Erdek Guide

Kyzikos, which is spread over a large area just north of the marsh between the Erdek and Bandırma Bays of the Kapıdağ Peninsula (Ancient Arktonnesos) in the south of the Marmara Sea, is known today as 'Belkıs' and 'Balkız'. Kapıdağ, a peninsula, was an island in ancient times. Over time, it lost its island characteristic with the sediment brought by subsidence and waves. There are even ancient sources that Alexander the Great built a bridge here in 334 BC. According to the remains, the settlement area of the city is surrounded by Mount Dyndimos (Bear Mountain), Hamamlı and Belkıs (Yeniköy) villages in the north, Erdek Bay and Düzler Village in the west, Erdek-Edincik highway in the south; Aşağı Yapıcı Village and Bandırma Bay in the east. As it is understood from its location, Kyzikos, with its natural harbors and fertile lands, held the maritime trade of the region in ancient times; they reached a very advanced level in olive cultivation, fishing, cosmetics and winemaking.

In the ages of history, Herodotus was the first to mention Artake. Artake was colonized by the Milesians at the beginning of the 7th century BC, and before 361 BC, it came under the sovereignty of Kyzikos together with the whole Kapıdağ. Artake, which gradually lost its importance next to Kyzikos, which constantly rose and shone throughout the Hellenistic Age, became an outskirts of this site during the Roman period. With the decline of Kyzikos, whose harbors were neglected in the Byzantine era, whose buildings were destroyed by earthquakes and whose stones were looted, Artake started to develop, but could not reach the fame of Kyzikos.

The historian Herodotus also discussed its economic situation and praised its grapes, wine, olives and olive oil. Artake was conquered by Suleiman Pasha, the son of Orhan Gazi, in 1339 and came under Turkish sovereignty. In 1807, it was connected to Karesi Sanjak. Erdek is located in the Gulf of Erdek in Balıkesir on the Kapıdağ Peninsula of the Marmara Region extending towards the Marmara Sea. It consists of Kapıdağ Peninsula, formerly known as Arktonnesos, and the islands of Marmara, Paşalimanı, Türkeli (Avşa), Ekinlik in the north and west.

Kapıdağ is a triangular peninsula in the middle of the southern coast of the Marmara Sea. The coasts of Erdek, which has a long coast, are generally sandy and natural beaches. It is also covered with forests and is a hunting protection area. Chestnut and olive trees stand out. The height from the sea is 0-10 m. Its economy is based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. The main agricultural products are olives, red onions, and wheat. In addition, cherries, dried beans, pepper paste, apples, plums and tobacco are also grown.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Erdek Hotels page.