Ortahisar in Cappadocia Joins the International Cittaslow Network
Ortahisar, a historic village in Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, has been officially recognized as part of the International Cittaslow (Slow Cities) Network. This acknowledgment came after a thorough preparation and evaluation process emphasizing sustainable urban practices, preservation of local identity, and community-centered growth.
With Ortahisar joining, Türkiye now has 29 Cittaslow cities, enhancing its role in the global movement that advocates for more relaxed, culturally connected urban lifestyles.
Ortahisar: Heritage and Community-Centred Living
Situated approximately 6 kilometres from Ürgüp, one of Cappadocia’s principal towns, Ortahisar is renowned for its rock-carved architecture and the historic Ortahisar Castle that overlooks the village skyline. The area is also famous for its hot-air balloon views, which have become emblematic of Cappadocia.
Ortahisar was also featured in Forbes’ 2025 list of ‘The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages’, attracting international attention to its historic character and landscape.
Ortahisar Castle, believed to date back to the Hittite era, is located at the heart of the village. It is carved into a large rock formation and features a complex network of caves, tunnels, and dovecotes, historically used for shelter, storage, and daily activities. The castle’s elevated position offers expansive views of the surrounding Cappadocian landscape.
Surrounding the castle, the village showcases traditional Cappadocian architecture, with stone-paved streets, small shops, and local tea gardens. Nearby valleys historically served agricultural purposes and stored produce in rock-carved spaces, including apples, potatoes, and citrus fruits brought from the Mediterranean region.
Ortahisar also hosts several historic religious sites, including Sarıca Church, Cambazlı Church, Tavşanlı Church, the Balkan Deresi churches, and the Hallaç Deresi Monastery, reflecting the region’s long-standing spiritual and cultural traditions.
Türkiye’s Growing Cittaslow Network
The Cittaslow movement was created to safeguard local identity, culture, and traditional ways of life in smaller towns facing the pressures of globalisation and rapid urbanisation. The initiative encourages towns to support local food systems, preserve heritage architecture, and promote sustainable living.
Türkiye joined the movement in 2009, when Seferihisar became the country’s first Cittaslow city. Since then, the network has grown steadily.
Today, Türkiye’s Cittaslow network encompasses 29 districts across 24 provinces, representing all seven regions of the country. Member cities include 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.
With Ortahisar joining the network, Cappadocia gains another destination aligned with the Cittaslow philosophy, supporting local heritage, community life, and sustainable tourism practices.
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