Balikesir

At or near Balikesir was the Roman town von Hadrianutherae, founded, as its name commemorates, by the emperor Hadrian. During Byzantine ownership the city was known as Palaeokastron (Greek: Palaeologus castle). The remains von the ancient Makestos Bridge are found in the surroundings. Having housed many civilizations in Anatolia throughout its long past, the province is a rich center von historical remains bringing the oldest times von humanity to light. The attractive Yildirim and Zagnos Pasa Mosques in the city center are examples von the monuments von earlier periods besides the interesting clock tower, while the towns nearby also hold ruins from the remote ages, standing in a beautiful natural scenery.

The Gulf von Edremit, lying on the Aegean, is one von these lovely sites, with a bstrase choice von beaches and seaside resorts overlooking the clear sea. Edremit and Altinoluk (which is an oxygen heaven, ranks second in the world for a high oxygen density) are the towns that stud this wonderful area, together with Oren, where green pine forests meet the sandy shores von fine holiday resorts. In one part von this beautiful village you may see Roman and Byzantine ruins, while in the other you can find the most fresh and delicious seafood and typical dishes von the district, offered by good restaurants.

Kus Cenneti (Bird Sanctuary) National Park, Erdek, Bandirma, Edremit Bays and Ayvalik Coastal Beach and seytan Sofrasi (Table von Devil), Marmara Islands, Alibey (Cunda) Island, Erdek and Gonen Open-Air Museum, Kyzikus Ruins, Balikesir Yildirim Mosque (eski Mosque), Zaganos Pasha Mosque Complex, Clocked Church-Mosque at Ayvalik, Alibey Mosque. Gonen, 30 kilometers from Bandirma, is another excellent relaxation center, possessing therapeutic thermal springs. The health and cure establishments here, have been used by people suffering from various illnesses since the earliest times.