Soma is a municipality and district of Manisa Province, Turkey.[2] Its area is 820 km2,[3] and its population is 111,789 (2022).[1] The town lies at an elevation of 161 m (528 ft).
Lignite mining and a lignite-fired thermal power plant are the main economic activities in Soma.[5] During World War I the mines were opened up for production. The lignite extracted during that time was described as being of "very bad" quality. That lignite was burned with German coal for trains in the region. A small portion was exported to İzmir.[6] A just transition from coal could be supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.[7]