This pretty old Orthodox village, 12 km away from Ephesus and 30 km from Kusadasi,
was once Cirkince ("ugly"). Indeed its habitants gave this name
on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of
their village.
Still after years,
visitors understood that the village was not ugly at all and called it Sirince
("pretty"). As the village is located on the top of a mountain, anyone will
enjoy the impressive wine yards' and peach trees' views on his way.
Today the village is a perfect
synthesis of Turk-Greek culture as of the 1920's: after the Independence War, people
exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all those typical Greek houses, though
they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside.
The most beautiful specimens are open to visitors. And even in the courtyard of one of
them, one will discover a nicely restorated Orthodox church.
All the narrow streets of the
village belong to the women, selling handcrafts of all kinds, olive oil. Another
attraction of Sirince is its wine: try its taste in small cafés or in the former
municipal school restorated.
Though Sirince is developing its
tourism very quickly, it has been able to preserve its authenticity and the meaning of its
name.
How to Go?...
Sirince
is about 30km away from Kusadasi. Selcuk minibuses departure from the
minibus station inside Kusadasi, in every 30 minutes. After reaching to Selcuk, you may
take a minibus to Sirince. Also, you may directly go with a reasonable packet tour
provided by any of the agencies in Kusadasi, alternatively... |