Balıkesir facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the city in Turkey. For the village on Cyprus, see Palaikythro.

Quick facts for kids

Balıkesir

City

Clockwise from top: Clocktower in Balıkesir, Zagnos Pasha Mosque, Balıkesir Museum, Sarımsaklı Beach, Ottoman Architecture in Balıkesir, Atatürk Park, Fountain in Balıkesir

Emblem of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality

Balıkesir

Location in Turkey

Balıkesir

Location in Marmara

Balıkesir

Location in Europe

Country

Turkey

Region

Marmara

Province

Balıkesir Province

Elevation

70 m (230 ft)

Population

(2022)

• Total

314,958

Time zone

UTC+3 (TRT)

Postal code

10xxx

Area code(s)

(+90) 266

Licence plate

Website

www.balikesir.gov.tr

Balıkesir is a city in the Marmara area of Turkey. It is the main city of Balıkesir Province. As of 2022, about 315,000 people live in the city itself. From 1341 to 1922, Balıkesir was the capital of a region called Karasi.

Discovering Balıkesir's Past

Close to where Balıkesir is today, there was once an old Roman town. It was called Hadrianutherae. The Roman emperor Hadrian started this town in 124 A.D. He built it after a successful bear hunt! People think the town was where the current stadium is now.

During the Byzantine period, this small town was called Palaiokastron. This means "Old Castle" in Greek. Later, when the Turkoman people arrived, they called it Balukiser. This was because of the old castle remains. Hisar is the Turkish word for castle.

How Balıkesir Got Its Name

Balıkesir was also known as Karasi. This is because Karasi Bey founded the city in the 13th century. He used the remains of the old town to build it. The year 1297 is often seen as the city's founding date. It was one of the first cities in Anatolia built by the Turks.

The Karasids were a Turkic group in the Mysia region. Since the 13th century, Balıkesir has been the main center for the Mysia area.

Important Events in History

In 1345, the Ottomans took control of Balıkesir. A big earthquake hit the city in 1898. It destroyed most of the buildings. Only 51 buildings were left standing!

During the Turkish War of Independence, Balıkesir was a key place for Turkish fighters. These fighters, called Turkish militias, fought against the Greek Army that had occupied the city. The Greek forces occupied Balıkesir on June 30, 1919. But on September 6, 1922, the Turkish Army took the city back.

In 1950, a large fire destroyed the city center. It was a big disaster, second only to the 1898 earthquake. Nearly 500 shops burned down. Many people lost their jobs. The city was rebuilt after this fire.

Balıkesir's Economy

Avlu Balikesir Public Garden and Shopping Center

Old Government Building in the city center

Balıkesir's economy relies on both farming and industry. Some big companies are located here. These include Arı-Turyağ, Limak-Set Çimento, and BEST.

The city is also important for raising animals. There are many dairies around the city. Balıkesir is a farming hub too. Farmers grow wheat, sunflowers, sugar beets, and other vegetables. Melons and grapes are traditional crops. Balıkesir and its surrounding areas make up the 12th largest economy in Turkey.

Farming and Tourism

Balıkesir also exports products made from olives. The city is a popular spot for tourists. People come to explore the beautiful countryside. Nearby Mount Ida (Kaz Dağı) is especially famous for its beauty.

Mining in Balıkesir

The city is well-known for its borax deposits. Borax is a mineral used in many products. Turkey has the largest borax deposits in the world. It produces about half of the world's yearly borax supply.

Exploring the City

Balıkesir is the fourth most populated city in the Marmara Region. The city has grown over time, spreading out like oil stains. It feels more like the Aegean region than the Marmara region.

Old and New Areas

Some of the oldest parts of the city are Aygören, Karaoğlan, and Hisariçi. These areas have narrow lanes and old buildings. Many historical places are found here. Newer areas include Bahcelievler and Paşaalanı.

City Squares and Streets

Balıkesir has several important squares. These include Ali Hikmet Pasha, Republica, and Karesi squares.

Trade and business happen mostly on three main streets. These are Anafartalar Street, Milli Kuvvetler Street, and Vasıf Çınar Street. Other important streets are Kızılay Street and Atalar Street.

The New Bazaar Area is the oldest shopping spot. Vasıf Çınar Street and Gazi Boulevard are also busy. Balıkesir Park is a beautiful resting area. With Balıkesir University in the city, social life is growing. Modern shopping centers like Yay/ada and 10 Burda are also popular.

The Salih Tozan Cultural Center is a key place for cultural events. The main public transport hub is also near this center. Balıkesir is also home to Turkey's first jet base, the 9th Main Air Base.

