Turkiye is an iconic country where East meets West, but it also fully endorses the Cittaslow Movement. The Turkey network, established in 2009 when Seferihisar became a member of the Cittaslow Union, has 23 members. Here we look at some of the destinations that have adopted the Movement.
Gerze, Sinop
Said to be located in Turkiye's happiest province, Gerze combines deep blue seas, bays, and endless greenery. Achieving Cittaslow status in 2017, the town owes its success to its nature, handicrafts, hospitality, and local dishes.
Gokceade, Canakkale
Located at the westernmost point of Turkiye, Gokceada has become an important tourism centre with its nostalgic houses, natural life, organic products and alternative sports opportunities. It also offers a unique natural environment to guests thanks to its ongoing organic farming initiatives.
Koycegiz, Mugla
This quiet and peaceful town is located on a lakeside, surrounded by rich natural beauty and citrus gardens. Situated at the point where the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas meet, between the major tourist centers of Marmaris and Fethiye, the town's region is lined with mountains and features Kocegiz Lake.
Yalvac, Isparta
Yalvac is a charming district of Isparta, a cultural point that has been host to many civilizations. Moulded by 5,000 years of visitors, the area offers a rich and unforgettable journey into the heart of ancient Anatolia.
Finike, Antalya
Finike was founded in the fifth century and was an important port city during ancient times. Although it is some distance from Antalya, one of the biggest centres of tourism, it still maintains a slow-style way of life that is perked up by various seasonal festivals, including the Pingidik Festival, the agricultural fair, and the Altinportakal Oil Wrestling Championships.
Foça
Foça is located 69 kilometers northwest of İzmir, right by the Aegean Sea. With its five thousand years of history, Foça has traces of different periods. It is home to Mediterranean Monk seals as the ancient name of the city Phokaia bears. As an important port town with renowned sailors and colonists, they are known as the first to make and use coins made with a blend of gold and silver. Foça is also an important archaeological site in Türkiye. With its sustainable way of living, rich archaeological heritage that transcends ages, and endemic flora and fauna, Foça was inscribed as a Cittaslow town in 2021.
Other Areas of Interest
The UNESCO World Heritage List has recently included Türkiye's northern Safranbolu to the network. Safranbolu is renowned for its historic mansions and proactive efforts to elevate the district's global recognition. Safranbolu's distinct structures and mansions have been meticulously preserved from the Ottoman period until today.
Daday, a town based in the Northern province of Kastamonu in the Black Sea region, was designated the country's 25th "Cittaslow" city. Daday, which has a population of less than 3,000 people, has mainly mountainous terrain with pine trees and is located on a small river valley.
Izmir, Turkiye's third largest city after Istanbul and the capital Ankara was named the first Cittaslow Metropolis. Continuously inhabited for more than 8,500 years, İzmir is considered one of the world's oldest and loveliest cities. The Cittaslow Metropol Project was formed to define a model for the Cittaslow philosophy in metropolitan cities, and, according to Cittaslow, İzmir has been "presenting the best examples of living together for hundreds of years."
The last point on the ancient "King's Road" stretching from Anatolia to the Persian Gulf, İzmir is built around an expansive bay dotted with yachts, ships and ferries. The city's streets are shaded by palm trees and lined with elegant structures.
Districts and historical sites such as Bergama, Çeşme, Foça, Kemalpaşa, Selçuk, Seferihisar, Karaburun, Tire and Urla testify to the important role İzmir has played in history, not only in Western Türkiye but across the entire Aegean region.
Conclusion
On a global scale, the Cittaslow Movement is gaining day by day, and travellers are embracing the desire to slow down and embrace cultures, people and food, to ensure they live long in the memory when they reflect in latter years of their travels.
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Andy Probert is an independent journalist based in Turkey. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
