A Brief History of “Pleasant Village”
Şirince’s roots date back centuries. Known as Kirkice or Çirkince during the Greek era, the village was once home to about 1,800 Greek households and thrived as a center of wine production and olive cultivation in the 19th century. The name “Çirkince,” meaning “ugly” in Turkish, was humorously ironic—locals wanted to deter outsiders from settling in the beautiful village. Later, during the early Republican era, İzmir Governor Kazım Dirik changed its name to Şirince, meaning “pleasant.”
Following the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the Greek inhabitants of Şirince resettled near Katerini, Greece. In return, Turkish families from Kavala were relocated to Şirince. These new settlers were unfamiliar with winemaking, leading to a decline in local viticulture and olive production for a time. However, over the decades, these traditional activities were revived and are now flourishing again.
Old house and view on Sirince village, Izmir, Turkey.
Şirince Today: Tourism, Wine, and Charm
By the 1950s, Şirince’s population had dwindled to just 700, but a resurgence began in the 1990s with the rise of tourism. Today, visitors flock to this Aegean village not only for its scenic beauty but also to purchase its famous natural wines, olives, and fresh local produce like figs, peaches, and walnuts.
The village architecture is another major draw. The traditional houses, mostly two or three stories high, are built from a mix of wood and stone and carefully positioned so none blocks the view of another. Narrow cobblestone streets and terraced gardens add to the picturesque charm.
A view from Şirince
Places to Visit in Şirince
- Church of Saint Demetrius: Dating back to the 19th century, this former Greek Orthodox church was turned into a mosque after the population exchange. Following recent restoration efforts, it’s now open to visitors and is a beautiful reminder of Şirince’s multicultural history.
- The Old Greek School: Restored and repurposed as a History of Education Museum, this stone school building showcases educational practices from the Tanzimat period through to the early Republic. The museum houses rare documents and historical artifacts.
- Mathematics Village: Just 1 km from Şirince lies the Mathematics Village, founded by Ali Nesin, son of Turkish writer Aziz Nesin. It’s the world’s first collective mathematics school and offers a peaceful retreat for learners and educators alike.
Why Visit?
- Authentic Aegean atmosphere
- Locally-produced wines and olives
- Stunning architecture and scenery
- Rich multicultural history
- Unique attractions like the Math Village
Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, a curious traveler, or someone looking for tranquility, Şirince offers something truly special. With its storybook charm, it remains one of Turkey’s most enchanting destinations.
