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3 places to visit in the Soma district of Manisa: Soma Castle, Hıdırlık Hill and Emir Hacı Hıdır Bey Mosque. Plan your trip to Soma with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Soma is a district of Manisa province in the Aegean Region, with an area of 820 km² and a population of 110,188, at an altitude of 171 metres. It lies at the foot of the Yunt mountain range and sits on one of Türkiye’s most active fault lines.

Place Name

The name Soma is said to come from the sumac plant, and there are accounts that “Somaklı” gradually became “Soma”.

Economy

Soma is known for its tahini halva and walnut lokum. The district is known for its many lignite mines and two thermal power plants. It was announced in 2015 that gold reserves of 100 tonnes had been found in the thermal power plants, which meet 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs.

Mining Disaster

In the disaster of 13 May 2014, a spark caused a fire in the mine, parts of it collapsed, and 301 workers lost their lives.

History and Culture

Soma was liberated from Greek occupation on 13 September 1922. Its former name was GHARMA, and its first settlement is thought to have been in the area of Darkale (Tarhala). The mining disaster at Soma claimed the lives of 301 workers.

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Places to Visit in Soma

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Historic

Soma Castle

Castle ruins on a hill in the city centre, dating from the Byzantine period. The castle offers views of the Soma plain.

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Nature

Hıdırlık Hill

The highest point in Soma, Hıdırlık Hill is a suitable place for city views and hiking.

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Religious

Emir Hacı Hıdır Bey Mosque

A mosque with a wooden ceiling in the Cuma neighbourhood, Soma's oldest settlement, built in 1791.

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Places to Visit Around Manisa Province

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While you are in Soma, you can also see the highlights of Manisa province. These places are in other districts; Soma is about 80 km from the provincial centre.

  • Sardis (Sart) Ancient City — 9 km from Salihli, Sardis was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom and is famous for its Roman-era gymnasium and bath complex, one of the largest ancient synagogues in Anatolia and the giant Temple of Artemis.
  • Temple of Artemis at Sardis — One of the largest Ionic temples in Anatolia, begun in the Hellenistic period and continued under the Romans; two of its columns are still standing.
  • Sultan Mosque and Hafsa Sultan Hospital (Darüşşifa) — A complex built in 1522 by Ayşe Hafsa Sultan, mother of Suleiman the Magnificent, made up of a mosque, madrasa, imaret (soup kitchen), hammam and a darüşşifa (hospital) where the mentally ill were also treated.
  • Muradiye Mosque — The mosque of the complex designed by Mimar Sinan in 1583–1585 for Murad III; with its two minarets and the İznik tiles of the interior, it is the most elegant Ottoman building in Manisa.
  • Mount Spil National Park — A national park on the border of Manisa and Izmir, declared in 1968; it is known for its yılkı horses (feral horses), where old horses have been left to roam since Ottoman times, for the endemic Manisa tulip and for the Atalanı plateau.
  • Weeping Rock (Niobe) — A rock in the Çaybaşı neighbourhood, at the exit of Mount Spil, associated with the legend of Niobe, who lost her children and wept until she turned to stone.

Practical Information for Visiting Soma

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn months
Places to visit
3 places

What to Eat in Soma

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  • Soma Helvası (Soma halva)

    Soma Helvası was registered as a protected geographical indication on 4 August 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1438). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products and desserts. Registered by: Soma District Governorate.

  • Soma Zeytinyağı (Soma olive oil)

    Soma Zeytinyağı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 4 August 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1436). Product group: solid and liquid fats including butter. Registered by: Soma District Governorate.

  • Tahini halva and walnut lokum

    Known traditional sweets of Soma.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Soma

  • Mining Heritage

    Soma has been the centre of lignite mining since the Republic era. The mining disaster of 2014 left a deep mark on the district's recent history.

Local Products

  • Lignite Coal — Soma has one of the largest lignite coal deposits in Türkiye. The Soma Thermal Power Plant is the region's largest energy production facility.
  • Olives — Olives are grown in the area around Soma.

Economy

Soma's economy is based on mining and energy. Lignite coal and the thermal power plant are the district's biggest sources of income. Agriculture and livestock farming also take place.

How to Get to Soma

Soma is 80 km from Manisa city centre and 120 km from İzmir. Access is by road.

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Soma: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Soma?

The 3 highlights of Soma are: Soma Castle, Hıdırlık Hill and Emir Hacı Hıdır Bey Mosque.

What to eat in Soma?

Soma Helvası, Soma Zeytinyağı and Tahini halva and walnut lokum are the standout dishes on Soma's tables.

What is Soma famous for?

Soma is known for Lignite Coal and its Mining Heritage. Soma has one of the largest lignite coal deposits in Türkiye. The Soma Thermal Power Plant is the region's largest energy production facility.

How do I get to Soma?

Soma is 80 km from Manisa city centre and 120 km from İzmir. Access is by road.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Soma?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months.

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