Balıkesir (Province)

Balıkesir is a province in the northwestern part of Türkiye, place and one of the few provinces that border both the Marmara and Aegean Seas. strategic Throughout history, Balıkesir has been home to numerous civilizations including the Mysians, Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks like. During the Ottoman period, it served as the center of the Karesi Beylik.

Today, city distinguished by its historical heritage, natural beauty and rich agricultural products, Balıkesir possesses significant potential in tourism, industry and agriculture through districts such as important Edremit, Bandırma and Gönen. Located at the foot of the Kaz Mountains, Balıkesir draws attention with its natural and cultural values including famous olives, höşmerim dessert, Susurluk ayran and Manyas Bird Paradise. Moreover, having gained metropolitan status in 2012, it has expanded its administrative structure and continues to develop with a municipal governance approach.

History

Balıkesir and its surroundings have been under the dominion of many civilizations throughout history and possess a rich historical past. In antiquity, the Mysians inhabited this region but did not establish a independent state. The Mysians continued to exist under the rule successively of Troy, the Hittites, the Phrygians, the Persians, Alexander the Great and Bergama kingdoms.

After the Kingdom of Pergamon was ceded to the Roman Empire in 133 BC, the region came under Roman control and was administered as part of the region Roman province of past during the long years.

Taksiyarhis Museum

Following the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, Balıkesir and its surroundings came under the control of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. During the Byzantine period, the region held considerable military and economic importance but gradually became vulnerable to Arab raids. During the reign of the first Umayyad Caliph Muawiya, between 670 and 678 AD, Muslim Arab forces, while launching campaigns to conquer Constantinople, held the region as a short duration. Nevertheless, the Byzantines maintained their dominance in the region for many years.

After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the gates of Anatolia opened to the Turks, and Kutalmışoğlu Süleyman Shah captured the Mysian cities from the Byzantines and brought them under Seljuk control. However, after the Crusades and the death of I. Kılıç Arslan, the Seljuks were forced to withdraw from western Anatolia and the Mysian cities returned to Byzantine control. The Byzantines organized mass massacres against Turks in certain areas to prevent the strengthening of the local Turkish population.

From 1206 onward, fly beylords from the Seljuks launched raids into the region, weakening Byzantine authority especially around the Edremit Gulf. In the 1260s, Turkish tribes fleeing Mongol pressure migrated to western Anatolia and the Marmara region, leading to widespread Turkification of the area. As the Seljuk state weakened, frontier beyliks began asserting independence, and by the end of the 13th century, the Karesi Beylik was established.

The Karesi Beylik was founded by Karesi Lord (Black İsa) and encompassed numerous settlements including Balıkesir, Edremit, Bergama, Burhaniye and Bigadiç. As a powerful maritime beylik, the Karesi Beylik established close relations with the Ottoman Beylik. In 1345, Ottoman Sultan Orhan Gazi incorporated the Karesi Beylik into Ottoman territory. During this process, Karesioğulları’s commanders Evrenos Bey, Hacı İlbey and Ece Halil joined the Ottoman navy and played a major role in the Ottoman transition to Rumelia.

During the Ottoman period, Balıkesir was known as the Karesi Sanjak and served as an important administrative center. Balıkesir became one of the Prince sanjaks and developed under Ottoman administration in agriculture, animal husbandry and trade. However, during the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries, Balıkesir experienced various waves of migration and uprisings. After the 93 War (1877–1878 Russo-Turkish War) and the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), the region accepted immigrants from the The Balkans and the Caucasus.

After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World World War (1914–1918) and its signing of the Armistice of Mudros, the Greek occupation of İzmir on 15 May May 1919 triggered a major resistance movement in Balıkesir. On 18 May 1919, under the leadership of Vehbi Bolak, the “Redd-i İlhak Heyeti” (Committee Against Annexation) was established in Balıkesir, organizing local people resistance against the occupation. Following the Greek occupation of Ayvalık on 29 May 1919, local Kuva-yi Milliye units initiated their first armed resistance actions. After the Balıkesir Congresses, local resistance forces became more organized, although they could not fully halt the advance of the Greek army.

