Antic Ruins, Unspoiled Bays, Olives and Oliveoil 

The Aegean Region is the only region in Turkey which opens extensively to the sea. It covers some 11 percent of Turkey's land with a surface area of approximately 79,000 km2. The region, which is in the west of Anatolia, takes its name from the adjacent sea. Izmir, Aydin, Manisa and Kutahya Provinces, and Usak Province, excluding some small sections, are completely within the borders of the region. Some sections of Mugla, Denizli and Afyon Provinces are included in the Mediterranean or Central Anatolia Regions. In the same manner, the Aegean shores of Balikesir Province are in the Marmara Region, and some counties of Bursa Province are included in the Aegean Region.

The Aegean Region is in second place after the Marmara Region in industrial activities. Textiles, food and automotive industries are in the lead, with machinery, spare parts and other industrial organizations concentrated in Izmir, the oil industry is concentrated around Edremit and Ayvalik. There are sugar factories in Usak, Kutahya and Afyon, and nitrogen factories in Kutahya. Besides Izmir, cotton textiles are widespread in Usak, Aydin, Nazilli, and especially in Denizli. Denizli is the most important textiles center in the region and they are exported from here. Carpet weaving is developed in Usak, Kula, Gordes, Simav and Demirci in the Inner Western Anatolia sections. Afyon is known for its marble and marble production facilities. The Camalti Saltern is the most important salt production center in Turkey. The region contributes to the electricity production in Turkey through thermal power plants in Soma, Tuncbilek and Yatagan, and hydroelectric power plants in Kemer and Demirkopru. There is a large oil refinery at Aliaga near Izmir.

Cultivated and planted lands cover a large area in the Aegean Region. Fruits and vegetables are important in the Inner Western Anatolia section. More than half of Turkey's tobacco production comes from the Aegean Region. The share of the region in the total production of cotton in Turkey is close to one-third. The seedless grapes of the Gediz Plain which are dried and sold domestically and especially exported abroad, and the figs of the Great Menderes Plain, and the olive and olive oil production of the Edremit Bay contribute considerably to the economy of the region. The region produces more than one third of the grapes and four-fifths of the figs in Turkey. A total of 48 percent of the olive trees in Turkey are in this region. Citrus fruits are among the important export items of the region.

Tourism is also very developed in the Aegean Region. It contributes considerably to the economy of the region. Throughout the Aegean shores which have "the most beautiful skies and the best climate in the world" (according to the famous historian Herodotus of Bodrum) bays, peninsulas, coves, islands and fine sandy beaches follow one another. Ancient cities famous for their theaters, temples, agoras and fortresses are encountered at every step taken in the region, which has lived intimately with innumerable mythological subjects for centuries. These cities constituted the foundation of the Western civilization with their successful performances realized in the tunnel of time in the fields of city planning, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, architecture and art.

Whether you prefer idyllic fishing harbours, popular holiday villages or the remains of ancient civilizations attesting to more than 5,000 years of history, culture and mythology, this region offers a holiday with something for nature lovers, sun worshippers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors and archeologists. Along the whole length of the coast, accommodation to suit every taste and price range can be found.