Highlights
Calm City Philosophy: Cittaslow Cities in Turkey
This new word, derived from the Italian "citta" and English "slow", means "calm city" in Turkish. Life flows very fast in big cities and it is necessary to keep up with this flow. Four Italian mayors who wanted to say "stop!" to this situation founded the Cittaslow Association in 1999. So what is thisCittaslow Union?
What is the Cittaslow Union?
The Cittaslow Association is a community that aims to protect the identity and culture of cities. Although this community was founded in Italy, it has members from different countries around the world. Of course, there are some conditions to join the Cittaslow Association. There are determining criteria such as the city's infrastructure, quality of life and urban policies. In addition to these, there are also criteria such as the population of the city being under 50,000, preserving traditional architecture, supporting organic agriculture, emphasizing local food, reducing vehicle traffic, etc. So are there any Cittaslow cities in Turkey that meet these criteria?
Cittaslow Cities in Turkey
Known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, 18 cities in Turkey are on the Cittaslow city list. Let's take a look at these cities.
- Seferihisar/Izmir
Izmir Seferihisar is the first city in Turkey to join the Cittaslow Association. It has been entitled to take part in theCittaslow Union with its historical and cultural values, support for local seeds and the projects it has realized. After landing at Adnan Menderes Airport, you can rent a car from RentiCar and meet the calm and peaceful nature of Seferihisar.
- Akyaka/Muğla
In 2011, Akyaka received the title of calm city and is famous for its bougainvillea houses and deep blue sea. It is located 30 kilometers from Marmaris. Being a calm and relaxing city, it is one of the cities that deserves to be on this list.
- Koycegiz/Muğla
Muğla's Köyceğiz district joined the Cittaslow Association in 2019. Known for its preservation of historical buildings and natural beauties, the city is almost a peaceful stop. Although it has a popular and crowded location, it also offers the opportunity to have a peaceful vacation with its quiet bays.
- Egirdir/Isparta
Isparta received the title of calm city in 2017. Turkey's fourth freshwater lake is also located here. It is one of the most beautiful settlements in Turkey with its clean beaches and unique views.
- Yalvaç/Isparta
Yalvaç district, which is connected to Isparta, has been entitled to enter the Cittaslow Union for reasons such as prioritizing local flavors, protecting its natural beauties, and focusing on agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Gerze/Sinop
Sinop is the happiest city in Turkey according to research. Located in the Black Sea Region, the city mostly meets Cittaslow criteria with its local food, clean air and ongoing handicraft tradition.
- Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Gökçeada in Çanakkale took its place in the Cittaslow Association in 2011, as the first and only island on the list! Located at the westernmost point of Turkey, Gökçeada is an island that fascinates those who see it with its deep blue sea and lush green nature.
- Thursday/Ordu
Perşembe district of Ordu took its place in the Cittaslow Union with its work on noise and air pollution. With its lush green nature, steep valleys and untouched coast, it is one of the rare cities of the Black Sea.
- Halfeti/Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa, which is home to many civilizations in Anatolia, was entitled to take part in the Cittaslow Association in 2013. The city, which was flooded by the overflow of the Birecik Dam, continues to be flooded by tourists with this feature.
- Ahlat/Bitlis
Bitlis is one of our cities that received the title of a calm city. Named after the durable ahlat stone used in building construction, the district joined the Cittaslow Association in 2019. The city, which has been home to many civilizations, stands out with its historical monuments. It is also of great importance as it is the largest Turkish Islamic cemetery in the world with its Seljuk cemetery from the Seljuk period.
- Şavşat/Artvin
Artvin, the pearl of the Black Sea, is among the cities that joined the Cittaslow Union in 2015. It is a storehouse of oxygen with its green nature and clean air. The locals make a living from agriculture, beekeeping and animal husbandry. It also has wide plateaus and rich vegetation.
- Tarakli/Sakarya
Sakarya has been on the calm city list since 2013. Sakarya, which attracts attention as a city that has almost never lost its historical structure, is also one of the cities that meet the Cittaslow criteria with its local flavors and magnificent natural beauties.
- Vize/Kırklareli
In 2012, Kırklareli is one of the cities that received the title of calm city. Vize History and Culture Festival is organized every year in Vize district of Kırklareli. The city, which was home to both the Ottomans and Byzantines, also has a historical fountain, ancient theater and mosque. It also fascinates with its natural beauties.
- Uzundere/Erzurum
Erzurum, which joined the Cittaslow Association in 2016, is home to Tortum Waterfall, the longest waterfall in Turkey. It is also located in a very rich region in terms of biodiversity. It also stands out as a city that protects its natural beauties.
- Goynuk/Bolu
Bolu, known for its proximity to Istanbul, is one of our cities that received the title of calm city. In the city where saffron trade and thermal tourism are common, natural beauties are protected. You can rent a car for a weekend getaway and get acquainted with the tranquil atmosphere of this city close to Istanbul.
- Mudurnu/Bolu
Mudurnu district of Bolu is famous for its natural beauties. It also attracts attention with its preservation of its historical structure and calmness. The city welcomes many local and foreign tourists throughout the year.
- Yenipazar/Aydin
Yenipazar district of Aydın received the title of calm city in 2011. Yenipazar is very famous for its traditional flavors such as pita bread and stuffed bread. It also has very fertile soils. For this reason, many agricultural products are grown here.
- Güdül/Ankara
Ankara is the latest city from Turkey to join the calm city list. In 2020, the city joined the Cittaslow Association and stands out with its nature and historical beauties. We recommend you to visit this district, which is famous for its caves, pond and Güdül houses, if you come to Ankara.
If you are looking for a different journey, you can rent a car from RentiCarand turn your route to these quiet cities and visit Cittaslow cities all around Turkey.
While you embark on new discoveries, RentiCar offers solutions to your car rental needs with different options. Enjoy Life on the Road with RentiCar!