Historical mark of an abandoned town for more than a century
Nestled in Muğla province southwest of Türkiye, Kayaköy is a poignant reminder of a bygone era. This abandoned town, also known as a ghost town due to its desolation, shows traces of a turbulent past marked by war and displacement. The haunting charm of Kayaköy, where ruins of houses and winding roads overlooking a steep valley bring a sense of serenity
Once a vibrant settlement, Kayaköy now remains abandoned, with ruins and historical structures gradually being taken over by nature. The ancient fountain in the town center and the church overlooking the hillside provide a stark contrast to the empty green-painted houses below. For more than a century, the town had no residents, leaving behind a silent testament to its troubled history.
A glimpse into the past
Before World War I, Greek communities developed peacefully in what is now western Türkiye. However, the outbreak of war brought violent upheaval, leading to the mass slaughter of Greeks during ethnic cleansing campaigns by the Turks. Many fled to Greece, while the rest were forcibly deported.
Among the few remaining were Aysun Ekiz’s grandparents. Today, the Ekiz family runs a small restaurant near the main entrance to Kayaköy, serving refreshing drinks to tourists exploring this abandoned town. Stories of that tumultuous time have been passed down through generations. “The Greeks were crying because they didn’t want to leave,” Ekiz recalls. “Some even considered sending their children to Turkish friends in the hope of returning, but they never did.”
Ekiz describes how her grandparents, who were shepherds, adapted to life on the outskirts of town. Kayaköy’s blue painted walls meant to ward off scorpions and snakes still exist on about 2,500 houses. For visitors, these ruins offer a unique glimpse into ancient lifestyles.
Jane Akatay, co-author of “The Guide to Kayaköy,” suggests that the town’s abandonment was related to the lingering sadness after the tragic events of the 1920s. “The weather, storms and Lack of maintenance has caused the buildings to deteriorate over the years.”
Today, visitors must pay a small fee of 3 euros (just over $3) at a kiosk on the main street to enter Kayaköy. From there, they can wander through rough, signposted alleys to schools, churches and fountains. Despite the occasional influx of tourists during the high season, Kayaköy offers peaceful moments, helping visitors imagine the bustling life of the old days, especially in the old town square where locals live. The locality used to gather.
Many buildings in the town have lost their roofs and walls, and are now covered in vegetation. Previously, shoemaking was a popular profession here. Some families still have original water tanks from the time when there were no modern plumbing systems.
A step back in time
“Donkeys are used to transport water to households,” Ekiz explains. Despite the tight-knit community, each two-story house is spaced apart to maximize sunlight and avoid being overshadowed by neighboring structures. At the highest point in Kayaköy, the ruins of an old school still overlook the church and surrounding houses.
Yiğit Ulaş Öztimur, a tourist from Ankara, described Kayaköy as an outstanding relic of the past. The largely intact buildings allow you to get a rare glimpse into the lives of former residents. Although paths are available through Kayaköy from neighboring towns, wandering through the streets here can be confusing, with some alleys ending abruptly and stairs scattered throughout .
The town is surrounded by lush greenery, with views of the sparkling Aegean Sea below. The scene remains largely unchanged from Kayaköy’s bustling days.
Despite its current desolation, Kayaköy’s historical significance has attracted the attention of Turkish authorities. Recognizing the tourism potential, the government is auctioning the rights to develop the village, with the winning bidder responsible for restoring part of the infrastructure.
Today, Kayaköy stands out as a captivating historical site, offering glimpses of a past that continues to shape its presence.