Famous Landmarks

The city of Balıkesir has many historical buildings:

The historical clock tower

The Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) is a symbol of the city. It was first built in 1827. It looks like a smaller version of the famous Galata Tower. An earthquake destroyed it in 1898, but it was rebuilt in 1901.
Şadırvan (The Historical Fountain) is a popular fountain built in 1908. It is near the Clock Tower.
Zaganos Pasha Mosque was built in 1461 by Zagan Pasha. He was a powerful leader under Mehmet the Conqueror. Only the mosque and baths remain today.
Yildirim Mosque is the oldest building from the Ottoman period in Balıkesir. It was built in 1388.
Umurbey Mosque has a special inscription from 1412.
The Karesi Bey Mausoleum was built in 1336. It holds the tombs of Karasi Bey and his five sons.
Balıkesir's Historical Windmills are in Karakol village, about 25 km from Balıkesir. There were once seven windmills, but now only three are left.
Değirmen Boğazı is a forest area 10 km from Balıkesir. It's a popular picnic spot with tea gardens and restaurants.
Atatürk Parkı (Balikesir City Park) has been open since the 1960s. It's a grassy park with a cafe and many trees.
Balikesir Local-Civil Houses are found in the oldest parts of the city. These traditional houses show what life was like in Balıkesir centuries ago.
Thermal Resorts or hot springs are very famous. Major spas include Pamukçu, Ilıca, and Kepekler.
Balıkesir National Photography Museum is the only photography museum in Turkey.
The Museum of National Moment displays historical items from the city.

Balıkesir's Culture

Many famous actors, singers, and artists were born in Balıkesir. Some well-known names include:

Fikret Hakan – Actor
Şevket Altuğ – Actor
Hande Erçel – Actress and model
Zerrin Tekindor – Actress and artist

Salih Tozan Culture and Art Center

Special Days and Celebrations

Balıkesir Museum

Balıkesir celebrates a few important days: Hıdrellez, The Liberation Day, and The Remembrance Day of Local Combat.

Hıdrellez is celebrated in the first week of May. It's a day of good wishes and traditions. People light fires and jump over them seven times. They also visit green areas or religious sites. People make wishes and offer food. Some traditions include drawing what you wish for on the ground. It's like a spring festival or New Year.

The Liberation Day is on September 6, 1922. This day celebrates when Balıkesir was freed from occupation. Every year, there's a parade and a ceremony. In the past, the main streets were washed with lily cologne. Lilies are a symbol of Balıkesir. This festival is celebrated with great excitement.

The Remembrance Day of Local Combat is called Kuvayi Milliye Haftası. It happens between May 16 and 23. This week remembers a time in 1922 when 41 people from Balıkesir met and bravely fought for their region. After İzmir was taken by Greek soldiers in 1919, Balıkesir was the first place in Turkey to protest. This protest was called Redd-i Ilhak (Disclamation of Annexation).

Local Food

Balıkesir has a special local cheese called Kelle Peyniri. It's a granular cheese that is even exported to countries like France and Germany. Hoşmerim is a popular dessert made from cheese and egg. Many old Turkoman dishes are also part of Balıkesir's food culture. These include keşkek, güveç, and mantı.

Souvenirs to Take Home

Balıkesir's Turkoman carpets, known as Yağcıbedir, are popular local goods. Another special souvenir is lily cologne.

Traditional Dances

Balıkesir women in traditional folk costumes

Balıkesir zeibeks perform their dance

Balıkesir is famous for its historical folk dances. Bengi, Guvende, and Balikesir Zeybeği are typical dances from this city. These dances are well-known across the Balıkesir plains.

Balıkesir's folk songs, or ballads, are also popular. Some are Akpınar and Mendili Oyaladım. Women often sing these ballads and perform traditional dances. Even though Balıkesir is an industrial area, its traditional village culture is very strong. In 1958, Balıkesir's local dance won first place at a folk festival in Nice, France. Today, Balıkesir's folklore is considered an "intangible cultural heritage" of Turkey.

Learning in Balıkesir

Balıkesir Lisesi (Old School)

Balıkesir University started from the Karesi Teacher School, which was founded in 1910. Over the years, more higher education schools were added. In 1982, these schools became part of Uludağ University.

After 10 years, these schools formed a strong base for Balıkesir University. Today, Balıkesir University has over 37,000 students. Some famous scientists, like Selman Akbulut (a mathematician), were born in Balıkesir.

Sports in Balıkesir

Stadium of Balıkesir

Many sports stars come from Balıkesir. Some well-known athletes include:

Caner Erkin – Football player
Cengiz Ünder – Football player
Oğuz Savaş – Basketball player
Tülin Altıntaş – Volleyball player

The most famous sports club is Balıkesirspor. It was started in 1966. Balıkesirspor is a football team. They played in the top league, the Süper Lig, after doing very well in 2013–14. Their stadium, the Balıkesir Atatürk Stadium, can hold 13,732 people.

