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SIRINCE VILLAGE

SIRINCE: A Hidden Gem with Rich History and Charm

The History and Modern-day Appeal of Sirince

sirince
sirince
sirince

  Sirince’s Origins and Historical Background Şirince, a small village with only 600 residents, has deep historical connections to Ephesus. According to legend, it was founded by freed Greek slaves who chose the name “Şirince,” meaning “pleasant,” to attract fewer people after the fall of Ephesus. Originally named to discourage settlers, the village’s name was officially changed to Şirince in the early 20th century.

    Architectural and Cultural Heritage The village is renowned for its well-preserved whitewashed stucco homes and picturesque, verdant surroundings. Şirince is also famous for its fruit-based wineries and olive groves, contributing to its unique rural charm. The Church of St John the Baptist, although somewhat neglected by local authorities, contains impressive Byzantine frescoes that highlight its historical significance.

  Tourism and Local Attractions Today, Şirince is primarily a destination for day-trippers exploring the nearby town of Selçuk. Despite its small size, it offers a variety of guesthouses and cafés for those wishing to stay overnight. However, visitors should note that the village can become very crowded on weekends.  

   Economic and Demographic Changes In the 19th century, Şirince was known as a Greek town famous for its fig production, with around 1800 households. Following the population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1923, many Greeks relocated to Nea Efesos in Katerini, while the village was resettled by Greek refugees from Moustheni and Domatia in Kavala. The local economy, initially centered around viticulture, winemaking, and olive cultivation, faced a decline due to the arrival of new settlers from a tobacco region. Recently, with the rise in tourism, these traditional sectors have begun to thrive once more, alongside the cultivation of peaches, figs, apples, and walnuts.
  Population Trends and Current Status The population of Şirince, which once numbered around 2000-3000 in the 1950s, decreased to about 700. However, since the 1990s, tourism has contributed to a gradual population increase. The village still maintains some former Greek homes as guesthouses, adding to its appeal as a charming and historically rich destination.

sirince
sirince

 

 To get there:
By Car: Start from Kuşadası: Head east on the main road towards the D550 highway.
Take the D550: Follow signs for Selçuk/Izmir and merge onto the D550 highway
Exit at Selçuk: After about 15 kilometers (9 miles), take the exit towards Selçuk
Follow Local Roads: Once in Selçuk, follow signs for Şirince. The road to Şirince will be well-marked, and it’s about a 10-15 minute drive from Selçuk to Şirince.
By Public Transportation:
Bus to Selçuk: Take a bus from Kuşadası to Selçuk. Buses run frequently and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Dolmuş or Taxi from Selçuk: From Selçuk, you can take a dolmuş (minibus) or a taxi to Şirince. Dolmuş services are available and the trip takes about 15 minutes.
By Taxi:You can also hire a taxi directly from Kuşadası to Şirince. The drive takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.By Private Tour:Consider booking a private tour that includes transportation to Şirince. Many tour operators offer trips from Kuşadası to nearby attractions, including Şirince.