cittaslow cities Mediterranean

EĞİRDİR / YALVAÇ

Eğirdir

Situated in Isparta Province and around, Eğirdir is one of Türkiye’s 18 members of Cittaslow International. The variety of colors during the day and at sunset, the lake's unique landscape, and the peaceful ambiance make Eğirdir a unique destination.

Lake Eğirdir is the fourth largest lake in Türkiye with a surface area of 517 square meters. It is known for its clear beaches, which take on a different color each season, and is surrounded by apple and peach orchards.

Eğirdir is the capital of the Turkish Lake Region. Visitors can choose from many outdoor activities that are available here such as bird observation, endemic plant observation, photo safaris, hiking and trekking, orienteering, mountaineering, jeep safaris, paragliding, water sports, and camping.

Yalvaç

Yalvaç sits in the western part of Türkiye’s Mediterranean region, in the northern part of the Turkish Lake Region. Situated in the province of Isparta, at a high altitude, it is a quiet, charming, and historical district with about 50,000 inhabitants.

Yalvaç is a historical district that was established about 1 km northeast of the ancient city of Antioch (or Antiochia) in Pisidia, one of the most important centers of antiquity and the capital of the Roman province of Pisidia.

According to legend, it was founded by one of the dynasties of the Hellenistic period, although the history of the region of Pisidia as a whole date back to the Paleolithic age. It later came under Roman rule and during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the city became an important colony and was given the title of “Colonia Caesarea.” One of the three surviving copies of The Deeds of the Divine Augustus was found in Antioch.

Paul the Apostle, who founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe, and Barnabas visited Antioch in Pisidia, and Paul gave his first famous sermon at the city’s synagogue. Today, the ruins of Byzantine church claim to mark the place where the synagogue once stood.

One of the most famous places in Yalvaç is the historic “Çınaraltı,” which means “under the plane tree.” The historic tree, located in the district's center, was planted in the 13th century and since 1992, it is registered as a natural monument by the Ministry of Cultur and Tourism.