Soma, town and district of Manisa Province in the Aegean region of Turkey
Soma is a town in Manisa Province defined primarily by coal mining and energy production. The place consists of functional buildings, mining operations, and a large wind farm with numerous turbines that contribute to electricity generation.
Soma developed as a mining town during Ottoman rule between 1867 and 1922, with infrastructure expanding over time to support the industry and local population. The region became economically significant especially during the First World War when coal fueled trains and local power needs.
The name Soma reflects the region's ancient roots and connects past with present identity. In daily life, you notice the tight community bonds among residents at local markets and cafes, where traditional Turkish food brings people together for conversation and connection.
The best way to move through Soma is on foot or using local buses to explore the different neighborhoods. It works well to walk slowly and take in everyday scenes of local life along the streets and at markets.
Soma houses one of Turkey's largest wind farms, where numerous turbines generate electricity from wind and shape the landscape. It is surprising for visitors to see how these modern wind installations coexist alongside traditional mining activities in the same region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.