It was named by Forbes last year as one of The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages – and now the stunning Turkish setting of Ortahisar has been added to the international cultural preservation network Cittaslow.
Located around 6km from Ürgüp, one of Cappadocia’s largest settlements, Ortahisar showcases the region’s distinctive rock-carved architecture – crowned by its ancient castle and an iconic skyline dotted with hot-air balloons.
And its newly won official recognition as a member of the Cittaslow (Slow Cities) Network – the country’s 29th – marks a major milestone in its commitment to sustainable urban development and the preservation of its unique cultural heritage.
With Ortahisar’s inclusion in the Cittaslow Network, Türkiye’s total number of slow cities has risen to 29, further strengthening the country’s presence in the global Cittaslow movement.
Ortahisar is also home to a number of significant religious landmarks, including Sarıca Church, Cambazlı Church, Tavşanlı Church, the Balkan Deresi churches and Hallaç Deresi Monastery. Together, these historic sites reflect the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage that defines the wider Cappadocia region.
Türkiye Embraces the Cittaslow Spirit
The Cittaslow movement was founded to counter the growing homogenisation of urban life brought about by globalisation. It champions a slower pace of living while protecting local character, traditional cuisine, architecture, craftsmanship and community identity.
Türkiye joined the movement in 2009 when Seferihisar became the country’s first accredited Cittaslow destination. Since then, membership has expanded steadily, underlining the country’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Today, the Cittaslow Türkiye network spans 29 districts across 24 provinces, representing all seven geographical regions of the country and reinforcing Türkiye’s reputation as a guardian of local heritage.
Türkiye’s 29 Cittaslow destinations are: Ahlat, Akyaka, Arapgir, Çameli, Demre, Daday, Eğirdir, Finike, Foça, Gökçeada, Gerze, Göynük, Güdül, Halfeti, İbradı, İznik, Kemaliye, Köyceğiz, Mudurnu, Ortahisar, Perşembe, Safranbolu, Şarköy, Şavşat, Seferihisar, Uzundere, Vize, Yalvaç and Yenipazar.
