Ortahisar, the historic village in the heart of Cappadocia — Türkiye’s “Land of Fairy Tales” — has been officially recognised as a member of the International Cittaslow (Slow Cities) Network. Following a long and dedicated preparation process, Ortahisar achieved a record-breaking score, marking 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: Where Heritage and Slow Living Unite
Ortahisar, which has alsoearned a spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of ‘The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages, stands out as a must-visit destination and deserves a place on every traveller’s bucket list in the region. Located approximately 6 km 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.
At the heart of the town rises the Ortahisar Castle, believed to date back to the Hittite period. Today, the castle serves as one of the region’s highest points, and offers breathtaking panoramic views over Cappadocia’s dramatic landscape. Carved into the rock, the castle features an intricate network of caves, dovecotes and labyrinthine tunnels, and is widely regarded as ‘one of the world’s earliest multi-storey settlements’.
Clustered around the castle are striking examples of Cappadocia’s vernacular architecture. Stone-paved alleys, lined with apricot stalls and rose-scented tea gardens, lead visitors toward scenic valleys that once played a vital role in the area’s agricultural life. The rock-carved storage spaces in these valleys historically preserved local products, including apples and potatoes, as well as citrus fruits brought from the Mediterranean, such as oranges and lemons.
Ortahisar is also home to remarkable religious landmarks, including Sarıca Church, Cambazlı Church, Tavşanlı Church, the Balkan Deresi churches and Hallaç Deresi Monastery, all reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage that defines Cappadocia.
Türkiye Embraces the Cittaslow Spirit
The Cittaslow movement emerged in response to concerns that globalisation is homogenising city life and erasing its unique identity. In Cittaslow cities, life moves leisurely, and local cuisine, architecture, traditions, and history are well-preserved. The Cittaslow Türkiye network was established in 2009 when Seferihisar became the first Turkish member of the Cittaslow. Since then, the network has steadily expanded as new cities have joined.
Today, Cittaslow Türkiye comprises 29 districts across 24 provinces in all seven regions of the country, further strengthening Türkiye’s reputation for preserving its rich cultural heritage and local identity. Türkiye’s twenty-nine Cittaslow 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. ///nCa, 28 February 2026 (in cooperation with the Embassy of Türkiye to Turkmenistan)