Çardak was founded in the 14th century as an Anatolian base for the early Ottoman operations in Rumeli. It is said to have been named after Süleyman Pasha who was the şehzade (prince) and the first Ottoman commander in Rumeli.

Fishing and agriculture are the two main economic sectors of the town. Tourism is also promising. The beaches of the town are in Kum ada (a small sand island) just in front of Çardak.