Edremit history

Foundation and Ancient Roots

The history of Edremit is rooted in deep antiquity, when the city was known by the name Adramyttium. According to historical records, it was founded in the 6th century BC. It is generally accepted that the city's founder was Adramys, the brother of the famous Lydian King Croesus, who sought to strengthen Lydia's influence in this strategically important region.

Factors of Development and Establishment

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant ancient centre was driven by several key circumstances:

• Strategic Geography: Its location on the shores of the gulf of the same name in the Aegean Sea provided excellent conditions for creating a port and developing maritime trade.
• Natural Resources: Proximity to Mount Ida (now Kaz Dağları) provided access to rich timber reserves, which were critical for ancient shipbuilding.
• Fertile Lands: The valley surrounding the city was ideal for agriculture, allowing the region to become a breadbasket for the local population.

Early Economy and Culture

Even in the early period of its existence, Edremit became a vital economic hub. Craftsmanship and the minting of its own coins flourished here. The city is even mentioned in biblical texts (in the Acts of the Apostles) as the home port of the ship on which the Apostle Paul travelled, confirming its high status in maritime navigation of that era. The cultural character of the city was formed as a unique blend of Lydian, Greek, and later Roman traditions.

Key Milestones in Edremit's History

The history of Edremit is rich with events reflecting the shift of civilisations from antiquity to modern Turkey.

• VI Century BC — The Lydians found the city of Adramyttium, named after Adramys, brother of King Croesus.
• 422 BC — The city accepts exiles from the island of Delos, significantly strengthening Greek cultural influence in the region.
• 133 BC — Edremit becomes part of the Roman province of Asia after the Kingdom of Pergamon was bequeathed to Rome.
• 1090s — The city is subjected to attacks and temporary capture by the Seljuk emir Chaka Bey.
• 1109 — The Byzantine general Eumathios Philokales restores the destroyed city, rebuilding its fortifications.
• Early 14th Century — The territory comes under the rule of the Turkish Karasid beylik, becoming an important administrative centre.
• 1361 — Edremit is definitively annexed to the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Sultan Murad I.
• 19th Century — The city develops as a key centre for the production and export of olive oil within the Ottoman Empire.
• 1919 — Following the events of World War I, the occupation of the region by Greek forces begins.
• 9 September 1922 — The Turkish army liberates Edremit; this date is celebrated annually as the city's liberation day.
• 1923 — Under the Treaty of Lausanne, a population exchange takes place, shaping the modern demographic character of the district.
• 1944 — A severe earthquake in the region causes significant damage to the city's historical architecture.
• 1997 — The Edremit Körfez Airport (now Koca Seyit) opens, unlocking the region for mass tourism.

Stages of Development: From Ancient Port to Resort Hub

The evolution of Edremit is the story of a strategic maritime hub transforming into a modern agro-industrial and tourism centre. The key stages of the city's development defined its current economic and architectural landscape.

• Ancient Shipbuilding Centre. Thanks to its proximity to Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları), which is rich in timber, ancient Adramyttium became the region's most important shipyard.
  Significance: This laid the foundation for the city's economy as a trade and logistics hub connecting inner Anatolia with the Aegean Sea.
• Rise of the "Olive Capital" (Ottoman Period). During the Ottoman era, mass cultivation of olive groves and the production of oil and soap began in the region.
  Significance: This formed the district's main economic specialisation, which persists to this day. Edremit became known far beyond the borders of the empire for the quality of its produce.
• Demographic and Cultural Transformation (1923). The population exchange following the Treaty of Lausanne radically changed the social composition of the city.
  Significance: The arrival of immigrants from the Balkans and the islands (Crete, Lesbos) introduced new traditions in cuisine (especially in the culture of olive oil consumption) and crafts, forming the unique cultural code of modern Edremit.
• Urban Renewal (Mid-20th Century). After the devastating earthquake of 1944, the city was forced to rebuild.
  Significance: This event became the starting point for modern urban planning. Old structures were replaced by more earthquake-resistant buildings, streets were widened, and the architectural look of the centre changed.
• Transport Breakthrough (1997). The opening of the airport (now Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport).
  Significance: A critically important stage for integrating the region into the international network. The airport made Edremit and its surroundings accessible not only to domestic but also to international tourists, sharply increasing investment appeal.
• Development of the Coastal Agglomeration (21st Century). Intensive construction and infrastructure development in the Altınoluk and Akçay districts.
  Significance: The virtual merger of the historical centre with coastal resorts turned Edremit into a major tourist riviera, where seasonal tourism became the second most important economic driver after agriculture.

