Orhangazi (District)

Orhangazi is a district of Bursa located south of the Sea of Marmara and west of Lake İznik. Formerly known as Pazarköy, Orhangazi is situated on a fertile plain along the shores of Lake İznik. To its north lies Yalova province, to its west Gemlik, to its south Yenişehir, and to its east İznik districts. The district is surrounded by the Samanlı Mountains to the north and the Katırlı Mountains to the south, giving it a basin-like appearance. The area is located 45 kilometers from the city center of Bursa and approximately 40 minutes away by road.

Orhangazi is one of the key junctions on the Bursa-Istanbul route. Winters in the district are cool and summers are mild, under the influence of a temperate climate. Orhangazi stands out as a dynamic district with a population exceeding 80,000, distinguished by its strategic location between Lake İznik and the Gemlik Gulf in northeastern Bursa, its agricultural production branded by Gemlik olives, its rich history tracing back to Orhan Gazi, the second Ottoman sultan, and its growing industrial infrastructure.

History

Orhangazi is among the oldest settlement sites in Anatolia. Excavations at the Ilıpınar Höyüğü in the Topselvi neighborhood of Orhangazi have revealed that the first human settlement in the district dates back 8,000 years.

The earliest known inhabitants of Orhangazi were the Bitynians; the region came under Roman administration in 74 BCE. The settlement, later known as Basilinapolis, became part of the Byzantine Empire in 395 CE.

The region came under the control of the Anatolian Seljuk State between 1085 and 1097. In 1097, the town and its surroundings were plundered by Crusaders. Between 1024 and 1261, it fell under the rule of the Byzantine Empire of Nicaea.

In 1332, the region was conquered by Orhan Bey and incorporated into Ottoman territory. Orhan Bey built a mosque and a bathhouse in his name and settled nearby Turkish tribes in the area. This settlement, then called Pazarköy, was subordinate to İznik at the time.

In 1879, Pazarköy became a subdistrict center. In 1893, it became a district center under Bursa Province and adopted the name Orhangazi in 1913.

During the War of Independence, the district suffered Greek occupation and experienced its darkest and most unfortunate period. The occupation lasted from 1920 to 1922, a span of two years. On September 10, 1922, Greek occupation forces withdrew from the district. Having burned and destroyed everything, the district center was relocated for two years to the village of Gürle.

Orhangazi, which remained a small settlement for a long time after its founding, experienced rapid development following the increasing importance of the Bursa-Yalova highway and later with the opening of the Istanbul-Izmir motorway and the Osmangazi Bridge.

Bir Zamanlar Orhangazi (Orhangazi Municipality)

Geography and Climate

• Location & Area: The district center lies on the Bursa-Izmir Motorway (O-5); its total area is 506 km². The district borders Yalova to the north, Gemlik, Yenişehir, and İznik districts to the west, south, and east respectively.
• Topography: Orhangazi is bordered by the Samanlı Mountains to the north and the Katırlı Mountains to the south, and has a shoreline along Lake İznik, the fifth largest lake in Turkey.
• Climate: Hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters characterize a typical Mediterranean-continental transitional climate. Annual average temperatures range from 10 to 27 °C; annual precipitation is between 700 and 900 mm.

Orhangazi Aerial View (Orhangazi Municipality)

Nature and Health

Lake İznik, located within the boundaries of Orhangazi, is the foremost natural attraction of the district. As Turkey’s fifth largest lake, it stands out for its tranquil atmosphere and lush green surroundings. Water sports such as sailing, rowing, and canoeing are practiced along its shores, especially favored by nature enthusiasts and campers on weekends. Watching the sunset along the lake’s edge during summer months offers an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists. Additionally, amateur fishing events held on the lake provide an alternative for those seeking to spend time immersed in nature.

Keramet Thermal Springs, located approximately 10 kilometers from the district center, make a significant contribution to regional health tourism through their natural thermal sources. The spring water maintains a constant temperature of around 30 °C throughout the year and is reputed to be beneficial for various ailments, from skin conditions to rheumatism. In addition to bathing in calcareous natural pools, the surrounding green areas are ideal for picnics and day trips. Keramet attracts both domestic and regional tourists, drawing visitors even during winter months with its warm waters.

Trekking and mountain sports are practiced on the Katırlı and Samanlı mountains. Additionally, Gürle Mountain is highly suitable for paragliding, and festivals and competitions are regularly organized there.

Festivals and Cultural Events

In Orhangazi’s social life, the Orhangazi Olive Festival is one of the most important cultural events, held annually in November. Since 1978, the festival has been held without interruption and serves as a major organization reflecting the district’s olive-growing tradition and agricultural identity. During the festival, events such as the “Olive Beauty” contest, olive oil-based cooking competitions, local product promotions, folk dance performances, and concerts are organized. Additionally, the “Olive-Themed Photography Competition,” open to amateur and professional photographers, aims to establish an aesthetic connection between art and nature. The festival is not merely an agricultural celebration but also a reflection of Orhangazi’s historical and cultural identity.

Local Cuisine

Orhangazi’s cuisine features a natural and healthy dietary culture centered on olive oil, thanks to the high production of Gemlik-type olives. Classic Aegean-Mediterranean dishes such as olive oil-cooked artichokes, stuffed grape leaves, and squash blossoms are commonly found on Orhangazi tables. Additionally, freshwater fish from Lake İznik, such as carp and tench, are served grilled or steamed, adding distinctive flavors to local meals.