Photo: Özge (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 6 places to visit in the Altıeylül district of Balıkesir: Değirmenboğazı Nature Park, Zağnos Paşa Mosque and Balıkesir Clock Tower. Plan your trip to Altıeylül with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Altıeylül is a district of Balıkesir province. It was established by Law no. 6360, accepted on 12 November 2012. The district’s altitude is 144 metres. It is one of the province’s two actual centres.
Balıkesir was one of the provinces where the first resistance of the National Struggle was shown. The 41-person delegation that met at Alaca Mescit founded the Balıkesir Kuvayi Milliye. Altıeylül district takes its name from the victory over the enemy on 6 September 1922, the date Balıkesir was liberated.
The park is one of the city’s most important recreation and social spaces. Balıkesir Atatürk Stadium is located in this district.
The first mayor of Altıeylül was elected in the 2014 local elections. The district’s name comes from the 6 September 1922 victory, Balıkesir’s liberation.
Of the land in Altıeylül district, 32% is forest, 49% agricultural land, 12% pasture and 7% non-agricultural land. Dairy processing facilities are concentrated in Gönen, Susurluk and Altıeylül.
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Photo: Özge (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source This nature park close to Balıkesir city centre is known for clear streams flowing through a deep valley and ancient rock formations. Picnic areas, walking trails and natural pools make it especially popular in the summer months.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Built in 1461 by Zağanos Paşa, one of the commanders of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, the mosque is one of Balıkesir's oldest Ottoman buildings. Its single-domed plan and stonework make it an important example of early Ottoman architecture.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Built in 1827 and become the symbol of the city, the Clock Tower stands in Altıeylül square. Around 28 metres high, the tower was also used as a fire-watch tower in the Ottoman period.
View on mapThe thermal springs in Pamukçu town in Altıeylül have been used for healing since Ottoman times. The historic bath in the area has been restored and is in service, and it attracts visitors from Germany, the Netherlands and France too.
View on mapThis museum, which tells the story of the national resistance movement in Balıkesir during the War of Independence, displays documents and photographs of the city's liberation on 6 September 1922. The district's name also comes from this date of liberation.
View on mapWhile you are in Altıeylül, you can also see the highlights of Balıkesir province. These places are in other districts.
Finely minced beef is kneaded with bread crumbs and spices and then grilled. It is the best-known meat dish of Balıkesir and is served in Altıeylül's köfte shops using a traditional recipe.
A traditional Balıkesir dessert made by melting fresh cheese in butter and cooking it with flour and sugar. Served with a caramelised surface, höşmerim is especially preferred in the winter months.
Made by simmering and pounding cracked wheat and lamb for hours, keşkek is an essential dish at weddings and festivals in Balıkesir. It is served with sizzling butter drizzled over it.
Small papalina fish from the Sea of Marmara are floured and fried. It is one of the most characteristic flavours of Balıkesir's seafood cuisine.
The date 6 September 1922, from which the district takes its name, is the day Balıkesir was liberated from enemy occupation during the War of Independence. It is celebrated every year with ceremonies, concerts and cultural events.
Balıkesir was the capital of the Karasi Principality between 1341 and 1922. The Karasi Principality is distinguished as the first Turkish principality to join the Ottoman State, and this heritage forms the basis of the city's cultural identity.
Dairy farming, maintained for generations in Altıeylül's rural neighbourhoods, is an integral part of the region's economic and cultural life.
Altıeylül's economy is based on agriculture, livestock farming, industry and services. The district contains one of Balıkesir's largest milk production basins. Food processing, textiles and machinery manufacturing take place in the organised industrial zone. The Pamukçu Hot Springs contribute to thermal tourism. Balıkesir University's campus within the district supports the regional economy through education and research.
Altıeylül forms the eastern side of Balıkesir city centre. It is 290 km from Istanbul, 310 km from Izmir and 150 km from Bursa. Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport is 7 km from the district. There are regular services to all major cities via the intercity bus terminal. The Balıkesir–Bandırma railway line also offers an alternative.
The 6 highlights of Altıeylül are Değirmenboğazı Nature Park, Zağnos Paşa Mosque, Balıkesir Clock Tower, Pamukçu Hot Springs, Kuvayi Milliye Museum and Balıkesir Atatürk Stadium.
Balıkesir Bandırma Köftesi, Höşmerim, Keşkek and Papalina Tava are the standout flavours on Altıeylül's tables.
Altıeylül is known for milk and dairy products and 6 September Liberation Day. Altıeylül and Karesi districts form Balıkesir's largest milk production basin. The Milk Producers' Union operating in the region coordinates the production of high-quality raw milk.
Altıeylül forms the eastern side of Balıkesir city centre. It is 290 km from Istanbul, 310 km from Izmir and 150 km from Bursa. Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport is 7 km from the district. There are regular services to all major cities via the intercity bus terminal. The Balıkesir–Bandırma railway line also offers an alternative.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.