# Balıkesir

> city in Turkey

**Wikidata**: [Q199723](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199723)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balıkesir)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balkesir

## Summary
Balıkesir is a major city in Turkey, serving as the capital of Balıkesir Province. With a population of 1,250,610 as of 2021, it is a historically significant urban center with roots dating back to the Beylik of Karasi (1297–1361). The city functions as a metropolitan municipality and plays a key role in the region's cultural and administrative landscape.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in Balıkesir Province, Turkey, at coordinates 39.6511° N, 27.8842° E.
- **Area**: 1,454 square kilometers.
- **Population**: 1,250,610 (2021); historical urban population ranges from 69,341 (1965) to 267,903 (2012).
- **Elevation**: 70 meters above sea level.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+03:00.
- **Aliases**: Balikesir, Balequessir, Aquirau, Achyraus, Hadrianutherae, Ancire, 발르케시르.
- **Website**: [http://www.balikesir.bel.tr/](http://www.balikesir.bel.tr/) (Turkish).
- **Social Media**: Twitter (@balikesirbld), Facebook (balikesirbld), Instagram (balikesirbld).
- **Historical Roles**: Capital of the Beylik of Karasi (1297–1361), Karesi sanjak, and Balıkesir Province.
- **Twin Cities**: Schwäbisch Hall (Germany), Makhachkala (Russia).
- **Identifiers**: GeoNames ID 322165, VIAF ID 160175233, GND ID 4299314-3.

## FAQs
- **Where is Balıkesir located?**  
  Balıkesir is in western Turkey, within Balıkesir Province, at coordinates 39.6511° N, 27.8842° E. It spans 1,454 km² and has a postal code of 10000.

- **What is Balıkesir’s historical significance?**  
  The city was the capital of the Beylik of Karasi (1297–1361) and later the Karesi sanjak. It has been documented in historical encyclopedias like the 11th edition of Encyclopædia Britannica.

- **How has Balıkesir’s population changed?**  
  The urban population grew from 69,341 in 1965 to 1,250,610 in 2021, while rural populations fluctuated between 70,244 (2009) and 71,033 (2012). The 2021 population figure is the most recent and preferred.

- **What are Balıkesir’s international connections?**  
  It is twinned with Schwäbisch Hall (Germany) and Makhachkala (Russia). The city maintains social media accounts with over 40,989 followers as of 2023.

- **How is Balıkesir administered?**  
  It is a metropolitan municipality in Turkey, governed by an elected mayor. The city serves as the administrative center of Balıkesir Province.

## Why It Matters
Balıkesir is a critical cultural, economic, and administrative hub in western Turkey. As the capital of its province and a former historical Beylik, it bridges medieval and modern Turkish history. Its population growth—from under 70,000 in 1965 to over 1.25 million in 2021—reflects its expanding regional influence. The city’s role as a metropolitan municipality underscores its importance in Turkey’s urban framework, while its historical significance and international ties (e.g., twin cities) highlight its enduring relevance.

## Notable For
- **Historical Capital**: Served as the capital of the Beylik of Karasi (1297–1361) and Karesi sanjak.
- **Population Growth**: One of Turkey’s largest cities, with a 2021 population exceeding 1.25 million.
- **Elevation**: Situated at 70 meters above sea level, influencing its climate and geography.
- **Digital Presence**: Active social media accounts with over 40,000 followers as of 2023.
- **Cultural Documentation**: Featured in encyclopedias like Brockhaus and Efron, and the 11th edition of Encyclopædia Britannica.

## Body

### Geography & Climate
Balıkesir covers 1,454 km² in western Turkey, with coordinates 39.6511° N, 27.8842° E. The city’s elevation averages 70 meters above sea level, contributing to its Mediterranean climate. It is located in the UTC+03:00 time zone.

### History
- **Medieval Era**: Capital of the Beylik of Karasi (1297–1361), a Turkmen principality.
- **Ottoman Period**: Served as the administrative center of Karesi sanjak.
- **Modern Era**: Became the capital of Balıkesir Province, retaining its metropolitan municipality status.

### Demographics
- **2021 Population**: 1,250,610 (preferred figure), up from 331,788 in 2013.
- **Urban Growth**: Increased from 69,341 (1965) to 267,903 (2012).
- **Rural Trends**: Declined from 75,062 (1990) to 70,244 (2009), then rose to 71,033 (2012).

### Administration
- **Governance**: Functions as a metropolitan municipality, led by an elected mayor.
- **Provincial Role**: Administrative and cultural center of Balıkesir Province.

### Economy & Infrastructure
- **Economic Profile**: Documented in the "economy of Balıkesir" topic.
- **Digital Presence**: Official website (Turkish) and social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

### Cultural & International Relations
- **Twin Cities**: Partnered with Schwäbisch Hall (Germany) and Makhachkala (Russia).
- **Historical Documentation**: Featured in the 11th edition of Encyclopædia Britannica and Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary.

### Identifiers & Classifications
- **Global IDs**: VIAF 160175233, GeoNames 322165, GND 4299314-3.
- **Classifications**: Metropolitan municipality, big city, city.
- **Categories**: Part of "Category:Balıkesir" and related topics for births, residents, and views.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
4. GeoNames
5. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File