Gemlik

Gemlik is a town and district in the Bursa Province in Turkey on the southern gulf of Armutlu Peninsula on the coast of the Sea of Marmara. It is located approximately 29 km (18 mi) from Bursa, not far from Istanbul. Gemlik was called Kios until 1922, when its Greek inhabitants, who composed around 80% of the population, left Asia Minor as a result of the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. As of 2009, the total population of Gemlik is 100,000.

Gemlik harbor is one of the most important harbors in Turkey. The remains of the ancient Greek town of Kios can be found east of Gemlik. The city is renowned for olives and olive oils. Marmara Birlik, a cooperative of olive farmers and producers, it is ranked among the top olive producers in the world.

Etymology

As of 1920, the British were calling Gemlik, Geumlek in publications.

Climate

Gemlik borders the Sea of Marmara. It exhibits typical Mediterranean weather with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Geography

Gemlik is bordered on three sides by mountains, with the Samanli Mountains lying to the west. To its west lies the Sea of Marmara. There is a large plain spanning much of the east end of Gemlik to the coast. Karsak Stream, which originates at İznik Lake, divides this plain into two parts.