| Type: | metro district |
| Karesi | |
| Coordinates: | 39.6333°N 80°W |
| Province: | Balıkesir |
| Leader Party: | AKP |
| Leader Name: | Dinçer Orkan |
| Area Total Km2: | 695 |
| Elevation M: | 130 |
| Population Total: | 187362 |
| Population As Of: | 2022 |
| Postal Code: | 10100 |
| Area Code: | 0266 |
Karesi is a municipality and district of Balıkesir Province, Turkey.[1] Its area is 695 km2,[2] and its population is 187,362 (2022).[3]
The district was established in 2012, when Balıkesir Province was declared a metropolitan municipality as a part of the 2013 Turkish local government reorganisation (Law no. 6360). Karesi was created out of the former Balıkesir central district, along with Altıeylül.[4] [5] The name Karesi refers to a short-lived -14th-century Turkmen beylik around Balıkesir.
There are 70 neighbourhoods in Karesi District:[6]
Anafartalar Street, Milli Kuvvetler Street, Vasıf Çınar Street, Kızılay Street, Atalar Street are important streets in the city. Aygören, Karaoğlan, Dumlupınar, Hisariçi, Karesi, Kızpınar, Hacıilbey quarters are the first settlements of the city. The eldest settlements are acclivity, lane and also have adjoint buildings. Many historical places are in these quarters. A summary of new settlements are Atatürk, Paşaalanı and Adnan Menderes quarters. The squares of the city: Ali Hikmet Pasha (AHP), Republica, Wrestler Kurtdereli Mehmed and Karesi.
Trade and economic life is concentrated on three streets. These are Milli Kuvvetler Street,Kızılay Street and Anafartalar Street. Commercial life focuses on these streets and the small streets which are intersecting these streets and avenues. As a part of the city skyline, New Bazaar Area is the oldest shopping place for the city. Vasıf Çınar Street and Gazi Boulevard are other busy areas.
Salih Tozan Cultural Center is important for cultural activities in the city. Public transport area where is the point of transport networks is near the Salih Tozan. Yaylada is one of the most important places for citylife.
The capital of Balıkesir province contains many historical buildings. The clocktower (built in 1892) is the symbol of the city. A historical fountain (built in 1908) is another popular building. The Zaganos Pasha Mosque Complex and Yildirim Mosque are popular spiritual areas. Many old Balıkesir houses in the Aygören and Karaoğlan district remain from the Ottoman period. The center of the city also contains the historical Turkish "Pasha Hamami" bath, which is still in use.
Balıkesir National Photography Museum is the only photography museum in Turkey. The Museum of National Moment, exhibits historical memories of the city. Of course, Karesi is especially known for its historic windmills.
Zaganos Pasha, named after one of the viziers and commanders during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet was built in 1461.
The main souvenir of city is Eau de Cologne is aromatic lily. Hösmerim which is made from cheese and egg is the popular dessert of this city. Many old Turkish dishes (such as keşkek, güveç, tirit, mantı, kaymaklı) compose the Karesi cuisine.
Karesi is twinned with:
Maçka, Turkey (since 2015)[7]