- General Information
- Balıkesir has 662,199 inhabitants in 2020
- Located on Istanbul-Izmir trade route since ancient times
- Mostly modern with several old mosques
- Transportation
- Edremit Airport serves daily flights from Istanbul
- Two railway stations connect to İzmir via various trains
- Regular bus service from Istanbul to İzmir takes 6 hours
- Attractions
- Clock Tower resembles Istanbul's Galata Tower
- National Forces Museum displays Kuva-yi Milliye history
- Three historic mosques: Umurbey, Zağnos Paşa, Yıldırım
- Atatürk House opened in 2021 as replica of birthplace
- Local Life
- Balya town 50 km northwest shows mining heritage
- Thermal springs and spa hotels available
- Local cuisine includes keskek, tirit, and traditional desserts
- Rakı and ayran are popular drinks
- Accommodation
- Multiple hotels available from budget to luxury
- Onhann Hotel offers business accommodation
- Most hotels located near railway station