This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Manisa is a province in Türkiye’s Aegean Region, place in area and notable for its historical and cultural richness. Spread across the Gediz Plain, this city is renowned for intensive agriculture, particularly in the production of grape, olive, and tobacco. Manisa was also a settlement of significance during the Ottoman Empire, known as the prince sanjak of important. With its natural beauty, historical ruins, and modern industry structures, it embodies both its past and future, becoming an important destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Ancient cities, mountains, and valleys that carry traces of the past shape Manisa’s original geography and cultural heritage.
Manisa, City Center
Manisa is an important city located in West Anatolia with a deeply rooted historical past. The region has been inhabited since antiquity by various civilizations and bears traces of numerous cultures.
There is limited archaeological evidence regarding Manisa and its surroundings in prehistoric times. Paleolithic Era artifacts found in Salihli Sindel Village confirm the presence of prehistoric human communities in the region. Similarly, grave remains in Kırkağaç Yortan Village reflect a Bronze Age burial culture.
Manisa came under Hittite influence between 1450 and 1200 BCE, and artifacts from this period indicate the existence of ancient settlements in the city. Influenced by Greek and Lydian cultures, it became an important center as region historical.
Manisa was conquered by the Lydians in the 12th century BCE. The Lydian Kingdom established a powerful state in Western Anatolia with Sardis (modern Sart) as its capital. The Lydians are known as the first civilization to mint coinage, and their wealth is epitomized by King Croesus. However, in 546 BCE, the kingdom was destroyed by the Persians.
In 334 BCE, following Alexander the Great’s defeat of the Persian Empire, Manisa came under Macedonian rule. Subsequently, the region fell under the control of the Bergama Kingdom and became an important culture center. During the Roman period, Manisa emerged as a major trade hub, with many cities rebuilt by the Roman Empire.
When Manisa became part of the Byzantine Empire, it became one of the key regions for the spread of Christianity. Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir), Sardis, and Thyateira such as were important centers of early Christianity. During the Byzantine era, Manisa hosted numerous religious and cultural structures.
Manisa was conquered in 1313 by Saruhan Lord and became the center of the Saruhanid Beylik. During this period, Manisa emerged as a major center of Turkish-Islamic culture. Saruhan Bey constructed numerous building including mosques, madrasa, zaviyes, tekke, and libraries, transforming Manisa into a significant cultural and educational center. After Saruhan Bey’s death, the beylik was conquered by the Ottomans in 1391.
Ottoman Period
During the Ottoman period, Manisa held great importance as the prince’s sanjak. Many Ottoman sultans served as princes in Manisa before ascending the throne. Ottoman sultans such as II. Murad, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, II. Selim, III. Murad, and III. Mehmet all served in Manisa during this period. Numerous foundation structures were built, and Manisa became an integral part of Ottoman culture.
Manisa came under Greek occupation in 1919. However, following the victory on 30 August 1922, Manisa was liberated by Turkish forces on 8 September 1922 during the War of Independence. With the proclamation of the Republic, the province named Saruhan in 1923 was renamed Manisa in 1927.
The etymological origin of the name Manisa is linked to the ancient names given to this region. The name “Magnesia” is one of the fundamental elements defining the region’s historical identity. Magnesia is believed to have been founded by the Magnetes, a people known in ancient Greece. It can be said that the name Magnesia, associated with the Magnetes who lived on Mount Pelion, is one of the decisive factors in Manisa’s etymological origin.
Ancient sources also mention settlements such as “Tantalis” and “Sipylos.” These settlements were destroyed and submerged by floods, replaced by a new city known as “Magnesia ad Sipylum.” Here, the name Magnesia evolved under the dominance of civilizations such as the Phrygians and Lydians, reflecting the cultural transformation of the region.
Manisa is located in Western Anatolia with no coastline but is the province closest to the sea. It is bordered by Balıkesir to the north, Uşak and Kütahya to the east, Denizli to the southeast, Aydın to the south, and İzmir to the west. Manisa lies between 38° 04’ and 39° 58’ north latitudes and 27° 08’ and 29° 05’ east longitudes, covering an area of 13,810 km². The provincial center is situated at 71 meters above sea level, with elevation increasing toward the east; the highest point, Demirci district, reaches 850 meters.
The topographical contours of Manisa are defined by east-west oriented depressions and valleys. The Gediz Plain cuts through the province from end to end, extending to the Akhisar and Alaşehir branches and into Inner Western Anatolia. The Kula-Gördes plateau, forming a large part of Manisa Province, is surrounded by mountains and valleys. Manisa lies among the mountain ranges extending into the Aegean Region, and its surface varies into three main Earth's surface forms: mountainous and steep areas, hilly and undulating sections, and flatlands with alluvial soils.
The Bozdağlar in the east include Kumpınar, the highest peak at 2,070 meters, while Spil Mountain rises to 1,517 meters and lies west of the provincial center. Yunt Mountain, known as Nemrut Tepesi, is another significant peak at 1,074 meters. The Demirci Mountains define the borders of Manisa, Kütahya, and Balıkesir provinces, with Ziyaret Tepe as its highest point at 1,800 meters. Manisa also features extensive flatlands and plains between these mountains and valleys, including major valleys such as Gediz, Bakırçay, Alaşehir, Salihli, and Turgutlu.
The province’s major rivers are the Gediz and Bakırçay; the Gediz River is 384 km long and the Bakırçay is 204 km long. Additionally, Marmara Lake lies between Salihli and Gölmarmara districts. The three major dam in Manisa are Demirköprü, Afşar, and Sevişler dams, while the ongoing construction of Gördes Dam also contributes to the region’s water resources. Manisa possesses significant agricultural and water resource potential due to its rich geographical structure.
