History:
The area where Yeni Şakran is located once used to be called Aeolis. There were ancient Greek settlements from the 11th century BC with names like Kyme, Myrina and Gryeion. Golden objects and an ancient salt mill found under water, are now at the museum in Bergama. Obviously in the old times salt was being produced. The area used to be full of olive trees on the hill sides and agricultural land on the plains near the sea. And it still is like that.
In 1949 the first Coffeehouse was built for the workers (olive oil and farming) coming from Aşağışakran and Yukarışakran, and that marked the start of Yeni Şakran. For some years the coffeehouse was the only building, but from 1955 onwards more houses and shops were built, so that the original coffee house now lies in the centre of the little town. The population grew rapidly to something between 3000 and 5000. There are now essential shops, post office, cash point, internet cafe and restaurants.
Climate:
Hottest months: June-Sept.
Most rain: Dec-Feb
Most wind, mainly from the north: Dec-Apr
Most humidity: Nov-Jan
Driest month: Jul
The summer season lasts for 4 months; June-September.
Flora:
Olive trees, Agriculture near the sea: tobacco, cotton, various corns, fruits and vegetables.
Schools:
Yeni Şakran has 2 elementary schools and a newly built high school.
Economy:
80% of the population live off the olive trees and olive oil production. The rest is divided between agriculture, various services and tourism (which is new and growing). The first tourists came from Izmir, then from Manisa, Ankara and Istanbul. Many have summer houses in Yeni Şakran. Now also foreign tourists buy summer houses, mainly Germans. The weekly market is on Fridays.
Health:
There is a health station with 2 doctors, 8 nurses, 2 health workers and an ambulance.
Distances:
To Izmir (province capital): 75 km
To Aliağa (head town of the district): 14 km
To Bergama( ancient ruins): 28 km
To Dikili (port with a view over to Lesbos): 50 km
To Yeni and Eski Foça (Boat trips): 35 / 55 Km