Beyond the Tourist Trail: Finding Serenity in Turkey's Little-Known Villages

Turkey's hidden villages offer beautiful alternatives for those who are open to different experiences. Don't set your vacation route without taking a look at our article, we're warning!Formerly known as Sinanos, it was a Greek village until the population exchange of 1924. Mustafapaşa Village, which houses the most beautiful examples of stone architecture, is like a work of art with its houses and streets. There is a legend that in the past, masons were called from Mardin to build these structures. In addition to the many churches and chapels from the Greek period, the Ottoman Mehmet Şakirpaşa Madrasah is also worth seeing. Also, if you go to Mustafapaşa, you should not return without visiting the Gomeda Valley. There are many dark tunnels and caves in this little-known valley. The famous Asmalı Konak also serves as a restaurant in the region.The Yörük Village, which will haunt you with its calmness and pure beauty, is located in Karabük. The village, known to date back to the 14th century, has been under the protection of the Ministry of Culture since 1997. Yörük Village has a fascinating atmosphere with its narrow roads and Safranbolu houses lined up like pearls.The village of Belkıs in Nizip is home to the ancient city of Zeugma, known the world over for its legendary mosaics. Although excavation work has only been carried out in a certain part of the ancient city, it is known to have broken a record with the bullas (seal prints) obtained. If you have a trip to the South East in mind, you should definitely stop by this village on the banks of the Euphrates.Gölyanı Plateau, a hidden natural wonder surrounded by pine trees, is located in the Yağlıdere district of Giresun. The plateau, whose nearest settlement is about 50 km away, is also home to a natural lake. In Gölyanı, where new buildings are not allowed, all of the houses are wooden and used by the villagers. It is only possible to make day trips to the protected area.This bay, which is not yet well known, reveals the combination of blue and green like a painting. There is a small area where you can camp in Gideros where there are no facilities. The characteristic raging waves of the Black Sea are absent in this bay. Don't be surprised if you see ducks swimming next to you while cooling off in the bay with a climate so calm that almost no leaves move.Kösedere Village is a wonderful address where you can feel the warmth of the Aegean people with its historical mosque and the village café right on the slope. In this village, where the people are still engaged in ancient viticulture, there are restaurants where you can taste delicious Aegean cuisine. You will lose track of time as you wander through the streets adorned with stone houses.We are here with a village that will sweep you off your feet with its fragrant lavender scent. If you want to combine the most beautiful shade of purple with the view of Lake Burdur, turn your route to Isparta. There is only one thing you should pay attention to about the timing of your trip. If you want to see the lavender fields you dream of, you should be there between the end of June and mid-July.Built within the walls of the ancient city of Assos, this village, which smells of history, attracts great interest from visitors. The schools of philosophy founded by Aristotle and his friends in ancient times are located here. If you are interested in philosophy, you should definitely join the organized tours. The Temple of Athena and the Ancient Harbor stand out as places to visit in the region where archaeological excavations are still ongoing.Kemaliye is a very interesting alternative for those who are bored of the ordinary. The region has a natural infrastructure suitable for adrenaline sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing and rafting, as well as an ecosystem where you can experience wildlife in place. For now, businesses can serve a small number of people. The region, where there are many mosques, fountains and tombs that attract attention with their original architecture, seems to be the shining star of tourism in the future. The authorities are currently working on the nomination of Kemaliye for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.This village, which is almost completely empty, is also known as the Ghost Village because the number of inhabitants does not exceed 10. Lübbey Village of Ödemiş has emigrated for many years and no one has returned. The handful of people who remain are trying to survive with animal husbandry and agriculture. Turkmens once lived in this small Aegean village, whose streets are filled with the sadness of abandonment. It is now frequently visited by those interested in photography.