Turgutlu, district and town of Manisa Province in Turkey
Turgutlu is a large town in Manisa Province, in western Turkey, set on a flat plain between Izmir and the interior of the Aegean region. The town center is compact and built up, with a main square, commercial streets, and a mix of older stone buildings alongside more recent construction.
The town was formerly known as Kasaba and grew into a regional trade center during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. In the 19th century, the arrival of a railway line connecting it to Izmir changed the town's layout and gave it a new economic push.
Turgutlu takes its name from Turgut Alp, an early Ottoman commander, and this connection can still be felt in the way locals refer to their town's roots. The weekly markets in the center draw people from surrounding villages, and the tea houses around the main square are a natural part of everyday social life.
Turgutlu sits close to the main road between Izmir and Ankara, making it easy to reach by bus from nearby cities. The town center is walkable, and the area around the main square is the most practical starting point for getting oriented.
Turgutlu was the first terminus of a railway line departing from Izmir in the 19th century, long before most other towns in the region had any such connection. This early link drew merchants from across the area and helps explain why the town still has a strong trading character today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
