5 places to visit in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir: Hisaralan Hot Springs, Yağcıbedir Carpet Museum and Sındırgı Castle. Plan your trip to Sındırgı with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Sındırgı is a district of Balıkesir province.
There are various views on the origin of the name Sındırgı. Bilge Umar has argued that the name has no meaning in Turkish and may come from the word Sandrake.
The settlement has a very long history. In the 6th century BC the Persians annexed this region, along with Lydia and all of Anatolia, to the Persian Empire. A municipality was established in 1884, and in 1913 Sındırgı separated from Bigadiç and became a district. When the district was occupied by Greek forces on 29 June 1920, its people wore down the Greek units, and the occupiers eventually left the district.
Sındırgı lies in the southeast of Balıkesir, on the old Balıkesir–İzmir road, 63 km from Balıkesir. The district’s terrain is generally hilly and covered with forest. Of the district’s land, 51% is forest, 24% is suitable for farming, 22% is hilly and barren land, and 3% is meadow, pasture and irrigated farmland.
Sındırgı was founded as a town in the late 18th century. It became a district in 1913, when it separated from Bigadiç. Sındırgı was liberated from occupation on 3 September 1922, and that day is celebrated as Liberation Day.
Sındırgı covers 1,433 km² and lies 250 m above sea level. Sındırgı was cleared of occupying forces on 3 September 1922, and that day is officially observed as Liberation Day and celebrated with enthusiasm every year.
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The thermal springs in the Hisaralan town of Sındırgı, with mineral waters at 60–80°C, are one of Türkiye's major spa centres. Believed to help with rheumatism, skin conditions and nervous system disorders, the springs are served by modern thermal facilities.
View on mapA museum displaying the world-famous Yağcıbedir carpets of Sındırgı, telling the history and techniques of traditional carpet weaving. Yağcıbedir carpets, known for their geometric patterns and natural dyes, have been nominated for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
View on mapThe castle ruins on the hilltop above the district centre date from the ancient city of Carseae (Κάρσεαι). Walls of the castle, which was also used in Byzantine and Ottoman times, partly survive.
View on mapÇaygören Dam, near Sındırgı, was built for irrigation and power generation. Picnic areas and fishing opportunities are available around the reservoir.
View on mapA 725-metre mountain pass in a hilly area covered with pines to the south.
View on mapWhile you are in Sındırgı, you can also see the highlights of Balıkesir province. These places are in other districts.
Keşkek is made by cooking cracked wheat and lamb for hours and then pounding them together. In Sındırgı it is the traditional dish of weddings and festive holiday tables.
Prepared by frying lamb with onion and pepper and pouring it over yufka bread. One of the distinctive flavours of Sındırgı's rural cooking.
Made by melting fresh cheese in butter and cooking it with sugar, höşmerim is Sındırgı's traditional dessert.
The International Yağcıbedir Festival, held every September, is Sındırgı's most important event, with carpet competitions, cultural activities and concerts.
Carpet weaving in Sındırgı is a tradition that has been maintained for centuries. Carpets named after the village of Yağcıbedir, with their geometric motifs and natural dyes, are sought after by collectors around the world.
The Sındırgı economy rests on farming, livestock, spa tourism and handicrafts. The Hisaralan hot springs generate income from spa tourism. Yağcıbedir carpets are the district's most important export product. Farming produces grain, pulses and olives. Earthquakes in 2025 affected the district's economy negatively.
Sındırgı is 75 km from Balıkesir. Access is by road. There are regular minibus services from the Balıkesir bus terminal. The nearest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (80 km).
The top 5 sights in Sındırgı are: Hisaralan Hot Springs, Yağcıbedir Carpet Museum, Sındırgı Castle, Çaygören Dam and Sındırgı Pass.
Keşkek, Çullama and Höşmerim are the standout dishes on Sındırgı's tables.
Sındırgı is known for Sındırgı Çıtır Kavun and the International Yağcıbedir Festival. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a designation of origin.
Sındırgı is 75 km from Balıkesir. Access is by road. There are regular minibus services from the Balıkesir bus terminal. The nearest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (80 km).
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: September (festival season) and spring.