Ottoman Heritage and Traditional Buildings

The architectural core of old Edremit was formed during the late Ottoman Empire. Despite the loss of many buildings, examples of civil architecture reflecting the lifestyle of that time have been preserved in the historical quarters.

• Era: 19th — early 20th century.
• Style: Traditional Turkish residential architecture (vernacular style).
• Characteristic Features: Houses ("konaks") with timber frames filled with brick or stone. A key element is the overhanging bay windows (cumba) on the upper floors, tiled roofs, and solid stone walls on the ground floors, often used for storing olive oil.
• Landmark Sites:
  • Ayşe Sıdıka Erke Ethnography Museum: A classic example of a restored mansion, showcasing the architectural details of a wealthy 19th-century home.
  • Historical Mosques: The Kurşunlu Mosque (Kurşunlu Camii), whose roots go back to the Seljuk period, though its current domed appearance is the result of Ottoman and later reconstructions.

Turning Point: Mid-20th Century Reconstruction

The key factor that defined the modern look of the city centre was the destructive earthquake of 1944. It destroyed a significant part of the old housing stock and forced town planners to change their approach.

• Era: Mid-20th century (1940s–1970s).
• Style: Utilitarian modernism and functionalism.
• Urban Changes: A transition from chaotic medieval layouts to wider streets and block-based construction. Wood and stone were replaced by reinforced concrete structures designed to ensure seismic stability. Buildings from this period are characterised by simple forms and a lack of decoration.

Modern Urbanism and Resort Expansion

In recent decades, the city's development has expanded beyond the historical centre, creating a unified agglomeration with coastal towns.

• Era: Late 20th — 21st century.
• Style: Modern standard developments and resort eclecticism.
• Development Features:
  • Apartment Complexes: The centre of Edremit is dominated by 4–6 storey residential blocks with commercial spaces on the ground floors.
  • Resort Architecture: In the Akçay and Altınoluk districts, a mass of dense "summer residence" (yazlık) developments has formed. These are predominantly concrete buildings with balconies and terraces, oriented towards seasonal holidays by the sea.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Edremit

Edremit, having been a crossroads of cultures for millennia, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many significant figures — from Byzantine emperors to modern stars of sport and art.

• Theodosius III (8th Century)
  Byzantine Emperor (715–717)
  Before his ascension to the throne, Theodosius served as a financial official in Adramyttium (the ancient name of Edremit). It was here that he was proclaimed emperor by the rebellious troops of the Opsikion theme. His brief reign is an important page in the history of Byzantium during the "Dark Ages".
• Sabahattin Ali (1907–1948)
  Writer, poet, and journalist
  One of the most influential Turkish writers of the 20th century spent his childhood and youth in Edremit. The city, its people, and nature (especially the Kaz Dağları mountains) became the central setting of his famous novel "Yusuf of Kuyucak" (Kuyucaklı Yusuf). The city has streets and memorial sites dedicated to the writer.
• Seyit Çabuk (Seyit Onbaşı) (1889–1939)
  Hero of World War I
  A legendary corporal famous for his feat during the Dardanelles Campaign. Although born in the neighbouring district of Havran, his figure is a symbol for the entire region. The city's main air hub — Edremit Koca Seyit Airport — is named in honour of this hero.
• Benjamin I (1871–1946)
  Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
  Born in the village of Zeytinli, which is today part of the Edremit district. He led the Orthodox Church of Constantinople from 1936 to 1946, playing an important role in preserving religious institutions during a complex historical period.
• Hülya Avşar (born 1963)
  Actress, singer, and TV presenter
  A native of Edremit who became one of the most famous icons of Turkish pop culture. A beauty pageant winner and star of numerous films, she often mentions her roots, helping to popularise the city in the media space.
• Caner Erkin (born 1988)
  Footballer, Turkish National Team player
  A renowned professional footballer born in Edremit. He has played for the country's leading clubs (Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray) and defended the colours of the national team, serving as a source of pride for local sports fans.