Sirince Village
Sirince Village is located on the top of a mountain 8 km away from Selcuk. During the Ottoman era, it was a Rum village with approximately 1800 residents. After the people exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923, the Greek population was replaced with the Turks coming mostly from Kavala, Greece. Today, the old Greek houses are under protection by the goverment. Turks built their economy mainly on tourism but farming is also an important income. Olives, peach, figs, apple and walnuts are some of the products of the village.
The old Rum houses are now converted into boutique hotels. Wıth their authentic and traditional atmosphere, they attract a lot of tourists. The village has a beautiful nature. It is also famous for wine tasting at small wine houses at almost every corner. These cosy places offer a wide range of fruit wines from blackberry wine to mandarine wine, from peach wine to cherry wine.
The streets of the village are like a small market where the villagers sell their needle works, knitted socks, homemade dried winter soup, olive oil and many other local products. Sirince village is usually very crowded on Sundays. From Selcuk minibus station, Sirince dolmuses are available every 30 min.
Sirince village breakfast offers a delicious option, usually enriched with local products. Breakfast is usually served with a variety of ingredients such as fresh breads, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, salads, jams, butter, honey and various local desserts. In addition, in some places you can find many homemade delicacies made from local products of the village. Şirince village breakfast is usually served outdoors, accompanied by beautiful views of historical places. This breakfast experience combines the natural beauty and historical atmosphere of the region to provide an unforgettable experience.
The Legends and Fascinating Stories of Şirince
Şirince Village is not only famous for its natural beauty and historical texture but also for its legends and intriguing stories. In the past, the village was known as "Kırkınca." According to legend, the name "Kırkınca" came from the time when forty young women began to live in the area. However, due to difficulties foreign visitors had in pronouncing the name, it was changed to "Şirince." This name change was made to better reflect the village's charming and pleasant atmosphere.
Another fascinating story dates back to December 21, 2012, the end of the Mayan calendar. During this period, when many believed the world would come to an end, rumors spread that Şirince would not be affected by this catastrophe and would serve as a safe haven. This legend led to a massive influx of tourists to the village at that time, further increasing Şirince's popularity.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Şirince hosts various cultural events and festivals. One of the most important events in the village is the wine festival, which takes place especially during the summer months. At this festival, local wine producers showcase their products, while visitors can taste different wines and enjoy live local music. In addition, the arts and crafts festivals organized in the village play a significant role in preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage.
Şirince is a village that offers different beauties in every season, captivating its visitors with its rich cultural fabric. It is an ideal destination for those looking to spend a peaceful holiday in touch with nature, as well as for history and culture enthusiasts.