Turkey's Worth-Seeing Calm Towns

Turkey attracts more and more attention every day with its fascinating nature, rich cultural heritage and peaceful cities. These calm cities are places that are far from the negative effects of rapid urbanisation within the framework of the cittaslow movement and have adopted policies that improve the quality of life. Turkey's settlements, which have the title of calm cities, attract visitors with their unique lifestyles and tranquil atmospheres.

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What is Cittaslow?

Founded in 1999 in Greve in Chianti, Italy, the Cittaslow Association is an international association of municipalities where cities with a population of less than fifty thousand can become members.

If you are wondering what Cittaslow is, it is a movement that aims to provide cities with a calm and quality life away from the stress of fast life. In this concept, which we can translate into Turkish as "Sakin Şehir", environmental protection, support for local production and protection of cultural richness are at the forefront. The answer to the question of what is a calm city is living spaces that have peaceful and sustainable living spaces and meet the criteria of a calm city.

What is required to get the title of Cittaslow?

In order to be awarded the title of a cittaslow calm city, certain calm city criteria must be met. In total, 72 criteria must be met in a wide range of areas such as environmental management, infrastructure, promotion of local products, hospitality and social cohesion. The cities that make the application are scored on these criteria and the cities that score at least 50 points have the title of calm city.

Turkey's Calm Cities

Places in Turkey that are included in the calm city network offer unique and peaceful living spaces. Seferihisar, which received the title of the first calm city in Turkey, has been the pioneer of this movement. Cities included in this network open the doors to a sustainable life by prioritising local culture and natural beauties.

Seferihisar, İzmir

Seferihisar is located in the south-west of Izmir and is Turkey's first calm city with the title of cittaslow. This characteristic is supported by the calm lifestyle of the region, its natural beauty and its efforts to preserve its historical texture. Seferihisar is also known for its diversity of local products.

Akyaka, Muğla

Akyaka is one of the rare corners of Muğla, which has the title of quiet city. This region is known for its Azmak River and architectural beauty. Akyaka's quiet city status is reinforced by sustainable tourism and nature conservation efforts, offering visitors a peaceful escape.

Yenipazar, Aydın

Yenipazar, Aydın, is a small town with a peaceful atmosphere, bearing the title of cittaslow. This cittaslow town is known for its traditional architecture and natural beauty. Yenipazar's cittaslow status is supported by activities and local production that promote calm and quality life..

Taraklı, Sakarya

Taraklı, Sakarya is a quiet city with its elegant Ottoman architecture and stone streets. The title of calm city has been achieved through Taraklı's efforts to preserve its historical texture and keep its cultural heritage alive. Offering a calm and serene life, Taraklı offers its visitors a real time travel.

Gökçeada, Çanakkale

Gökçeada is a calm city of Çanakkale, which stands out with its organic agriculture and sustainable living practices. Gökçeada is known for its natural beauties, clean air and rich biodiversity in accordance with the characteristics of a quiet city. Gökçeada is an ideal destination for those who want to have a peaceful getaway.

Köyceğiz, Muğla

Köyceğiz, Mugla, is a tranquil and natural escape with the title of cittaslow. In line with the cittaslow philosophy, the town prioritises environmentally friendly practices and the preservation of local culture. Köyceğiz offers visitors a peaceful experience with its unique landscapes and tranquil lifestyle.

Şavşat, Artvin

Şavşat, surrounded by the green nature of Artvin, is a city that has deservedly achieved the title of calm city. This quiet city stands out with its sustainable living practices and natural beauties. With its cultural heritage and natural landscapes, Şavşat offers its visitors an unforgettable tranquillity.

Yalvaç, Isparta

Yalvaç, as one of the districts of Isparta with cittaslow title, stands out with its historical and natural beauties. This cittaslow town offers a peaceful atmosphere to local and foreign visitors with its rich cultural heritage and calm lifestyle. Yalvaç also attracts attention with its sustainable tourism activities.

Vize, Kırklareli

Vize is a quiet city of Kırklareli, which stands out with its historical and cultural richness. This quiet city attracts visitors with its natural beauties and ancient buildings. Vize offers visitors peaceful and unforgettable moments with its hospitality and calm lifestyle.

Göynük, Bolu

Göynük, Bolu is a cittaslow town that stands out with its historical architecture and natural landscapes. This cittaslow is characterised by its cultural activities and tranquil way of life. Göynük offers visitors a pleasant escape with its traditional Turkish houses and nature walks, making it a true cittaslow experience.

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