Ahlat, Bitlis
Set in Bitlis, one of the most beautiful cities in the Eastern Anatolian Region, Ahlat is a charming district center with a population of 35,000, established on a plateau between the Süphan and Nemrut mountains. Located in the northwest of Lake Van, Ahlat was the first stop for Turks migrating to Anatolia, thus it also bears historical significance. Tombstones and cupolas from the Seljuk period, in particular, are worth seeing.
Akyaka, Muğla
Connected to Ula, Akyaka, a town in Muğla’s Gökova gulf, is also close to the center of Muğla. It’s one of Türkiye’s most tranquil cities, with sea, sand, sun and serenity, and relatively more modest and quiet than some of Türkiye’s other summer destinations. When in Akyaka, visitors are encouraged to see the Azmak, a great underground river that rises to the surface in Akyaka.
The Azmak’s water is always cold – and, flowing into the sea, offers a refreshing swimming experience.
Eğirdir, Isparta
Egirdir, 35 kilometers from Isparta, is considered the most beautiful place in the “Lake Region”. Used as a summer resort by the sultans during the Seljuk period, Egirdir is a magnificent holiday resort with stunning nature and a lake that changes its color hourly. Hundreds of nature enthusiasts visit every year for birdwatching, plant observation, trekking, mountaineering, paragliding and camping. Altınkum Beach and Bedre Bay, in Eğirdir Lake, offer swimming.
Eğirdir is famous for its apples and its local cuisine is quite interesting. For a lakeside holiday in a slow city, do put Egirdir on your list.
Gökçeada, Çanakkale
One of Türkiye’s quietest areas and its largest island, Gökçeada, in the Çanakkale district, features stunning natural beauty, a coastline of more than 90 kilometers, and Türkiye’s first underwater national park. In addition to observing sea creatures in their natural habitat, visitors can see historical villages, a salt lake, the Kaşkaval Cape, the Yenibademli Tumulus and Marmaros Waterfall. The island is a favorite for those seeking nostalgic houses, nature, alternative water sports and a quiet lifestyle.
Gerze, Sinop
Gerze, the most beautiful district of Sinop – considered the happiest city in Türkiye – with a population of approximately 15,000, is a charming place where life flows slowly. Nature, history, sea and tranquility unite in Gerze, which was granted the Cittaslow title in 2017.
Gerze was settled thousands of years ago, as evidenced by historical ruins dating from 3000 BC in the Sokun Valley. History buffs will be intrigued by rare artifacts dating from the Hittite, Phrygian, Cimmerian, Roman, Persian, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, while Gerze’s cuisine, the famous handicrafts of the region, and its flawless nature are also significant draws.
Göynük, Bolu
Göynük, in the southwest of Bolu, features traditional Ottoman houses: There are 135 registered historical houses within the urban protected area. Some have been restored and converted to hostels. The courtyards in front of these houses are called “hayat (life)”, a testament to their multifaceted uses.
Also to be seen in Göynük are the Akşemsettin and Ömer Sekkin tombs, the Gazi Süleymanpaşa Mosque and Bath, Çubuk and Sunnet lakes, and the Çatak Thermal Spring, as well as beautiful plateaus.
Visit Göynük and experience the calmness of life in an Ottoman town that has retained its unique texture.
Güdül, Ankara
Güdül is a small and charming town about 90 kilometers from Ankara, the capital city of Türkiye. As one of Türkiye’s slowest cities, Güdül offers nature, along with a history dating to 3000 BC. These historic sites include Hittite caves carved into the rocks around the Kirmir Stream.
Other must-visit locales include the İnönü Caves, Sorgun Pond and Kirmir Valley; nature buffs can camp in the Sorgun Highlands and Kirmir Valley is a great trekking center. In June, the city hosts a Cherry Festival.
Halfeti, Şanlıurfa
About a 90-minute drive from Şanlıurfa, Halfeti was included in the Cittaslow network in 2013. During the construction of the Birecik Dam, most of Halfeti was submerged: many of the city’s structures, including mosques, cave houses and stone houses, can be seen in the water via a boat tour.
