{"id":26432,"date":"2021-09-07T14:46:11","date_gmt":"2021-09-07T11:46:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/?p=26432"},"modified":"2022-06-23T09:55:50","modified_gmt":"2022-06-23T06:55:50","slug":"turkeys-slow-cities-havens-of-tranquility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/turkeys-slow-cities-havens-of-tranquility\/","title":{"rendered":"T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Slow Cities \u2013 Havens of Tranquility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Ahlat, Bitlis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Seljuk tombstones in Bitlis, Ahlat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 S\u00fcphan 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Akyaka, Mu\u011fla<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
A beach in Akyaka, Mu\u011fla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Connected to Ula, Akyaka, a town in Mu\u011fla\u2019s G\u00f6kova gulf, is also close to the center of Mu\u011fla. It\u2019s one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most tranquil cities, with sea, sand, sun and serenity, and relatively more modest and quiet than some of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s other summer destinations. When in Akyaka, visitors are encouraged to see the Azmak, a great underground river that rises to the surface in Akyaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Azmak\u2019s water is always cold \u2013 and, flowing into the sea, offers a refreshing swimming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

E\u011firdir, Isparta<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aerial
Aerial view of E\u011firdir in Isparta.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Egirdir, 35 kilometers from Isparta, is considered the most beautiful place in the \u201cLake Region\u201d. 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. Alt\u0131nkum Beach and Bedre Bay, in E\u011firdir Lake, offer swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E\u011firdir 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

G\u00f6k\u00e7eada, \u00c7anakkale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Historical
Historical village houses in Bademli Village in G\u00f6k\u00e7eada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s quietest areas and its largest island, G\u00f6k\u00e7eada, in the \u00c7anakkale district, features stunning natural beauty, a coastline of more than 90 kilometers, and T\u00fcrkiye’s first underwater national park. In addition to observing sea creatures in their natural habitat, visitors can see historical villages, a salt lake, the Ka\u015fkaval 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Gerze, Sinop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The lighthouse in Gerze, Sinop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gerze, the most beautiful district of Sinop \u2013 considered the happiest city in T\u00fcrkiye \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s cuisine, the famous handicrafts of the region, and its flawless nature are also significant draws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

G\u00f6yn\u00fck, Bolu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Historical
Historical houses of G\u00f6yn\u00fck in Bolu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

G\u00f6yn\u00fck, 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 \u201chayat (life)\u201d, a testament to their multifaceted uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also to be seen in G\u00f6yn\u00fck are the Ak\u015femsettin and \u00d6mer Sekkin tombs, the Gazi S\u00fcleymanpa\u015fa Mosque and Bath, \u00c7ubuk and Sunnet lakes, and the \u00c7atak Thermal Spring, as well as beautiful plateaus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit G\u00f6yn\u00fck and experience the calmness of life in an Ottoman town that has retained its unique texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

G\u00fcd\u00fcl, Ankara<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Historical
Historical house in G\u00fcd\u00fcl, Ankara.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

G\u00fcd\u00fcl is a small and charming town about 90 kilometers from Ankara, the capital city of T\u00fcrkiye. As one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s slowest cities, G\u00fcd\u00fcl offers nature, along with a history dating to 3000 BC. These historic sites include Hittite caves carved into the rocks around the Kirmir Stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other must-visit locales include the \u0130n\u00f6n\u00fc 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Halfeti, \u015eanl\u0131urfa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The sunken city Halfeti in \u015eanl\u0131urfa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About a 90-minute drive from \u015eanl\u0131urfa, 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\u2019s structures, including mosques, cave houses and stone houses, can be seen in the water via a boat tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on Halfeti, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

