular destination for hiking and camping situated on the slopes of Mount Ida (Kazdağı) in Balıkesir.
- Ayvalık Islands Nature Park: A group of small islands off the coast of Ayvalık that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Bandırma Körfezi Milli Parkı: A protected area along the Gulf of Bandırma that is home to a variety of bird species and offers scenic views.
- Gönen Kaplıcaları: Hot springs located in Gönen believed to have healing properties for various ailments.
- Manyas Kuş Cenneti: An important bird sanctuary near Manyas Lake where visitors can observe hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat.
- Edremit Körfezi Tabiat Parkı: A nature park on the shores of Edremit Bay with hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views.
- Altınoluk Plajları: Several beaches along the Altınoluk coastline offering swimming, sunbathing and water sports activities such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.
- Erdek Sahili: Another popular beach destination with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches suitable for families with children.
- Çamlık Tabiat Parkı : Located near Balikesir city center this park is ideal for picnics or relaxing walks amidst beautiful scenery surrounded by pine trees.