Tourism and Fun

A view from Ayvalık

Balıkesir has coastlines on both the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea. Many districts are popular for their beaches. On the Aegean coast, you'll find Edremit, Burhaniye, and Ayvalık. On the Marmara coast, there's Marmara Island, Erdek, and Bandırma. Ören, Akçay, and Altınoluk are also great holiday towns with beautiful scenery and historical sites.

Kuş Cenneti National Park is near Lake Manyas. It's a birdwatcher's paradise! Over 260 different kinds of birds live there. More than three million birds fly through the park every year.

Healing Thermal Springs

Balıkesir is rich in thermal springs. These waters have special minerals that are good for health. Many spas are located around the city. Some famous ones include Pamukçu and Ilıca. The city center also has the historical Turkish bath, "Pasha Hamami," which is still used today.

Other thermal spring locations include:

Pamukçu, Kiraz
Edremit-Güre
Gönen
Manyas-Kızık Köy
Susurluk-Kepekler
Sındırgı-Hisaralan

Getting Around and Staying

Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport is in Edremit

Balıkesir is easy to reach from big cities like Ankara, İstanbul, and İzmir. You can travel by car or train. Buses run regularly from many cities in Turkey. The main bus station is outside the city, but there are local services to the city center.

Trains run between Ankara-Balıkesir and İzmir-Balıkesir at certain times. The train station is at Republica Square. Balıkesir is connected to Bursa and İzmir by good motorways.

Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport is in the Edremit district, about 87 km from the city center. It serves as an international airport. There is also Balıkesir Airport in the city center, but it doesn't have flights right now. Balıkesir has ten hotels, including one five-star hotel.

Balıkesir's Weather

Balıkesir has a climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Sometimes it snows in winter. The weather gets colder and snowier as you move away from the coast and into the land.

Climate data for Balıkesir (1991–2020, extremes 1938–2023)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	23.5 (74.3)	25.2 (77.4)	29.6 (85.3)	33.1 (91.6)	37.8 (100.0)	42.5 (108.5)	43.2 (109.8)	43.2 (109.8)	40.3 (104.5)	38.3 (100.9)	31.2 (88.2)	26.1 (79.0)	43.2 (109.8)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	8.8 (47.8)	10.4 (50.7)	13.2 (55.8)	19.1 (66.4)	24.2 (75.6)	29.3 (84.7)	30.8 (87.4)	31.1 (88.0)	28.0 (82.4)	22.7 (72.9)	15.0 (59.0)	9.9 (49.8)	20.2 (68.4)
Daily mean °C (°F)	4.8 (40.6)	5.7 (42.3)	7.9 (46.2)	13.1 (55.6)	18.2 (64.8)	23.0 (73.4)	24.9 (76.8)	25.0 (77.0)	21.1 (70.0)	16.6 (61.9)	9.9 (49.8)	6.6 (43.9)	14.7 (58.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	1.1 (34.0)	1.5 (34.7)	3.1 (37.6)	7.4 (45.3)	12.1 (53.8)	16.1 (61.0)	18.4 (65.1)	18.9 (66.0)	14.5 (58.1)	11.0 (51.8)	5.4 (41.7)	3.1 (37.6)	9.4 (48.9)
Record low °C (°F)	−11.9 (10.6)	−18.8 (−1.8)	−7.1 (19.2)	−4.0 (24.8)	1.1 (34.0)	5.0 (41.0)	11.0 (51.8)	9.4 (48.9)	3.2 (37.8)	−1.6 (29.1)	−7.9 (17.8)	−10.1 (13.8)	−18.8 (−1.8)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	47.9 (1.89)	54.1 (2.13)	65.1 (2.56)	55.7 (2.19)	46.5 (1.83)	16.2 (0.64)	10.0 (0.39)	9.4 (0.37)	20.7 (0.81)	44.4 (1.75)	67.0 (2.64)	87.2 (3.43)	524.2 (20.64)
Average precipitation days	13.25	13.63	12.50	11.00	10.88	5.00	3.63	2.13	2.75	8.00	10.25	14.75	107.8
Average snowy days	4.25	3.71	1.13	0.13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.21	2.54	11.97
Mean monthly sunshine hours	93.0	101.7	136.4	171.0	223.2	276.0	294.5	279.0	234.0	161.2	105.0	52.7	2,127.7
Mean daily sunshine hours	3.0	3.6	4.4	5.7	7.2	9.2	9.5	9.0	7.8	5.2	3.5	1.7	5.8
Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service, Meteomanz(snow days 2000-2023)

Balıkesir's Sister Cities

Balıkesir has "sister city" relationships with other cities around the world. This helps them share culture and ideas. Some of its sister cities include: