Turkey has 29 towns in Cittaslow, an international network that celebrates quieter places where local culture remains strong. Founded in Italy in 1999, the network now includes 310 towns worldwide. Turkey’s members range from coastal communities to towns beside some of its largest lakes.
Seferihisar, the country’s first Cittaslow member, still earns an important part of its income from farming. Tangerine orchards, vineyards, olive groves and vegetable fields shape the surrounding landscape. The ancient ruins of Teos lie a few kilometres from the town centre. In Akyaka, traditional-style buildings feature wooden shutters and balconies. The town also offers access to the protected area near the Azmak River, where visitors can enjoy boat trips and birdwatching.
Further inland, Eğirdir sits on the southern shore of Turkey’s fourth-largest lake. Apple orchards surround the water, while boat trips and paddleboarding offer ways to explore it. Local restaurants serve freshwater fish. Another member, Ahlat, overlooks Lake Van, the country’s largest lake. Its historic attractions include caves from the Neolithic period, an early stage of human history. The town also has the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, with thousands of engraved gravestones.
