The Hidden Village, Islamlar
Islamlar is in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, yet close to local restaurants, and just 15 minutes by car from Kalkan and the coast. This incredibly beautiful area offers a compelling combination of a peaceful, utterly unspoilt location with breath taking views and the convenience of being close to Kalkan.
Islamlar village provides an insight into beautiful rural Turkish life which has remained unchanged for many years. Full of olive groves and vineyards and where the flour for the bakery is still ground using old water powered mill-stone.
In the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and bordering the world’s second largest cedar forest, the village is 400m above sea level. It means the air is cooler here in high summer and you’ll find a riot of flowers in the spring – a happy state of affairs for those who love to hike. Pull on a pair of sturdy boots and the options are endless. You can follow the circular road through Islamlar itself, hike over to a neighbouring village or take a side step onto the famous Lycian Way, voted ‘One of the 10 Best Long Walks in The World’ by the Sunday Times. Alternatively, drive over the hill to the village of Bezirgan, perched on a high plateau 750m above sea level. Its rich farmland and you’ll wander alongside wheat and barley fields, apple orchards and pomegranate trees. Head out from the village across the fertile plateau to reach the edge of the mountain and you’ll also find some stunning sea views.
Sit back, relax and let the tranquillity of rural village life soak in as shepherds herd their flocks, bakers make bread from local mill-ground flour and farmers tend their crops. Local sesame is milled by water power to make tahini paste and grapes are used to produce pekmez, a kind of molasses often used as a natural remedy. The two are traditionally combined for an extra burst of nutrition at breakfast times. Notably, Islamlar is several degrees centigrade cooler than at sea level, and Kalkan locals use the restaurants as respite from the warmest summer days. The area has several trout farm restaurants where they serve simple authentic Turkish food, bursting with flavour. All ingredients are locally grown and organic. Small waterfalls, springs and mountain streams provide constant fresh water giving natural irrigation and feeding the trout pools that supply the local restaurants. Prices are lower than at the tourist resorts and there are wonderful views down the valley to the sea.
