Şirince, a small village in the Aegean region of Turkey, is said to be a part of heaven on earth. This sentiment was expressed by Dido Sotiroyo, a famous Greek writer born in the village, who was forced to leave at the age of seven during the exchange agreement of 1925. The journey to Sirince begins with a winding road lined with olive and tangerine trees, dotted with old Greek homes and the delicious scent of homemade grape wine.
Sirince is a shining example of cultural tolerance and heritage in western Turkey, with both Turkish and Greek ways of life coexisting harmoniously. Visitors can’t help but be enchanted by the blend of Greek-style houses and Turkish-style living. Walking through the village feels like being on a movie set. This unique village is one of the few places in the Aegean region with a Greek Orthodox church and a Muslim mosque side by side. Sirince has only 700 inhabitants and is on the list of United Nations World Heritage Sites.
Şirince İzmir Location
Sirince is located on hills 7 miles (12 km) away from Selçuk town. Transport to Sirince is easily accessible with mini buses departing from Selçuk coach station every hour.
History of the Sirince
Sirince was founded by descendants of the Ephesians after the city of Ephesus was destroyed by earthquakes at the end of the 7th century. Turks arrived in the 12th century and the two nations began living together in harmony, setting an example of cultural tolerance. In 1925, following World War I, Greece and Turkey made an exchange agreement and the populations were forced to leave and emigrate. The Turks from Thessaloniki relocated to Sirince and the Greeks from Sirince moved to Thessaloniki. In the 1970s, the Turkish government declared Sirince a heritage site and began preserving the village. The government supported the residents in restoring their old buildings, making Sirince one of the well-known heritage centers in a short time. Sirince is recognized as an exceptional example of preservation in the heritage sector.
Homemade Products in Izmir Sirince
The village of Sirince is renowned throughout the Aegean region for its homemade products, crafted by the skilled women who reside there. During the off-season, when tourism slows down, the women of Sirince are able to produce a variety of homemade goods, including pastries, wine, woolen socks and laces, dried fruits, napkins, night lamps made from dried pumpkins, silverware, olive oil, sultana raisins, herbs, and more.
In the summer, these women sell their handmade products to visitors from all over the world, not only providing for their own household budgets but also contributing to the Turkish economy. All of the dried fruits and herbs produced in Sirince are organic.
Brunch in Sirince Village
Recently, it has become a popular trend to have brunch in Sirince, especially on weekends, starting at 10.00 AM. This is due to the pleasant atmosphere, lovely weather, stunning scenery, friendly service, and organic food. Families from İzmir and Kusadasi, who have children, prefer to come to Sirince on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. They claim that spending a few hours in this village makes them feel refreshed, relaxed, and happy. If you’re planning to visit Sirince on the weekends, make sure to book your table in advance.
Sirince, a picturesque village located in İzmir, Turkey, is an idyllic getaway that offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. From the well-preserved Greek-style houses to the friendly locals and stunning views, Sirince is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are five reasons why you should consider visiting Sirince.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sirince with Tour Maker Turkey today and experience the beauty and culture of this unique village for yourself! Our expert tour guides will show you the best of Sirince and ensure that you have a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this hidden gem – book your tour now!