Area Description
Balıkesir
Balıkesir is a province in northwestern Turkey with coastlines on both the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Its adjacent provinces are Çanakkale to the west, İzmir to the southwest, Manisa to the south, Kütahya to the southeast, and Bursa to the east. It has pretty little towns of wide natural beauties. The beaches extending for kilometers on both the Aegean and Marmara coasts, the dazzling waters of deep blue, and rich greenery gently covering the land, attract anyone who would like to have a wonderful time in the midst of wonderful scenery. The economy of the province is based on agriculture mostly. As the site and climate is adequate every kind of agricultural product can be produced in Balıkesir. Grain, tobacco, sugar beet, cotton, tomatoes are among the most produced agricultural products. It has a high potential of livestock production. As it had a wide area and range of agriculture, the industry based on agriculture had developed further. Flour, feed, olive, olive oil, sauce, canned food, vegetable oil production has an important place in Balıkesir’s economy. Also, in last decades, chicken farming, eggs, milk and dairy production has an important place in the sector. With 10 million olive trees, olive production has a significant place in the agriculture and economy of the province. Especially in towns of Ayvalık – Burhaniye – Edremit – Havran the olive and olive oil industry for centuries was rooted and became worldwide known with their standards. Around the Gulf of Edremit in Balıkesir province are some of the most beautiful coastlines in the country where clear waters meet sandy beaches encircled by silvery green olive groves. Ayvalık is one of the most popular holiday towns on this coastline, located in the midst of pine and olive trees. Cunda Island is famous for its glorious sunsets, its seafood and animated taverns. Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table), so called because it is set on a table shaped hill formed from lava, offers a panoramic view over the 22 islands in Ayvalık Bay. A footprint, enclosed by iron bars, is said to be that of the devil himself. Burhaniye, Ören, Edremit, Akçay and Altınoluk are also among the holiday towns which attract vacationers interested in a relaxing holiday with beautiful scenery and a wealth of historical and archaeological sites.