K\u00f6yce\u011fiz, Mu\u011fla<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Koycegiz,
Koycegiz, one of the best bird-watching spots in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A province of Mu\u011fla, calm K\u00f6yce\u011fiz 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In K\u00f6yce\u011fiz, Ekincik Bay is considered among T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most beautiful bays; also to visit are the untouched S\u0131\u011fla (sweetgum) forests, as well as Kaunos Ancient City, Toparlar Waterfall, Sultaniye Thermal Springs, K\u00f6yce\u011fiz Lake and the Kulak Recreation Area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Mudurnu, Bolu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The historical clock tower of Mudurnu in Bolu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s traditional Ottoman-style houses is legendary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fine modern example of local architecture is Armut\u00e7ular Mansion. In addition to the houses, S\u00fcl\u00fckl\u00fc Lake, Abant Lake and Karamurat Lake offer wonderful scenery and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Per\u015fembe, Ordu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aerial
Aerial view of Cape Yason (Jason)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Per\u015fembe, a district of Ordu, is on the scenic Vona Peninsula in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Like so many of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s slow cities, Per\u015fembe offers both lush green nature and millennia of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Cape Yason, guests can visit Yason (Jason) Church and Yason Lighthouse. Other must-visit locales are Hoynat Island, with magnificent views, and \u00c7aka Beach, with white sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u015eav\u015fat, Artvin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Autumn
Autumn landscape in \u015eav\u015fat, Artvin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A district of Artvin, \u015eav\u015fat was included in the Cittaslow network in 2015. Set in the Eastern Black Sea Region, \u015eav\u015fat is wonderfully reflective of the area\u2019s natural beauty. The nearby Karag\u00f6l-Sahara National Park is a popular area for camping, particularly on the Arsiyan Plateau and around the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other must-visit places are the 10th-century Cevizli Monastery, the medieval \u015eav\u015fat Castle, and the Velik\u00f6y Old Wooden Mosque, with its rich ornaments. In addition, the Meydanc\u0131k Stone Arch Bridge is a picturesque structure featured in many \u015eav\u015fat photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Seferihisar, \u0130zmir<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Narrow
Narrow and cute streets of S\u0131\u011fac\u0131k in Seferihisar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s first slow city, Seferihisar is in \u0130zmir but promises a much more tranquil holiday than bustling \u00c7e\u015fme or Ala\u00e7at\u0131. S\u0131\u011fac\u0131k, in Seferihisar, features quaint houses with bay windows and narrow, winding streets that lead to S\u0131\u011fac\u0131k Castle. The S\u0131\u011fac\u0131k Organic Market is a great place to find regional products and sample local specialties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also in Seferihisar are Akkum and Akarca, two of \u0130zmir\u2019s most beautiful beaches; Akarca is known for its cool sea water. As well, visitors can tour the ancient city of Teos, one of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most important ancient cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Tarakl\u0131, Sakarya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Tarakl\u0131,
Tarakl\u0131, with outstanding examples Ottoman wooden architecture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tarakl\u0131, 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 T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s best preserved locales. The houses in Tarakl\u0131 are outstanding examples of Ottoman wooden architecture; some are more than 300 years old and \u2013 unlike the famous Safranbolu houses \u2013 are set in a unique nature. Among the must-visit sites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Yunus Pasha Mosque, built by Mimar Sinan; the Byzantine-era clay bath in Hac\u0131yakup Pasalar village; Karagol Plateau with its fascinating nature, and the Hark Canyon and Cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Uzundere, Erzurum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Panoramic
Panoramic view of Tortum Waterfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Uzundere is in Erzurum, on the border of the Eastern Anatolia and Eastern Black Sea regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the \u00d6\u015fvank Church, Tortum Lake and K\u00f6ttek Cave are well worth a visit. .<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Vize, K\u0131rklareli<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aya
Aya Nikola Monastery in Kiyikoy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vize is in the K\u0131rklareli province on the foothills It is the tenth of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Cittaslow cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kiyikoy, about 185 kilometers from Vize and around 150 kilometers from Istanbul, is a charming fishing town with old stone houses and colorful boats \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about Kiyikoy, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Yalva\u00e7, Isparta<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Hoyran
