Balıkesir is a diverse northwestern Turkish province straddling the Marmara and Aegean regions, encompassing mythological Kaz Dağları (Mount Ida), olive-grove-lined coastal towns, thermal springs, and ferry connections to Istanbul. The province blends rural Anatolian culture with Aegean coastal charm.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Balıkesir.
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1
Neolithic settlements in the Balıkesir region
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2
Mysia established as a distinct Anatolian kingdom
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3
Region absorbed into the Lydian Empire under Croesus
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4
Persian conquest after Battle of Sardis
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5
Alexander the Great's campaign through the region
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6
Incorporation into the Roman Empire as Pergamon kingdom bequeathed
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7
Region becomes part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire
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8
Karesi Beylik (principality) established in Balıkesir region
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9
Ottoman annexation of Karesi Beylik; Balıkesir becomes part of the Ottoman Empire
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10
Lausanne Treaty population exchange: Greek Orthodox residents leave Ayvalık; Muslim refugees arrive
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11
Balıkesir becomes part of the Turkish Republic
Historical sites
Places where Balıkesir's past comes alive.
Historic
Ayvalık Old Town (Greek Quarter)
Where: Ayvalık
Admission: Free
Historic
Zağanos Paşa Mosque
Where: Balıkesir city
Admission: Free
Historic
Balıkesir Archaeology Museum
Where: Balıkesir city
Admission: ₺50 (~$1.56)
Historic
Cunda Island Taksiyarhis Church
Where: Cunda Island, Ayvalık
Admission: ₺40 (~$1.25)