Akhisar
Based on the archeological discoveries, the first settlements in Akhisar date back to 3,000 B.C. The history of winemaking in Anatolia is estimated to correspond to those times. Being a center for trade dating back to the times of the Hittites, Akhisar (Thyateira) was the most important town of the North Lydian civilization and throughout history, had been home to many civilizations such as the Phrgians, Lydians, Romanians, Persians, and Seljucks. Also once conquered by Alexander the Great, Akhisar was field to many battles between the Arabs and Byzantines. It was assumed by the Saruhan principality in the 14th century, as the Turkish influence increased.
Today Akhisar is Turkey’s largest grape producer and for centuries, it has hosted communities where wine was sacred. During the Ottoman Empire, vine growing and wine making was mostly done by the non-Muslim minorities. With the establishment of the Turkish Republic, the non-Muslims started to leave the area and wine making in the region started disappearing. Locals, who were not experienced in wine making, started planting tobacco and table grapes.
Akhisar has also hosted the Jewish Agricultural School, in its Kayalioglu town. The school, which was established in the early 20th century, had a large cellar used as the school winery. In fact the most important aim at this school was to raise wine and vineyard experts in the region. However, as the number of Jews living in the area continued to decline, the school ceased its activities related to wine.