Hoyran Island located in Yalva\u00e7.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yalva\u00e7, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The must-see places in Yalva\u00e7 are as follows: the Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City, Yalva\u00e7 Museum, Yeni Mosque, Devlethan Mosque, Hoyran Island, and the Men\u2019s Sanctuary and Temple, as well as rock church and tombs. \u00c7\u0131naralt\u0131, an 800-year-old monumental plane tree, also draws thousands of visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For swimming, there\u2019s Yalva\u00e7 Ta\u015fevi Beach. Keep in mind that the Pisidia Antiokheia Culture, Tourism and Art Festival is usually held in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Yenipazar, Ayd\u0131n<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"One
One of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most well-known specialties, pide (Turkish pizza) with beef cubes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yenipazar, one of the smallest districts in Ayd\u0131n, is at the border of the Madran Mountain and B\u00fcy\u00fck Menderes Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 which later came under the rule of the Cimmerians, Lydians and Persians \u2013 are still standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, the sarcophagi and burial chambers in the city’s necropolis are outstanding examples of the period\u2019s workmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Kemaliye, Erzincan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"cittaslow
When you visit Kemaliye, be sure to see the Karanl\u0131k Canyon and sample the famous l\u00f6k dessert.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s visit Kemaliye, which became the twenty-first city in T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Cittaslow network in 2022. Surrounded by the Erzincan, Elaz\u0131\u011f, Malatya, Tunceli and Sivas provinces, the Kemaliye district offers tremendous beauty \u2013 the old name of the city was E\u011fin, referring to the \u2018garden of Eden\u2019.\u00a0 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 Y\u0131ld\u0131r\u0131m Akbulut Airport. To purchase a ticket to Erzincan, click here.<\/a> When you visit Kemaliye, be sure to see the Karanl\u0131k Canyon \u2013 and sample the famous l\u00f6k dessert for us!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Arapgir, Malatya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"arapgir
Notable sites in Arapgir include ancient village rock tombs, as well as the oldest known cemevi in Anatolia and seventeen other important historical buildings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The long history of Arapgir spans the Hittite, Persian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires. Part of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Cittaslow network, Arapgir features numerous historical sites, including ancient village rock tombs, the oldest known cemevi of Anatolia, and seventeen other important\u00a0 structures: stately mosques, bathhouses, bridges and fountains. When you visit Arapgir, drink the ice cold water in Karababa and dine on Arapgir dolamas\u0131 and tandoori kebab.\u00a0 This quiet city is accessible via the Malatya Airport. Click here to purchase a ticket to Malatya.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Fo\u00e7a, \u0130zmir<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"fo\u00e7a
Gastro-historical tours are a great way to get to know Fo\u00e7a.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With a history dating to the eleventh century BC, Fo\u00e7a is named for the Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) living around the Fo\u00e7a Islands. While the seals are considered critically endangered today, colonies continue to live and breed in Fo\u00e7a. The city\u2019s 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 Fo\u00e7a, be sure to sample such local delicacies as kupez with yoghurt, Adabeyi soup and kakavya.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u0130znik, Bursa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"iznik
The city is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Connected to Bursa, \u0130znik is a slow city of rare beauty \u2013 in fact, the entire region is similar to an open-air museum, featuring ruins and remnants from \u0130znik\u2019s time as a key city in the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires, as well as lush landscapes and fertile fields.\u00a0 Just a ninety-minute drive from \u0130stanbul, the district is home to the first mosque and madrasah (\u0130znik Madrasah) erected by the Ottomans. The city\u2019s setting along the shores of\u00a0 Lake \u0130znik drove the development of ceramics, including the iconic \u0130znik tiles. This lovely, quiet city is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Stories knock at your door!<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can easily download images, and share on your social media accounts via your smartphone. Just press and hold the story, and save or share the image you have selected via the menu that appears.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Seljuk tombstones in Bitlis, Ahlat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":26420,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[927,831,853,835,954,838,991,145,1061,228,1060,306,931,839,990,1062,823,464,147,239],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-26432","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-adana-travel-guide","8":"category-artvin-travel-guide","9":"category-aydin-travel-guide","10":"category-bitlis-travel-guide","11":"category-bolu-travel-guide","12":"category-canakkale-travel-guide","13":"category-cities-of-turkey","14":"category-destinations","15":"category-erzurum-travel-guide","16":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","17":"category-isparta-travel-guide","18":"category-izmir-travel-guide","19":"category-kirklareli-travel-guide","20":"category-mugla-travel-guide","21":"category-natural-beauties-of-turkey","22":"category-sakarya-travel-guide","23":"category-sanliurfa-travel-guide","24":"category-sinop-travel-guide","25":"category-trip-ideas","26":"category-city-vacation"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26432"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26432\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26432"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}