Kayaköy, located in the Fethiye district of Muğla, is a ghost village with a sad past that opens a window to history. Once a lively Greek town where Greeks and Turks lived together, Kayaköy was abandoned and fell silent after the population exchange in 1923. Today, it stands as an open-air museum, inspiring visitors with its historic houses, churches, and narrow streets carrying the traces of the past.
History of Kayaköy
Kayaköy is an abandoned Greek village located in the Fethiye district of Muğla, Turkey. Once home to over 20,000 people, this historic village became a sad story with the population exchange that took place in 1923.
The First Settlers of Kayaköy
The history of Kayaköy dates back to 3000 BC. The first settlers in the region were the Lycians. After the Lycians, the Carian Kingdom, the Romans, and the Byzantines also ruled this region.
Ottoman Period
In the 15th century, Kayaköy came under the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire and was known as “Levissi”. During this period, Greeks and Turks lived together in the village. In the 19th century, Kayaköy became an important trade center. It was particularly famous for its olive oil and soap production.
Exchange of Population and Abandonment
The signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 led to a population exchange between Turkey and Greece. According to this agreement, Greeks living in Turkey were forced to migrate to Greece, and Turks living in Greece were resettled in Turkey.
The Population Exchange in Kayaköy
Kayaköy was one of the settlements most affected by the population exchange. Before the exchange, approximately 20,000 Greeks and 2,000 Turks lived in Kayaköy. With the exchange, the Greeks in Kayaköy were forced to migrate to Greece. They were replaced by Turks who migrated from Greece.
The Assimilation Problem of the New Immigrants
The immigrants from Greece could not adapt to Kayaköy. The most important reasons for this were:
- Different Language and Culture: The immigrants from Greece did not speak Turkish and had a different culture. This made it difficult for them to communicate with the Turks in Kayaköy.
- Economic Difficulties: Kayaköy’s economy was based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The immigrants from Greece did not have enough knowledge and experience in this field. This led to economic difficulties.
- Failure to Adapt: The immigrants from Greece could not adapt to the geographical conditions and lifestyle of Kayaköy.
The Abandonment of Kayaköy
For the reasons mentioned above, the immigrants from Greece began to leave Kayaköy. By the 1950s, Kayaköy had been completely emptied and turned into a ghost village.
The Effects of the Population Exchange on Kayaköy
The population exchange completely changed the demographic structure and economy of Kayaköy. Before the exchange, Kayaköy was a lively Greek-Turkish village. After the exchange, it became an abandoned ghost village.
Places to Visit in Kayaköy
Kayaköy is a historical and melancholic village hidden away like an open-air museum in the Fethiye district of Muğla. Once known as “Karmylassos”, this ancient city has been home to many civilizations throughout history. Abandoned in 1923 after the population exchange, Kayaköy, now known as the “ghost village”, offers visitors an unforgettable journey through time.
Mysterious Places to See in Kayaköy
- Abandoned Houses: Stone houses, each no larger than 50 square meters, are lined up in narrow streets like a labyrinth. Each house feels like it has its own unique story to tell. Built with a consideration for the view and light, the houses reflect Kayaköy’s unique architecture.
- Churches of Lost Time: There are 14 chapels and two large church ruins remaining from the Greeks in Kayaköy. The Panagia Pirgiotissa Church stands out with its sturdy structure and iconostasis. Wandering through these churches, it is possible to imagine the beliefs and lifestyles of the people who once lived here.
- Coves Hidden in the Embrace of Nature: Around Kayaköy, there are many coves that can be reached by walking, such as Soğuksu Cove, where you can swim. It is possible to discover these coves and enjoy the turquoise sea with boat tours organized from Fethiye.
- Gemiler Adası (Island of Ships) Witnessing History: Located west of Kayaköy, Gemiler Adası has a mysterious atmosphere with its historical ruins. The fact that part of the island was submerged by earthquakes in the 3rd century adds a different kind of sadness to the island.
How to Get to Kayaköy
Kayaköy is 8 kilometers from Fethiye. You can reach Kayaköy by taking the minibuses departing from Fethiye. It is also possible to go to Kayaköy by private vehicle.
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