From 22 June 1920 onward, Greek occupation gained ground and Balıkesir and its surroundings suffered extensive destruction. With the launch of the Turkish Army’s Great Offensive in 1922, Turkish forces rapidly reclaimed occupied territories and Balıkesir was liberated from occupation on 6 September June 1922.

After the proclamation of the Republic, Balıkesir gained provincial status in 1923 and began rapid development. In 2012, with Law No. 6360, Balıkesir attained metropolitan municipality status and continues to develop as an important center in agriculture, industry and tourism.

Geography

Balıkesir is one of the provinces with a large area located in the northwestern part of Türkiye, strategically positioned between the Marmara and Aegean Regions. The province lies between 39°20’ and 40°30’ north latitudes and 26°30’ and 28°30’ east longitudes. To the east it borders Bursa and Kütahya, to the south Manisa and İzmir, and to the west Çanakkale provinces. Through its Ayvalık district, Balıkesir has maritime access to the Greek island of Lesbos and is one of Türkiye’s six provinces with coastlines on both the Marmara and Aegean Seas.

Balıkesir covers an area of 14,583 km², with a balanced distribution of urban centers and rural areas. The province’s territory lies within the Southern Marmara Section of the Marmara Region and the western interior of the Aegean Region, featuring a topography that slopes from northwest to southeast. The average elevation of Balıkesir is approximately 145 meters, with higher elevations in certain areas.

Mountains and Plateaus

Balıkesir exhibits diverse topography with both flat plains and high mountains. The highest point in the province is Akdağ Peak at 2,089 meters in the Dursunbey district. Other important mountains include:

• Kaz Mountains (Kaz Dağı, 1,774 m): Known for their mythological significance and rich vegetation, these mountains extend through Edremit and Havran districts.
• Madra Mountains: A mountain range located along the Aegean coast of Balıkesir, extending into the inland areas of Ayvalık, Burhaniye and Gömeç districts.
• Alaçam Mountains: A mountainous region between Bigadiç and Sındırgı districts, notable for its extensive forested areas.
• Kapıdağ Peninsula: Located in the Erdek district and extending into the Marmara Sea, this peninsula consists of volcanic hills.

Plains and Rivers

Balıkesir has extensive and fertile plains where agriculture and animal husbandry are intensively practiced. The most important among them are:

• Balıkesir Plain – A flat area located at the center of the city and extensively cultivated.
• Manyas Plain – Located between Gönen and Manyas districts, it is an important agricultural center due to its fertile soils.
• Gönen Plain – This plain, irrigated by the Gönen River, is particularly significant for rice production.
• Körfez Plains – Coastal plains near Edremit and Burhaniye, of great importance for olive cultivation.

Balıkesir is rich in water resources. The main rivers in the province are:

• Susurluk River – The most important river, originating in the north of Balıkesir and flowing into the Marmara Sea.
• Gönen River – This river irrigates the Manyas and Gönen plains and is vital for rice production.
• Koca Çay – A river flowing through Balya and Gönen before reaching the Marmara Sea.
• Havran River – This river flows into the Edremit Gulf and is used for irrigating agricultural lands.

Lakes and Coasts

Balıkesir is rich in both natural and artificial lakes. Its most important lakes include:

• Manyas Lake (Kuş Gölü) – One of Türkiye’s most important wetlands, located in the Manyas district. It also hosts the Kuşcenneti National Park.
• Tabak Lake – A small lake located near the Sındırgı district.
• Madra Dam and İkizcetepeler Dam – Artificial reservoirs used for agricultural irrigation.

