Turgutlu is a district located in the west of the Aegean Region, affiliated with Manisa province, distinguished by its historical past, agricultural, and industrial production. Established on the lands of the Gediz Plain, the district has functioned as an economic and cultural center throughout history thanks to its strategic location.
Turgutlu (Turgutlu Courthouse)
History
Turgutlu's past dates back to ancient times. The region remained under the domination of civilizations such as Lydia, Persia, Rome, and Byzantium. Its strategic importance increased during the Ottoman period, especially becoming a center of trade with the opening of the İzmir-Kasaba (Turgutlu) railway line in 1866. This line is important as it was one of the first regions in Anatolia to be introduced to railways.
While the district's old name was “Kasaba,” it eventually took the name “Turgutlu.” It is rumored that this name comes from the Turgutlu tribe of the Oghuz. In the early 20th century, a great disaster occurred in the district: on September 7, 1922, the day the Greek occupation ended, a large part of the district was destroyed by fire. As a result of this fire, approximately 9,000 buildings were completely burned, and the city entered a long period of reconstruction. During the Republic period, Turgutlu was reshaped with planned urbanization and public investments.
Turgutlu after occupation (Turgutlu Municipality)
Geographical Structure and Climate
Turgutlu is located on a large and fertile plain watered by the Gediz River. To the east of the district is Ahmetli, to the west Manisa, to the north Saruhanlı, and to the south Kemalpaşa district of İzmir. With an area of approximately 530 km², 45% of Turgutlu is agricultural land, and 27% is covered by forests and scrublands.
The climate shows typical Mediterranean climate characteristics: summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. This climate positively affects agricultural production and also offers suitable conditions for nature tourism.
Population and Demographics
Turgutlu's population is approximately 180,000 according to 2023 TÜİK data. The majority of this population lives in the district center. There are 61 neighborhoods in the district. While the age distribution of the population is balanced, the proportion of young people is high. Due to being a district that receives migration, its social structure shows diversity.
Transportation
Turgutlu is located on the İzmir-Ankara Highway and the İzmir-Uşak railway. It is 45 km from İzmir and 31 km from Manisa city center. The developed road and rail transportation provides an advantage in marketing both agricultural and industrial products of the district. Furthermore, its proximity to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (approximately 50 km) creates a strategic location for foreign trade and transportation.
Turgutlu Train Station (Culture Portal)
Economy
Turgutlu is one of the recognized districts that has developed agriculture and industry simultaneously:
Thanks to the fertile lands of the Gediz Plain, numerous products are grown, including tomatoes, grapes, watermelons, cotton, olives, and corn. The district holds a share in Türkiye's fresh fruit and vegetable exports. Additionally, modern irrigation systems and greenhouse farming are developing.
The industrial sector is the locomotive of Turgutlu's economy. Turgutlu Organized Industrial Zone (TOSBİ) hosts numerous domestic and foreign companies. Industrial facilities operating in sectors such as textiles, metal processing, automotive sub-industry, packaging, plastics, and machine production are the district's source of employment. Industrial investments have also accelerated the district's migration intake.
Turgutlu 1st OIZ (Industry Portal)
There is a developed trade network in the district. Turgutlu Commodity Exchange and Turgutlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry engage in activities that support local producers and industrialists.
Education and Culture
In the district, there are numerous primary schools, middle schools, high schools, and the Turgutlu Vocational School affiliated with Manisa Celal Bayar University. The education infrastructure is expanding every year.
Hasan Ferdi Turgutlu Faculty of Technology (MCBÜ)
Culturally, the Turgutlu City Museum, opened in 2014, preserves and promotes the district's historical memory. The museum exhibits archaeological findings, Ottoman-era artifacts, old photographs, and objects reflecting traditional life.
Turgutlu City Museum (Turgutlu Municipality)
Tourism and Natural Riches
Urganlı Thermal Springs
It has healing thermal waters known to be beneficial for rheumatism, skin diseases, and muscle ailments.
Spil Mountain Foothills
It offers hiking trails, forested areas, and suitable environments for nature sports.
Historical Structures
Turgutlu Grand Mosque, Çifte Hammam (Double Bath), and various Ottoman-era houses are structures reflecting the district's historical fabric.
Cultural Events:
Festivals, concerts, and fairs organized by Turgutlu Municipality keep the local culture alive.
Administration and Social Structure
Turgutlu Municipality and Turgutlu District Governorship are responsible for the administrative and social management of the district. With a social municipalism approach, support projects for disadvantaged groups, environmental arrangements, cultural activities, and sports investments are carried out.