Traces of the Abbasids, Umayyads, Seljuks, Zengi and Ayyubids can be seen in Halfeti, which was a settlement during the Assyrian, Hittite, Persian, Macedonian and Seleucid eras. Cozy and tranquil, Halfeti has beautiful water views and quaint pensions. As well, it is the home of the famous Halfeti Black Rose, a dark crimson variety.
For more information on Halfeti, click here.
Köyceğiz, Muğla
A province of Muğla, calm Köyceğiz turns heads with its beautiful nature. While it is a summer holiday paradise, it has a population of just 40,000 people and life flows at a leisurely pace.
In Köyceğiz, Ekincik Bay is considered among Türkiye’s most beautiful bays; also to visit are the untouched Sığla (sweetgum) forests, as well as Kaunos Ancient City, Toparlar Waterfall, Sultaniye Thermal Springs, Köyceğiz Lake and the Kulak Recreation Area.
Mudurnu, Bolu
A district of Bolu, Mudurnu was named a Cittaslow city for its lovely blend of nature, history and tranquility. In addition, the beauty of Mudurnu’s traditional Ottoman-style houses is legendary.
The two- or three-story homes feature bay windows and intricate woodwork, usually on the doors and window frames; the lower floor of the house was usually used as a warehouse or cellar.
A fine modern example of local architecture is Armutçular Mansion. In addition to the houses, Sülüklü Lake, Abant Lake and Karamurat Lake offer wonderful scenery and nature.
Perşembe, Ordu
Perşembe, a district of Ordu, is on the scenic Vona Peninsula in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Like so many of Türkiye’s slow cities, Perşembe offers both lush green nature and millennia of history.
On Cape Yason, guests can visit Yason (Jason) Church and Yason Lighthouse. Other must-visit locales are Hoynat Island, with magnificent views, and Çaka Beach, with white sand.
Şavşat, Artvin
A district of Artvin, Şavşat was included in the Cittaslow network in 2015. Set in the Eastern Black Sea Region, Şavşat is wonderfully reflective of the area’s natural beauty. The nearby Karagöl-Sahara National Park is a popular area for camping, particularly on the Arsiyan Plateau and around the lake.
Other must-visit places are the 10th-century Cevizli Monastery, the medieval Şavşat Castle, and the Veliköy Old Wooden Mosque, with its rich ornaments. In addition, the Meydancık Stone Arch Bridge is a picturesque structure featured in many Şavşat photographs.
Seferihisar, İzmir
Türkiye’s first slow city, Seferihisar is in İzmir but promises a much more tranquil holiday than bustling Çeşme or Alaçatı. Sığacık, in Seferihisar, features quaint houses with bay windows and narrow, winding streets that lead to Sığacık Castle. The Sığacık Organic Market is a great place to find regional products and sample local specialties.
Also in Seferihisar are Akkum and Akarca, two of İzmir’s most beautiful beaches; Akarca is known for its cool sea water. As well, visitors can tour the ancient city of Teos, one of Türkiye’s most important ancient cities.
Taraklı, Sakarya
Taraklı, in the most mountainous region of southeast Sakarya, was a stop on the historical Silk Road. The city was named after the boxwood combs made in the region and is one of Türkiye’s best preserved locales. The houses in Taraklı are outstanding examples of Ottoman wooden architecture; some are more than 300 years old and – unlike the famous Safranbolu houses – are set in a unique nature. Among the must-visit sites:
The Yunus Pasha Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan; the Byzantine-era clay bath in Hacıyakup Pasalar village; Karagol Plateau with its fascinating nature, and the Hark Canyon and Cave.
Uzundere, Erzurum
Uzundere is in Erzurum, on the border of the Eastern Anatolia and Eastern Black Sea regions.
Blending the cultural characteristics of both regions, Uzundere has a rich heritage as well as nature; the city is located on the border of the Caucasus Ecoregion, one of the richest regions in the world in terms of biodiversity and a habitat for endemic plants, birds and butterflies.
In addition, the Öşvank Church, Tortum Lake and Köttek Cave are well worth a visit. .
Vize, Kırklareli
Vize is in the Kırklareli province on the foothills It is the tenth of Türkiye’s Cittaslow cities.
