Edremit is a district of Balıkesir province in Türkiye's Aegean Region, located between the Edremit Gulf and the Kazdağı (Mount Ida) range. The town center lies about 6 kilometers inland from the sea at an elevation of 16 meters. Covering an area of 708 km², Edremit comprises 15 neighborhoods, 5 towns, and 20 villages. It borders Bayramiç and Yenice to the north, Havran to the east, Burhaniye to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west. The northern part of the district is surrounded by the Kazdağı, Eybek, and Gürgen Mountains, while the fertile Edremit Plain stretches to the south. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The average temperature is around 20°C. Agriculture, olive cultivation, and tourism play significant roles in Edremit’s economy, and the district is also known for its rich thermal springs and natural beauty. According to 2024 data from TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), the population is 173,689. This number increases significantly during the summer months due to tourism activity.

^{Edremit-Altınoluk (South Marmara Development Agency)}

Geography and Natural Features

Edremit spans an area of 708 km². The district lies at an average elevation of 16 meters above sea level, with its highest point being Sarıkız Hill (1,767 m) on Mount Kazdağı. The area includes mountains, plains, streams, and fertile agricultural lands filled with olive groves. The Edremit Plain, which stretches between the Edremit Gulf and Kazdağı, is one of the region’s most important irrigated farming areas. Major streams in the district include Edremit, Zeytinli, Kızılkeçili, Güre, Altınoluk, and Mıhlı. While there is no dam within the district boundaries, floods are controlled by flood retention structures.

The climate is a typical Mediterranean type; summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy. The annual average temperature is 20°C, with summer temperatures reaching 30–35°C. Olive groves extend up to 500 meters above sea level, and above this level, pine forests and endemic species such as the Kazdağı Fir (Abies equi-trojani) are widespread. The Kazdağı Fir, placed under protection in 1988, grows naturally only in this region.

History

The earliest known settlement traces in Edremit date back to the Paleolithic Period (around 50,000 BCE). The İnönü Caves in the Havran district are among the key archaeological sites from this era. In antiquity, Edremit was part of the Mysia region and was historically known as Adramytteion. It is believed that the city was founded before the Trojan War, around 1500 BCE, by the Pelasgians or Leleges. In the 7th century BCE, it came under the rule of the Lydian Kingdom and was rebuilt by King Croesus’s brother Adramys, from whom it took its name.

In 546 BCE, the city came under Persian control and was later conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BCE. It subsequently passed to the control of Lysimachus and the Seleucids, and by the late 3rd century BCE, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Pergamon. In 132 BCE, it became part of the Roman Empire. Edremit continued to be an important settlement during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

In 1076, the city was subjected to Seljuk raids and was rebuilt at its present location in 1090. It was captured in 1231 by Turkish commander Yusuf Sinan, who commissioned the construction of a mosque and bathhouse. In 1336, it was incorporated into Ottoman territory during the reign of Orhan Gazi. During the Ottoman period, Edremit shipyards played an important role in shipbuilding, especially using timber brought from Kazdağı.

During the Turkish War of Independence, the Kuva-yi Milliye resistance group, established under the leadership of District Governor Hamdi Bey, led significant resistance actions such as the Akbaş Raid. Edremit was liberated from Greek occupation on September 9, 1922, a date now celebrated annually as Liberation Day.

Administrative Structure and Population

Edremit is located in the Southern Marmara sub-region of Balıkesir province. The district includes 15 neighborhoods, 5 towns, and 20 villages. Agriculture and tourism form the foundation of the local economy. In addition to olive cultivation, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and cotton are produced. Greenhouse farming is carried out by small family enterprises. Livestock breeding, both small and large animals, is generally based on improved breeds.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Edremit is one of the most developed districts of Balıkesir in terms of thermal and coastal tourism. The coastal towns of Zeytinli, Akçay, Güre, and Altınoluk attract a large number of visitors during the summer. With its clean sea, long beaches, and accommodation facilities, the region has become a tourism hotspot. Notable natural and cultural sites include:

• Kazdağı National Park: Covering an area of 21,300 hectares, the park is known for its rich flora and fauna. In mythology, it is referred to as Mount Ida.
• Sarıkız Hill and Tomb: Named after the legendary figure Sarıkız, this hill is a symbol of Kazdağı.
• Kurşunlu Mosque: Built by Yusuf Sinan in the 13th century, it features the oldest inscribed panel within the Balıkesir provincial borders.
• Altınoluk – Ancient City of Antandros: Contains mosaic structures and necropolis areas from the Late Roman Period.
• Şahinderesi Canyon and Mıhlı Stream: Suitable for nature walks, camping, and picnicking.
• Sütüven Waterfall and Hasanboğuldu: Located near Zeytinli, this area is a popular cooling and recreation spot in the summer.
• Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum: Showcases the cultural heritage of Turkish tribes who migrated from Central Asia.

^{Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum (South Marmara Development Agency)}

Thermal Springs and Hot Waters

Edremit is rich in thermal resources. The Güre, Entur, and Adramis hot springs serve health tourism year-round. These healing waters are particularly favored for the treatment of rheumatic and skin diseases.

Transportation

Edremit is accessible by both road and air. The Edremit-Akçay bus terminal provides connections to many regions of Türkiye. Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport, located 7 km from the district, offers direct flights to Istanbul during the summer season. Additionally, regular boat tours are organized from the coastal towns to the surrounding coves.