Ödemi

Ödemi is a town and district located in the western part of Turkey, within the boundaries of Denizli Province. It lies on the foothills of the Bozdağ mountain range, approximately 130 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Denizli, and about 115 kilometres north of the Aegean coast. The district covers an area of roughly 1,200 square kilometres and includes a mixture of agricultural plains, forested hills, and small settlements.

The name Ödemi is derived from the ancient settlement that existed in the region during the Hellenistic period, and the area has been continuously inhabited since. Archaeological findings indicate the presence of Phrygian and Roman influences, while Ottoman records from the 15th century document the town’s incorporation into the empire’s administrative system. Modern Ödemi was officially established as a district in 1953.

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with wheat, barley, tobacco, and a variety of fruit trees cultivated on the fertile soils. Livestock breeding and small‑scale dairy production also contribute to household incomes. In recent decades, limited industrial activity has emerged, focused on food processing and textile workshops.

According to the most recent census, the district has a population of just over 45 000 residents, the majority of whom are ethnic Turks, with smaller communities of Kurds and other groups. The town’s cultural life features traditional festivals, folk music, and regional cuisine, reflecting its Anatolian heritage. Public services include a district hospital, several primary and secondary schools, and a modest network of roads connecting Ödemi to neighboring districts and the provincial capital.