Marmara - Balıkesir
Balıkesir, one of the most important provinces of the Marmara Region, is surrounded by the Marmara Sea in the north and the Aegean Sea in the west. Bandırma, the largest settlement of Balıkesir on the Marmara coast, is the second largest port in Marmara Sea after İstanbul. Erdek, to the northwest of Bandırma, is known for its beaches and the historical structures in Belkıs (Kyzikos). The Marmara, Avşa, and Paşalimanı islands, which are accessible via Erdek, attract visitors due to their scenic beauty, beaches and delicious wines. Kuş Cenneti (Bird Paradise) National Park is located in the vicinity of Manyas Lake, south of Bandırma. Every year approximately 3 million birds of 239 species visit the Bird Paradise.
The Aegean shores of the Balıkesir province are located around Edremit Bay. Edremit Bay is rich with natural and historical assets and all its shores are covered with olive trees. This is the reason why these shores are referred to as the “Olive Riviera.” According to mythology, the first beauty contest in the world was held on Kaz (Ida) Mountain and Paris, the son of the Trojan King lived on this mountain. The French, who wanted to protect and preserve aesthetic values, referred to world history and mythology and chose to name their capital after Paris of Anatolia.
Akçay, Altınoluk, Ören and Ayvalık, famous for their scenic beauty and extensive beaches, are favorite holiday resorts in the vicinity of Edremit. There are 22 islands of various sizes in close proximity to Ayvalık’s beautiful undulating shoreline. A panoramic view of this scenic wonder is afforded from a location called the Şeytan Sofrası (Devil’s Table). The Çamlık and Alibey (Cunda) islands, besides their quaintness
and beauty, are famous for their restaurants serving delicious and different seafood specialties.
The Sakarya River flows through the center of the lands of the Bilecik Province, which was an important province in Ottoman history. The foundations of the Ottoman Empire were laid here. The town of Söğüt, famous for its ceramics, is 30 km. to the west of Bilecik. It is here that the Kayı tribe, one of the ancient Turkish tribes and the ancestors of the Ottomans, chose to settle, and therefore the town has great significance in history.
