Photo: Mr. Vehbi Moğol (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the İvrindi district of Balıkesir: Mount Kaz, Mount Madra and İvrindi Castle. Plan your trip to İvrindi with local food, practical tips and transport information.
İvrindi is a district of Balıkesir Province, famous for its kelle cheese and lor.
The district’s land is generally mountainous, with Kaz Mountain to the west and Madra Mountain to the south-west. The district covers 818 km² and has an average elevation of 276 metres above sea level.
İvrindi’s history of settlement goes back to 3000–4000 BC. After Balıkesir and its surroundings were conquered by Kutalmışoğlu Süleyman Şah in 1076, Turkish rule began. In the early years of the Republic, İvrindi, then a town (belde), became a district on 2 August 1944.
The economy is based on farming, and the main crops are wheat, barley, maize and pulses. The kelle sheep’s cheese and höşmerim produced in the district are very well known.
İvrindi, then a town (belde), became a district by Law no. 4642 on 2 August 1944. A festival called Panayır (fair) is held in İvrindi every year. The Greek occupation forces left the district on 7 September 1922. The history section also names Mysia as the region in which the district lies; this region remained under the Kingdom of Pergamon for a long time.
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The castle remains on the hill above the town centre date from the Byzantine period. The walls of the castle, which was also used in the Ottoman period, are partly standing, and the panoramic view of the İvrindi plain can be seen from the hill.
View on mapAn ancient settlement within the district's boundaries, located near Gömeniç (Gümeniç).
View on mapBuilt in the Ottoman period, Çarşı Mosque is the oldest place of worship in the town centre. With its stonework and wooden minbar, it is a simple example of local Ottoman mosque architecture.
View on mapA mountain to the south-west of the district. Chestnut, walnut and thyme grow here.
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Photo: Mr. Vehbi Moğol (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Kozak Plateau, south of İvrindi, is covered with pine forests and stone pine (fıstık çamı) trees. In summer, its cool air and natural beauty make it a popular place for picnics and nature walks.
View on mapThe Kocaçay valley, which runs west of İvrindi, is a suitable route for nature walks, with its rocky slopes and natural vegetation.
View on mapThere is a dam lake in Yeşilköy, and irrigated farming is carried out around it.
View on mapWhile you are in İvrindi, you can also see the highlights of Balıkesir province. These places are in other districts.
İvrindi Kelle Peyniri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 9 February 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1025). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: İvrindi Municipality.
Keşkek, made by simmering and pounding wheat and lamb for hours, is the traditional dish of wedding and holiday tables in İvrindi.
Höşmerim, made by melting fresh cheese in butter and cooking it with sugar, is İvrindi's traditional dessert.
Thin dough filled with cheese or spinach and cooked on a griddle, gözleme is an indispensable part of the rural breakfast tables of İvrindi.
Kelle sheep's cheese produced in the district, said to be well known.
Each autumn, the pine nut harvest at Kozak Plateau is an economic and social event for the people of İvrindi. The harvest season is celebrated with festivities.
Traditional farming and livestock culture continues in İvrindi's rural neighbourhoods. Village weddings and harvest festivals are living examples of this culture.
İvrindi's economy is based on farming, forestry and livestock. Pine nut production at Kozak Plateau is the district's most important source of income. Beekeeping and pine honey production are also an important sector. Cereals, pulses and olives are grown in agriculture.
İvrindi is 45 km from Balıkesir. Transport is by road. There are regular minibus services from the Balıkesir bus terminal. The nearest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (50 km).
The 8 standout places in İvrindi: Mount Kaz, Mount Madra, İvrindi Castle, İvrindi Çarşı Mosque, Kozak Plateau, Kocaçay Valley, Yeşilköy Dam Lake and Pionia Ancient Settlement.
İvrindi Kelle Peyniri, Keşkek, Höşmerim and Gözleme are standout dishes on tables in İvrindi.
İvrindi is known for Çam Fıstığı and the Pine Nut Harvesting Tradition. Pine nuts collected from the stone pine forests of Kozak Plateau are İvrindi's most valuable local product.
İvrindi is 45 km from Balıkesir. Transport is by road. There are regular minibus services from the Balıkesir bus terminal. The nearest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (50 km).
Recommended visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: autumn (pine nut harvest) and spring.