The Name of Nostalgia in the Aegean Şirince

Hidden among green hills covered with olive and peach trees, just a few kilometers from Ephesus, lies the fairytale village of Şirince. Formerly known as a Greek settlement until the population exchange in 1923, today it is a unique escape offering the harmony of two cultures. It gained worldwide fame in 2012 when it was rumored to be a safe haven from the "Mayan apocalypse."

Historic Mansions and Architecture

When you first step into Şirince, the architecture built on the slopes catches your eye. No house blocks the view of another, showing respect for nature. The two-story stone mansions with white walls and red roof tiles are aesthetic reflections of Aegean village life. In the streets, you will encounter local women selling handmade lace, olive oil soaps, and authentic souvenirs.

Fruit Wines and Local Flavors

Şirince is synonymous with fruit wines. Wines made from almost every fruit imaginable—from apple and mulberry to melon and pomegranate—are produced here using traditional methods. You can visit wine cellars for tastings. Drinking Turkish coffee cooked on hot sand and tasting elderberry syrup is a classic Şirince experience. Do not leave without trying gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and zucchini flower dolma.

Math Village and St. John's Church

Şirince is also a hub for science and history. The Ali Nesin Mathematics Village, located nearby, is a utopia where philosophy and science are discussed in nature. In the village center, the historic St. John the Baptist Church stands restored, with a wishing pool in its courtyard where visitors throw coins and make wishes.