Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 4 places to visit in the Akhisar district of Manisa: Thyateira Ancient City, Akhisar Grand Mosque and Akhisar Archaeology Museum. Plan your trip to Akhisar with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Akhisar is a district of Manisa and, with a population of 181,472, is the second most populous district in Manisa and the 138th most populous district in Türkiye. The district covers 1,645 km² and is the largest district in Manisa by area. The highest point in the district is Görenez Dağı (1,280 m), and the elevation of the city centre is 106 metres.
The earliest known settlement in Akhisar dates to the Neolithic period, showing that its history goes back to the 7000s BC. Known as Thiatira in the Lydian period, the city was one of the important settlements in the northern part of the empire. In the Roman period, textile-related trades gained importance. Akhisar was home to one of the first seven churches of Christianity. The city was first taken by the Turks under Saruhan Bey, and the Ottomans seized it in 1390. During the War of Independence it came under Greek occupation and remained occupied until 6 September 1922.
Farming is one of the district’s livelihoods, and 47% of the district’s land is used as farmland. Over time, crop cultivation has shifted towards olives and grapes. Akhisar is where the most olives and olive oil are produced in Türkiye. The district also has poultry farms and farming-based industries.
The city was named Thiatira by Seleucus I in the Hellenistic period, after he learned that his wife had given birth to a daughter. The city took its present name from a castle on a hill near the town.
Settlement in Akhisar goes back to the Neolithic period. In the Roman period Akhisar became an important industrial town, with textiles to the fore. Thyateira was the scene of a battle in the Roman period.
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Akhisar's ancient name is Thyateira. One of the seven churches of Christianity was located here. The ruins of Thyateira, one of the seven churches named in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, are found in the district centre.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Built in the 14th century under the Saruhanid dynasty, this mosque is the oldest place of worship in the district.
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A museum displaying finds from Thyateira and the ancient cities of the surrounding area, revealing the region's rich archaeological heritage.
View on mapWhile you are in Akhisar, you can also see the highlights of Manisa province. These places are in other districts; Akhisar is about 50 km from the provincial centre.
Akhisar Domat Zeytinyağı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 28 March 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1055). Product group: solid and liquid fats and oils, including butter. Registered by: Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Akhisar Köfte was registered as a protected geographical indication on 9 January 2018 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 322). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Akhisar Uslu Zeytinyağı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 28 March 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1056). Product group: solid and liquid fats and oils, including butter. Registered by: Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Akhisar (Thyateira) is home to one of the seven churches named in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. This makes the district important for Christian faith tourism.
Akhisar's economy is based on olive and olive oil production, farming and industry. It is one of the largest olive-producing centres in Türkiye.
Akhisar is 50 km from Manisa provincial centre and 90 km from Izmir. It lies on the Izmir–Istanbul highway.
The main sights in Akhisar are: Thyateira Ancient City, Akhisar Grand Mosque, Akhisar Archaeology Museum and Akhisar Museum.
Akhisar Domat Zeytinyağı, Akhisar Köfte and Akhisar Uslu Zeytinyağı are the highlights of Akhisar's tables.
Akhisar is known for Akhisar Domat Olives and the Seven Churches Heritage. A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin.
Akhisar is 50 km from Manisa provincial centre and 90 km from Izmir. It lies on the Izmir–Istanbul highway.
Suggested visit time: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.