Ayvalık Şeytan Sofrası View

Balıkesir has a coastline of 290.5 km, of which 115.5 km borders the Aegean Sea and 175 km the Sea of Marmara. Within its boundaries, the province includes numerous islands, including the Ayvalık Islands (22 island) and the Marmara Islands. Cunda (Alibey) Island, located in the Ayvalık district, is the largest island accessible by road. Marmara Island, Avşa Island and Paşalimanı Island are among the most important islands along the Marmara coast.

Climate and Vegetation

Balıkesir lies in a transitional climate zone. The Aegean coast experiences a Mediterranean climate, the interior has a continental climate, and the Marmara coast shows influences of the Black Sea climate.

• On the Aegean coast, summers are hot and dry while winters are mild and rainy,
• In the interior, winters are colder and snowy,
• On the Marmara coast, influenced by the Black Sea climate, summers are cool and winters mild.

Thirty-one percent of the province is covered by forests. Major tree species include black pine, red pine, beech, hornbeam, oak, söğüt, alder and plane tree. The Kaz and Madra Mountains feature rich plant cover, with the Kazdağı fir preserved as an endemic species.

Balıkesir is a province with fertile soils renowned for agriculture and animal husbandry. It is among Türkiye’s leading provinces in the production of olive, wheat, sunflower, tobacco and fruit. In addition, large and small livestock farming is concentrated notably in the Gönen, Manyas and Susurluk regions.

Overall, Balıkesir is one of Türkiye’s important cities due to its rich natural resources, sea coastlines, forested areas, fertile plains and historical heritage.

Population

Balıkesir, with a population of 1,276,096, ranks among Türkiye’s medium-sized metropolitan cities. Following the 2012 Law No. 6360, all settlements within the provincial boundaries were incorporated into the Metropolitan Municipality.

Balıkesir Districts and Populations (2024)

• Karesi – 190,427
• Altıeylül – 185,351
• Edremit – 173,689
• Bandırma – 167,363
• Gönen – 75,486
• Ayvalık – 75,126
• Burhaniye – 67,039
• Bigadiç – 48,445
• Susurluk – 37,750
• Dursunbey – 32,778
• Sındırgı – 32,133
• Erdek – 32,021
• İvrindi – 31,386
• Havran – 28,107
• Kepsut – 21,886
• Gömeç – 18,269
• Manyas – 17,890
• Savaştepe – 16,547
• Balya – 12,695
• Marmara – 11,708

Population Distribution and District Populations

Balıkesir has a balanced distribution between its provincial center and rural settlements. The provincial center is divided into two major districts: Altıeylül and Karesi. The most populous districts include Karesi (190,427), Altıeylül (185,351), Edremit (173,689), Bandırma (167,363) and Gönen (75,486) with high population density. The districts with the lowest populations are Marmara (11,708) and Balya (12,695).

Urbanization and Rural Population

The urbanization rate in Balıkesir is approximately 75 percent. However, the rural population still constitutes a significant share, particularly in areas where agriculture and animal husbandry are dominant. Bandırma, Edremit and Altıeylül districts stand out in terms of urbanization, while Dursunbey, Sındırgı and Balya have higher rural population densities.

Migration and Population Movements

Traditionally a source of internal migration, Balıkesir has become a destination for migration since the 2000s. Particularly industrial and tourism-developed districts such as Bandırma and Edremit receive significant migration. Coastal districts such as Ayvalık, Burhaniye and Erdek experience seasonal migration surges during summer months, temporarily increasing their populations.

Balıkesir’s population growth rate is below the national average. However, due to the development of industry, tourism and agriculture, especially after attaining metropolitan status, a steady population increase has been observed.

Ethnic and Cultural Structure

Balıkesir has historically hosted diverse ethnic groups and cultural diversity. Various Oghuz Turkic tribes, particularly the Turkmen and Yörük groups, settled in the region during the Ottoman period. After the 93 War (1877–1878 Russo-Turkish War), Bosniaks, Albanians, Pomaks, Circassians and Tatars were resettled in Balıkesir and its surroundings. These communities are concentrated notably in Bandırma, Gönen, Manyas, Susurluk, Ayvalık and Altıeylül districts.

