Archaeological findings prove settlements going well back to 3000 BC, Akhisar has always been a busy trade center on the intersection of important roads since ancient ages. It was one of important ancient Lydia cities where "money" was first used. Akhisar (Thyatira) hosted one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation. It is mentioned several times in the Holy Bible. Akhisar maintained its importance as a regional trade center under Ottoman Empire. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Akhisar had also become the home of a sizable Jewish community.
Today's Akhisar is still the trade and business center in its region. Akhisar's name is internationally recalled along with oriental tobacco, as fertile Akhisar land provides about 10 per cent of Turkish oriental tobacco production. Its high-quality olives and olive oil are also among very well-known products.