Biga (District)

Biga is a district in the southwest of Türkiye’s Marmara Region, affiliated with Çanakkale Province. The district center is located on the left bank of the Kocabaş Çayı River (ancient name: Granikos). To the north lies the Sea of Marmara, to the east the Gönen district of Balıkesir, to the west the Lapseki district of Çanakkale, and to the south the Çan and Yenice districts of Çanakkale. The district center is situated approximately 15 km inland from the sea. Within Biga’s boundaries, there are a total of 111 settlements, including 2 towns and 109 villages.

Biga (Biga Municipality)

Population

As of 2021, the district’s population was 91,537, of which 57,125 lived in the district center and 34,412 in the villages. By occupation, the distribution is as follows: 70 percent farmers, 16.78 percent workers, 4.70 percent merchants and artisans, 5.82 percent in various other professions, and 2.70 percent public servants.

Economy

The district’s economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Wheat, rice, sunflower, legumes, and various vegetables and fruits are produced. Industry based on agriculture has also developed in the district. Major industrial establishments include İÇDAŞ Çelik Enerji Tersane ve Ulaşım Sanayi A.Ş., DOĞTAŞ Furniture Factories, CENAL Electricity Generation A.Ş., DEMKO Tomato Paste Factory, Güneş Food Vegetable Drying Factory, Biga Calcite Industry and Omya Mining A.Ş. There are also facilities for flour production, animal feed, milk processing, and leather processing.

Biga (Biga Municipality)

Transportation

Biga is connected by road to provinces such as Bursa, Istanbul, İzmir, Edirne, and Ankara. Due to its proximity to Bandırma, it is accessible to Istanbul by sea bus. The Çanakkale-Bandırma railway project and high-speed ferry services are currently planned.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Within the district boundaries are the ancient city of Priapos in Karabiga Town, the ancient city of Parion in Kemer Village, and the battlefield of the Battle of Granikos along the Kocabaş Çayı River. There are also tumuli dating from the Roman period. Cultural heritage structures include Çarşı Camii and Büyük Şadırvan, Ulu Cami, Kurşunlu Cami, Mehmet Rüştü Efendi Konağı, and Halimbey Konağı.

Biga (Biga Municipality)

Natural Features

Biga’s Marmara coastline extends for 72 km. Near Kalafat Village are the Nilüfer Lakes. The district has 5,299 hectares of forested land.