Today, Balıkesir’s demographic structure is cosmopolitan, with Turks, Yörük, Turkmen, Bosniak, Albanian, Pomak, Circassian and Tatar communities living together. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim, and traditional Anatolian culture is interwoven with modern lifestyles.

Education and Socioeconomic Status

The literacy rate in Balıkesir exceeds 97 percent. Balıkesir University is a major higher education institution in the province, with vocational colleges located in many districts. Due to employment opportunities in industry, agriculture and tourism, the unemployment rate is below the national average.

Age and Gender Distribution

Balıkesir has a balanced age distribution, although the youth population is lower compared to major metropolitan areas. The average age is around 38, and approximately 15 percent of the population is aged 65 and over. This situation indicates that Balıkesir has historically been a source of youth migration and that the elderly population is steadily increasing. Gender distribution is nearly equal, although in urban centers the female population is slightly higher, while in rural areas the male population is somewhat higher.

Economy

Balıkesir has a diversified economic structure based on agriculture, industry, animal husbandry, mining and tourism. Thanks to its vast fertile lands, strategic location and natural resources, it holds an important place in the Turkish economy.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Balıkesir is among Türkiye’s leading provinces in agricultural production. Due to its climate and soil structure, it produces a wide variety of agricultural products, with olive, cereal, sunflower, tobacco, vegetables and fruits being particularly prominent.

• Olive and Olive Oil: The districts of Edremit, Burhaniye, Ayvalık and Gömeç are renowned for producing high-quality Aegean-type olives and olive oil. Ayvalık olive oil is a geographically protected product.
• Cereal Production: Wheat, barley, maize and rice are widely cultivated in Balıkesir. The Gönen and Manyas regions are especially notable for rice production.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, pears, peaches, grapes and melons are grown, while tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broad beans and okra are important vegetable crops.

Balıkesir is one of Türkiye’s most intensive regions for animal husbandry.

• Livestock Farming: Large-scale livestock farming is common in Gönen, Manyas, Susurluk and Altıeylül, while small-scale livestock farming is prominent in rural districts such as Sındırgı, Dursunbey and Bigadiç.
• Milk and Meat Production: Balıkesir is among Türkiye’s largest milk producers. Manyas cheese and kelle peyniri are nationally recognized.
• Poultry Farming: Bandırma and its surroundings are among Türkiye’s largest white meat production centers, hosting major Turkish poultry companies.

Manyas Bird Sanctuary National Park

Industry and Trade

In recent years, Balıkesir has rapidly developed in industry, with concentrations in Bandırma, Gönen, Susurluk, Balıkesir Center, Edremit and Burhaniye districts.

• Food Industry: Dairy and dairy products, olive processing, meat and poultry production, flour and feed industries are prominent.
• Chemical and Petrochemical: Bandırma is one of Türkiye’s leading chemical production centers, hosting Bor, Fertilizer and Sulfuric Acid Plants.
• Automotive and Machinery Industry: Agricultural machinery and automotive ancillary production are growing in Balıkesir.
• Textile and Leather Industry: Leather and textile production takes place in Gönen and Bandırma districts.

The Balıkesir Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) and Bandırma OSB are key centers strengthening the province’s industrial infrastructure. In recent years, interest from foreign investors has increased.

Mining

Balıkesir is notable for its rich underground resources, particularly bor ore, which holds a significant position in the provincial economy.

• Boron Ore: The boron reserves in Bandırma and Bigadiç are among Türkiye’s largest. Eti Maden İşletmeleri in Bandırma plays a strategic role in boron processing and export.
• Chromium and Iron: Chromium and iron deposits are found in Sındırgı and Dursunbey districts.
• Marble and Stone Quarries: Marble and stone quarries are located in Bigadiç, İvrindi and Manyas districts.

