
In the heart of the
mountain region of Turkey's southwest coastal
area in the Mugla municipality , abundant in
agricultural and archaeological riches, is a
peaceful place where one can experience village
life as it has been for centuries. Üzümlü
village (Village of Grapes) is so called because
of the prolific growth of grapes in a place
where other fruits are difficult to cultivate
because of the arid climate and high altitude.
Üzümlü is about 40 kilometres from the largest
town in the area, Fethiye, and attracts local
attention not only for the character of the
village itself, but because of its closeness to
the important site of the beautiful Lycian ruins
at Cadianda.
Üzümlü has all the
gentle charm of a traditional village; one that
is full of life and which has in no way
surrendered its character to tourism. To visit
Üzümlü is to become part of a community, whether
taking
refreshment in the local tea house, pottering
round the small outdoor weekly market, or
watching women weave the textiles – dastar –
which the area is renowned, on looms outside
their houses.
There are some fine
old Ottoman houses in Üzümlü, a handsome mosque
and a handful of local lokantas including a pide
(Turkish pizza) shop and an excellent bakery and
a colourful, weekly fruit market.
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