Kayaköy Ghost Town | Fethiye

Kayaköy Ghost Town, also known as Lebessos or Karmylassos, is an intriguing and historically rich site located near Fethiye in southwestern Turkey. Once a thriving Greek village, it now stands as a ghost town, offering a glimpse into the past and serving as a reminder of the complex history of the region.

Overview of Kayaköy Ghost Town:

Location: Kayaköy is situated around 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Fethiye, in the Mugla Province, nestled in the foothills of the Babadag Mountain. It is located near Ölüdeniz, a famous beach and natural park area.

History: The village of Kayaköy was originally founded in the ancient times and later inhabited by Greeks until the Population Exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. This exchange was part of a larger, tragic agreement between the two countries, which led to the forced migration of Greeks from Turkey and Turks from Greece, changing the ethnic composition of many regions.

Greek Influence: Kayaköy was once known as Levissi, and it was a Greek Orthodox village. The inhabitants were Greek Christians who lived in the area for centuries. The village flourished throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries with its stone-built houses, churches, and schools.

Population Exchange: Following the Greek-Turkish War and the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, Kayaköy’s Greek inhabitants were forcibly relocated to Greece as part of the Population Exchange. In return, Muslim Turks from Greece were resettled in the area. However, the village was abandoned and left in ruins after the Greek population left. Since then, it has remained deserted.

Key Features of Kayaköy:

Abandoned Stone Houses:

One of the most striking features of Kayaköy is its abandoned stone houses, which still stand as silent witnesses to the past. Over 350 homes are scattered across the hill slopes, with narrow, winding streets between them.

The houses are built in traditional Lycian and Greek architectural styles, with stone facades, arched windows, and tiled roofs. These homes have now fallen into disrepair but still maintain a sense of eerie beauty.

Churches:

Kayaköy is home to several Greek Orthodox churches that were central to the village’s religious life before the population exchange. The most prominent among them is the Greek Orthodox Church of Panagia (also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary), which stands near the center of the village.

The churches have decorative carvings and ruined frescoes, and though most are now in ruins, they still offer a haunting sense of the village’s once-vibrant religious life.

Schools and Public Buildings:

Alongside the homes and churches, there are also remains of schools and other public buildings that speak to the once-thriving community in Kayaköy.

Some of these structures are distinguishable by their larger size and more elaborate design. The school buildings are especially interesting due to their architectural features, providing a glimpse into the educational systems of the time.

Ghostly Atmosphere:

The ghost town is enveloped by an atmosphere of stillness and mystery, enhanced by the surrounding wild nature. The ruins are overgrown with plants and trees, giving the place a sense of abandonment and decay.

The village is often referred to as a “ghost town” due to its deserted nature, and it draws visitors who are fascinated by its history and eerie charm. It is a place where time seems to have stopped.

Kayaköy’s Transformation:

Today, Kayaköy has become a popular tourist attraction and is protected as a historic site by the Turkish government. The town’s ruins and the surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploration.

Visitors can wander through the village's streets, visit the churches, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the nearby Ölüdeniz Beach and Babadag Mountain.

Museum:

A small museum located in the area showcases artifacts and provides historical context for the town's past, including displays on the Population Exchange and the Greek community's lifestyle before their departure.

Cultural Significance:

Kayaköy is not only a site of architectural interest but also a place of cultural reflection. It serves as a symbol of the complex and often painful history between Greece and Turkey in the 20th century.

The village’s history highlights the intermingling of cultures and the tragic consequences of forced migrations. It stands as a poignant reminder of the shared heritage of the region's various communities before the upheavals of the 20th century.

Visiting Kayaköy:

Accessibility: Kayaköy is easily accessible from Fethiye by car or public transport. It is also within a short distance from Ölüdeniz and can be visited on the way to the famous Blue Lagoon. There are well-maintained paths and walkways for visitors to explore the ruins.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kayaköy is during the spring or fall, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for walking around the ruins. Summer can be quite hot, but it is still a popular time for visitors due to the surrounding attractions.

Things to Do:

Exploration of the Ruins: Wander through the narrow streets, climb the hill to see panoramic views, and explore the abandoned houses and churches.

Hiking and Nature: Kayaköy is surrounded by beautiful nature and offers several trails for walking and hiking. You can walk down to Ölüdeniz Beach or explore the hills and valleys around the village.

Photography: The ghostly atmosphere, historical ruins, and scenic views make Kayaköy an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts.

Visit the Museum: Learn more about the village's history and the effects of the Population Exchange at the small local museum.

Conclusion:

Kayaköy Ghost Town is a unique and fascinating destination in Turkey, offering a powerful connection to the past. Its deserted streets and crumbling stone houses are a testament to the once-thriving Greek village that was displaced during the Population Exchange. Today, Kayaköy is an important cultural site, preserving the memory of the town’s Greek heritage while offering a beautiful and tranquil spot for visitors to reflect on history and explore the haunting ruins amidst stunning natural surroundings.