Sirince - Greek Village Near Selcuk Turkey

The Greeks and the Turks have a long and complicated history.  Their land around the Aegean Sea has traded back and forth and even today, the island of Cyprus is an island of disputed ownership. The Ottoman Empire sided with Germany for defensive reason in WWI - the Great War. As a result, they lost the empire when Germany lost the war and Ottoman Empire was divided up amongst the victors. Greeks lived in Asia Minor (today's Turkey) and considered this land their home.

The military leaders of the Ottoman Empire didnt settle for the loss of their land though and revolted to regain a country, defeating the Greeks in the Greco-turkish War in 1919-1922. As a result, the Asia Minor Greeks (basically the Christians) were told to leave and in 1923 this was formalized as an exchange of towns between Greece and Turkey.  Sirince was one of those Christian Greek towns in Turkey where the residents were exchanged with the Muslim residents in Thessaloniki, Greece.  

Sirince hillside

Sirince didnt change much from that time, and the population decreased as the young people left to find work.  About 20 years ago, people started to recognize the potential this village had for tourism. But it has become significantly popular over the past 5 years. It is a short drive from Ephesus and Kusadasi (where cruise ships port) for tourists. The cooler mountain weather is a nice break during the summer heat for the local Turks.  The Greek homes were a unique architecture, ready for restoration. The vineyards and fruit orchards were still growing.  And so, Sirince, the tourist destination was born with the investments of local Turks.

Original Greek home - not renovated yet

The Turk gets a drink at a fountain on our hike

Greek home that is being restored

Original outdoor oven

Even the horse drink from the hillside fountains

poster of teach at the Sirince school

We stayed at a restored Greek home made into a hotel - each room decorated differently. The Turk's nephew runs the Kirkinca hotel and restaurant and we enjoyed a delicious Turkish dinner outdoors overlooking the town. During the week, the crowds are smaller, but still we saw groups from Iran, Germany, and many many Turks from other areas of Turkey.

many windows in our room overlooking the street below

stone walls

interesting alcove with old iron

Meze (appetisers)

lamb, yogurt

lamb, peppers, and more

Shops that sell handiwork, organic foods, and of course wines are everywhere.Sirince is known for its wines!  And food.

display of a felting project

Turkish breakfast