Vize, settled by the Thracians and a cultural center since the Byzantine era, is home to the Little Hagia Sophia Church, as well as rock-carved churches and monasteries, castle walls, fountains and Thracian burial mounds.
Kiyikoy, about 185 kilometers from Vize and around 150 kilometers from Istanbul, is a charming fishing town with old stone houses and colorful boats – and often preferred as a weekend getaway by Istanbulites. Kiyikoy Castle, Aya Nikola Monastery and Kiyikoy Mosque are worth seeing, as is the Igneada Longoz Forests National Park and the Camlikoy Nature Park.
For more information about Kiyikoy, click here.
Yalvaç, Isparta
Yalvaç, a charming town in the Isparta district, has a history dating to the Late Neolithic period and spanning the Lydian, Persian, Macedonian, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations.
The must-see places in Yalvaç are as follows: the Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City, Yalvaç Museum, Yeni Mosque, Devlethan Mosque, Hoyran Island, and the Men’s Sanctuary and Temple, as well as rock church and tombs. Çınaraltı, an 800-year-old monumental plane tree, also draws thousands of visitors.
For swimming, there’s Yalvaç Taşevi Beach. Keep in mind that the Pisidia Antiokheia Culture, Tourism and Art Festival is usually held in July.
Yenipazar, Aydın
Yenipazar, one of the smallest districts in Aydın, is at the border of the Madran Mountain and Büyük Menderes Valley.
Among its many offerings, Yenipazar is famous for its pide varieties. But, of course, there is also ancient history in Yenipazar: it is believed that the Orthosia Ancient City in Yenipazar dates to 2000 BC. Many of the Byzantine structures in the city – which later came under the rule of the Cimmerians, Lydians and Persians – are still standing.
In particular, the sarcophagi and burial chambers in the city’s necropolis are outstanding examples of the period’s workmanship.
Kemaliye, Erzincan
Let’s visit Kemaliye, which became the twenty-first city in Türkiye’s Cittaslow network in 2022. Surrounded by the Erzincan, Elazığ, Malatya, Tunceli and Sivas provinces, the Kemaliye district offers tremendous beauty – the old name of the city was Eğin, referring to the ‘garden of Eden’. The traditional architecture of the city of Kemaliye, a stop on the historical Silk Road, brings the venerable Anatolian culture to the present: the city is also on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is easy to get to Kemaliye by flying to Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport. To purchase a ticket to Erzincan, click here. When you visit Kemaliye, be sure to see the Karanlık Canyon – and sample the famous lök dessert for us!
Arapgir, Malatya
The long history of Arapgir spans the Hittite, Persian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires. Part of Türkiye’s Cittaslow network, Arapgir features numerous historical sites, including ancient village rock tombs, the oldest known cemevi of Anatolia, and seventeen other important structures: stately mosques, bathhouses, bridges and fountains. When you visit Arapgir, drink the ice cold water in Karababa and dine on Arapgir dolaması and tandoori kebab. This quiet city is accessible via the Malatya Airport. Click here to purchase a ticket to Malatya.
Foça, İzmir
With a history dating to the eleventh century BC, Foça is named for the Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) living around the Foça Islands. While the seals are considered critically endangered today, colonies continue to live and breed in Foça. The city’s economy revolves around olive cultivation, viticulture, fishing and beekeeping. This calm city has a total population of 33,000 people and is home to three Blue Flag beaches. Gastro-historical tours of the region are offered frequently; when you do visit Foça, be sure to sample such local delicacies as kupez with yoghurt, Adabeyi soup and kakavya.
İznik, Bursa
Connected to Bursa, İznik is a slow city of rare beauty – in fact, the entire region is similar to an open-air museum, featuring ruins and remnants from İznik’s time as a key city in the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires, as well as lush landscapes and fertile fields. Just a ninety-minute drive from İstanbul, the district is home to the first mosque and madrasah (İznik Madrasah) erected by the Ottomans. The city’s setting along the shores of Lake İznik drove the development of ceramics, including the iconic İznik tiles. This lovely, quiet city is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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