Bandirma, Turkey Tourism

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industrial center, it has a regular ferry service to Istanbul (the first modern harbor was built in 1924). In 1943 a 2,500ha/6,180 acre farm was set up on the southern outskirts of town to rear merino sheep. It has a stock of about 5,000 animals. Because of Bandirma's industries, its bay is not particularly attractive to holidaymakers. But there are still a number of sandy beaches e.g. at Karsiyakaköyü, and also near the Kyzikos ruins.

History

Little is known of the early history of the town or its origins. It was Mysian to begin with, and later - probably in the guise of a small fishing village - part of the kingdom of Kyzikos. In 1076, at the time of Sultan Süleiman Kutulmus, it came under the hegemony of the Seljuks of Rum. After their empire collapsed, it was part of the Karasi beylik. Under Ottoman rule (until 1922) the population was predominantly Greek and Armenian. A substantial section of the town was destroyed in a fire in 1874 and today there is nothing much of interest to see.

Surroundings