BANDIRMA

formerly Panderma, ancient Panormos port and town, northwestern Turkey, on the Sea of Marmara. It was used in the 13th century by the Latin crusaders as a base of operation against the Greeks of Asia Minor and was taken by the Ottomans in the next century. Its protected harbour is now an active transit port between Istanbul and Izmir. A commercial centre, it exports the varied products of the hinterland, including cereals, sheep and cattle, grain, and boracite. Bandirma has road and rail connections with Izmir, Ankara, and Balikesir. Lake Manyas, to the south, is a bird sanctuary and national park. Pop. (1985) 70,137.