Manisa Geography
Manisa is one of Türkiye’s medium-sized provinces, with the majority of its population engaged in agriculture and agriculture-based industries. According to 2023 data, the population is 1,475,716, comprising 741,274 males and 734,442 females. Population density is particularly high in Manisa city center and the districts of Salihli, Turgutlu, and Akhisar. Although rural population remains significant across the province, urbanization rates have increased in recent years.
Manisa’s economy is largely based on agriculture. Approximately 35% of its gross domestic product is derived from the agricultural sector, and a large portion of the population is engaged in farming and forestry. In agriculture, Manisa ranks among Türkiye’s top producers of grapes, cotton, tobacco, and olives. Particularly, the Kehribar colorful seedless grape is renowned nationwide.
91.7% of Manisa’s land is arable, with 46% covered by forest and maquis. The province is highly diverse in agricultural production, cultivating wheat, barley, maize, rice, chickpeas, broad bean, tobacco, cotton, sesame, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, eggplant, and other crops. Manisa also holds a significant share in Türkiye’s production of celery and cauliflower.
Fruit cultivation is another strong sector in Manisa; grapes, one of its most famous products, account for 85% of Türkiye’s grape production. In addition to grapes, Manisa produces row peach, cherry, apricot, olives, almonds, pear, walnut, chestnut, and pomegranate. Manisa ranks fourth nationally in watermelon and watermelon production.
Historically known for agricultural production, Manisa’s industrial sector has also experienced significant growth. Especially since the Republican era, industries based on agriculture such as food, olive oil, cotton, carpet, and textiles have expanded. The opening of the Soma Thermal Power Plant in 1957 and the commissioning of the Demirköprü Hydroelectric Power Plant in the 1960s accelerated industrial development. The establishment of the Manisa Organized Industrial Zone in the 1970s further expanded the industrial sector.
Today Manisa hosts numerous enterprises demonstrating strength in sectors such as iron and steel, automotive components, electronics, textiles, chemicals, and food. The Organized Industrial Zone has concentrated manufacturing activity, increased sectoral diversity, and attracted major investments. Particularly, large firms such as Vestel, Bosch, and Klimasan have enhanced Manisa’s industrial capacity and opened the region to international markets.
The trade sector plays a vital role in Manisa’s economy. In addition to agricultural production, industrial products from the region hold significant importance in foreign trade. Since the 1990s, Manisa has attracted major industrial centers, and its foreign trade volume has continuously increased. As of 2018, Manisa achieved approximately $4.5 billion in exports and ranks among Türkiye’s top 10 exporting provinces. The electricity-electronics, automotive, and air conditioning sectors are the primary drivers of Manisa’s exports.
Manisa also plays a major role in imports and holds the highest import volume in the TR33 Region. Major import countries include Germany, Poland, Italy, and China. Major export destinations are Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Bulgaria.
Strong trade chambers and exchanges play a major role in Manisa’s trade structure. The Manisa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with over 5,000 members, plays a pivotal active role in guiding the regional economy. The Manisa Organized Industrial Zone has become an attractive area for international investors and provides significant contributions to the region’s economy.
Sardis Ancient City: Located near Sart Village in the Salihli district. Sardis, the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, holds great historical significance. This ancient city contains relics reflecting the wealth and power of the Lydian Kingdom. Structures such as the Temple of Artemis and the Lydian Royal Bath are particularly noteworthy. The Artemis Temple houses the foundations of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Additionally, the ancient cinema and gymnasium structures in Sardis are highly intriguing.
Sardis Ancient City
Spil Mountain National Park: Located southeast of Manisa city center. Spil Mountain, the highest peak in Manisa, is an excellent destination for exploring the region’s natural wealth. Renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, it rises to 1,513 meters. The Spil Mountain National Park provides habitat for various bird species and endemic plants. Hiking trails, mountain climbing routes, and picnic areas cater to nature lovers, while challenging trails are available for mountaineering enthusiasts.
Spil Mountain National Park
• Ulu Camii: Located in Manisa city center. Built in 1366 by Saruhan Bey, it is one of the earliest examples of Ottoman architecture. The structure blends Seljuk and Ottoman styles. The mosque features a large courtyard and elegant interior decorations. The wood minbar inside is among the important examples of Turk-Islamic art.
Ulu Camii
• Medrese (Manisa Medrese): Located in Manisa city center. Built in the 16th century, the Manisa Medrese served as an educational and religious instruction center of its time. Today, it is also known locally as the “Small Medrese.” The structure beside the mosque preserves traces of Ottoman educational practices.
• İshak Çelebi Türbesi: Located near Manisa city center. Built in the 14th century, the tomb is one of Manisa’s earliest significant Ottoman structures. İshak Çelebi was one of the prominent figures of his time. The tomb is notable for its stone craftsmanship and architecture and serves as an example of Ottoman tomb design.
İshak Çelebi Türbesi
• Saruhan Bey Türbesi: Located within Manisa’s provincial boundaries, near the city center. Saruhan Bey, Manisa’s first Ottoman governor, is commemorated by this tomb. The structure was built in the 14th century and reflects the simple yet elegant style of Ottoman architecture. Other significant Ottoman structures are also found around the tomb.
Saruhan Bey Türbesi
The current governor of Manisa is Vahdettin Özkan. Özkan was appointed to the position of Manisa Governor by Presidential Decree No. 2024/321 dated 19 September 2024. He has been serving as Governor of Manisa since 27 September 2024.
History
Prehistoric Times and Early Settlements
Lydians and Persians
Macedonian Empire and Roman Period
Byzantine Period
Turkish Rule and the Saruhanids
Modern Era and the War of Independence
Etimological Origin
Geographical Structure
Districts
Demographic Structure
Economic Structure
Industry
Trade
Historical and Tourist Sites
Regional Cuisine
Administration
Vali