Transportation and Logistics

Balıkesir is a key transportation hub connecting the Marmara and Aegean regions.

• Road: The Istanbul-Izmir Motorway and D-565 Highway strengthen the province’s transportation network.
• Sea: Bandırma Port is a major center for both passenger and freight transport, with high-speed ferry services to Istanbul.
• Rail: The İzmir-Bandırma railway line passing through Balıkesir is vital for freight transport.
• Air: Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (Edremit) and the Central Airport provide air connectivity for the province.

Overall Assessment of Balıkesir’s Economy

• Agriculture and animal husbandry remain fundamental economic activities, with olive, cereal and milk production being prominent.
• The industrial sector is growing, particularly in the Bandırma and Balıkesir OSBs.
• Mining, especially boron reserves, makes a significant contribution to the national economy.
• The tourism sector is developing through both marine and nature-based tourism.
• Logistics and transportation are being strengthened through road, sea and rail investments.

Tourism

Balıkesir is one of Türkiye’s ender provinces with coastlines on both the Marmara and Aegean Seas and is among the country’s major tourism centers due to its natural beauty, historical heritage and thermal resources. With destinations such as Ayvalık, Cunda, Edremit, Kaz Mountains and Manyas Bird Sanctuary, it offers a unique combination of sea, nature, history and thermal tourism.

Marine and Coastal Tourism

Balıkesir’s coastline holds significant tourism value. Ayvalık and Cunda Island stand out for their historical character. Ayvalık’s shores are favored for summer tourism due to their wide sandy beaches. Sarımsaklı Beach attracts attention with its long coastline, while Cunda Island draws visitors with its historical structures and natural landscape.

The Edremit Gulf is notable for both coastal and thermal tourism. Akçay and Altınoluk are lively during summer months for sea tourism. Ören (Burhaniye) is a region noted for its beaches and surrounding natural areas. Erdek and the Marmara Islands are key tourism centers along the Marmara Sea, with increasing visitor numbers during summer. Avşa, Marmara and Paşalimanı Islands are among the most active destinations for sea tourism during summer months.

Nature and Ecotourism

Balıkesir offers diverse opportunities for nature tourism through its forests, national parks and wetlands. Kaz Mountains National Park stands out for nature hiking, camping and ecotourism due to its extensive vegetation and elevations. Hasanboğuldu and Sutüven Waterfalls, located in the Kaz Mountains region, are notable natural attractions.

Manyas Bird Sanctuary, located on the shores of Manyas Lake, is a wetland that hosts migrant bird species and is an important site for nature observation. Şahinderesi Canyon, located between Altınoluk and the Kaz Mountains, is evaluated for nature tourism with its walking trails. The Kapıdağ Peninsula is another region notable for its natural structure and coastal features.

Historical and Cultural Tourism

Balıkesir has hosted various civilizations throughout history and possesses numerous historical structures. Among ancient cities, Hadrianoutherai, Antandros and Kyzikos are prominent. Antandros Ancient City, located within Edremit district boundaries, is known for its remains from antiquity. Kyzikos Ancient City, near Erdek, bears traces from the Roman period.

Zağnos Paşa Camii

Among Ottoman-era monuments, Zağnos Pasha Mosque and Time Tower are located in Balıkesir city center and are considered important historical structures. Alibey Mosque and Taksiyarhis Church, located on Cunda Island, are valuable relics from different historical periods.

Thermal Tourism

Balıkesir also holds significant potential for thermal tourism due to its hot spring sources. Gönen Thermal Baths are well known for their long-standing use. Edremit-Güre Thermal Baths, located at the foot of the Kaz Mountains, feature facilities dedicated to thermal tourism. Susurluk and Sındırgı thermal baths are other areas where thermal tourism is practiced using underground hot water sources.