Sirince

Sirince village, 9 km in the east of Selcuk, as being an old village, still keeps its urban character of last century. Most of the houses in Sirince were built around the 19th century or earlier when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village, today some of them have been restored and turned into pensions for over-night guests. Sirince is probably most famous for it’s wine production. You see many wine houses around where you can taste the many sorts of grape and fruit wines they make there. Enjoy the authentic village atmosphere, stop at the local wineries to taste the many sorts of fruit wines or spend your time looking at the various local handmade crafts like crochet and hand made lace, embroidery and clothes.

It is 8 km away from Selcuk and in the east of Selcuk. It is considered that the village was built and settled during trhe reign of Aydınogulları. lts former name was “Ephesus on the Hill”. The churches, monasteries and typical Turkish houses showing the Turkish village life are worth visiting. The village is surrounded by vine yards, orchards, and olive trees. The village became more and more famous by its web like streets, generally two storied houses, hardworking and hospitable residents, excellent wine and natural beauties.

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.

Most of the houses in Sirince were built around the 19th century or earlier when Sirince was predominantly a Greek village, today some of them have been restored and turned into pensions and Boutique Hotels for over-night or weekends.

Getting There

Daily buses every 1/2 hours leaves from Selcuk Bus Station. Fee 5 TL p.p