Sirince is a picturesque village of around 700 inhabitants located just 8 km away from Selcuk (Ephesus) on top of a hill surrounded by peach orchards, vineyards, and olive groves. Famous for its fruit wines, historic Greek houses, and the 2012 “Apocalypse” legend, it is one of the most aesthetic stops in Turkey. Whether you are a history buff, a wine lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, Sirince has something for everyone.
🍷 Top 5 Experiences in Sirince
Don’t leave the village without checking these off your list:
- 🍇 Fruit Wine Tasting: Try the famous Black Mulberry, Pomegranate, and Melon wines in the cellars.
- ☕ Sand Coffee: Traditional Turkish coffee brewed on hot sand. Unique taste!
- ⛪ St. John the Baptist Church: The historic heart of the village with amazing acoustics.
- 🧮 Nesin Mathematics Village: A world-unique architectural wonder dedicated to math and philosophy. (Requires a 15-min walk, no car access).
- 🔮 The “Apocalypse” Vibe: Discover why people flocked here to survive the 2012 Mayan Doomsday!
Sirince Village on Map
History of Sirince: From “Ugliness” to Charm
Sirince (pronounced She-rin-jay) literally means “Lovely” or “Cute” in Turkish. But it wasn’t always called that. It is believed that Sirince was founded by Ephesians who abandoned their city during the conquests of Timur (the king of the Timurid Empire, a Turco-Mongol) and withdrew into the high mountains. But according to another version, the Greek slaves who settled were the founders of the village named Cirkince (meaning ugliness). According to another foundation version, 40 freed slaves settled there, and therefore the village was called Kirkince (from the Turkish word for forty; Kirk). The village got its present name in 1926, when the governor of Izmir visited the village, was mesmerized by its beauty, and renamed it Sirince.
Byzantine Era & Ancient Roots
Agricultural fields surrounding the village, including many Byzantine-era structures, date back to the 11th to 13th centuries. Byzantine frescoes on the walls of Sütini and Kurudağ Caves, and ruins of aqueducts are some of them. Visitors can see them on the road from Selcuk to Sirince. Sütini Cave was also used as a chapel from the 13th century. The writings found on the walls of the cave are invoked to Jesus and ask for his help. It is understood from the findings that the Kurudağ cave was a cult place in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Ottoman Period: Life in “Cirkince”
According to Ottoman sources in the middle of the 17th century, only 18 Christian families were living in the village. It is stated by a visitor in the 19th century that “the village consists of at least 300 Greek houses, but the principal language is Turkish. He notes that the women “dress in the Turkish manner, and the men are all armed as the Turks. He estimated the population as around fifteen hundred people. The 1909 yearbook states that the village had around 1000 houses, all inhabited by Greek Orthodox Christians. Irregular Greek troops controlled the village for 3 years during the First World War (1919-1922).
The Population Exchange (1923)
Until the 1920s, the village was inhabited by Ottoman Greeks. After the Turkish War of Independence, as a result of the Lausanne Treaty (1923), a population exchange took place. The Greek population left for Greece, and Turkish families originating from the Kavala region settled here. Today’s inhabitants have preserved the traditional Greek architecture and agricultural traditions perfectly.
From Hardship to a Tourist Hotspot
The first two immigrants suffered from poverty and the difficulties of low living standards. Most of the 4,000 people settled in Sirince after the population exchange moved to Izmir in search of work and a better life. As a result, the old houses fell into disrepair. In the 1980s, Sirince was discovered by travelers and gradually turned into a tourist center. The road to Sirince had been paved in 1983. The town took its present form over time with the construction of small hostels and hotels.
🔮 The 2012 Mayan Apocalypse Legend
In 2012, believers of the Mayan Calendar thought the world would end on December 21st. Rumors spread that Sirince possessed a “positive energy field” that would protect it. Thousands of tourists and journalists flocked here (even Tom Cruise was rumored to visit!), turning the village into a worldwide phenomenon.
What to Do in Sirince?
Visit the “Stone School” (Artemis Restaurant) & Free Museum
The Artemis Restaurant is located right at the village entrance. If you climb the stairs from the lower parking lot, you will find the Artemis Restaurant, historically known as Taş Mektep (The Stone School). The building itself is a piece of history, housing a free museum inside. You can see old school desks, blackboards, student report cards, and many kinds of documents from the late 19th century. century to the early 20th century. Plus, the restaurant offers one of the most Instagrammable panoramic views of the Sirince village.
Taste the Famous Fruit Wines
Sirince is famous for fruit wines. Unlike traditional grape wines, here you can find wines made from almost every fruit imaginable. The absolute bestseller is the Black Mulberry (Karadut) wine. You can also try Melon, Peach, and Strawberry wines.
Tip: You can visit the wine cellars in the bazaar for free tastings before you buy.
Admire Frescoes at St. Demetrius Church
While walking up from the village entrance, look to your right to find the St. Demetrius Church. Unlike the other church, this one is often quieter and preserves stunning frescoes on its walls. When you look back from the church entrance, you will see a beautiful view filled with olive trees. It is also a perfect spot for taking amazing, Instagrammable photos.
Visit St. John the Baptist Church
Located at the highest point of the village, this historic church dates back to the 19th century. The courtyard features a wishing pool where visitors toss coins. The view of the village roofs from here is spectacular.
Discover the “Troy” Jewelry & Zultanite Stone
Here is a local secret for you: In the village square, look for a jewelry shop named “Demetrius of Ephesus”. The owner, Osman Bey, is a master craftsman who famously designed the jewelry for the movie Troy, starring Brad Pitt. While you are there, ask to see the Zultanite (Sultanite) stone. This is a rare, color-changing gemstone unique to Turkey (it turns from green to pink depending on the light).
Walk to the Nesin Mathematics Village
I often visit Nesin Mathematics Village during my tours with students. Founded by Aziz Nesin and his son Ali Nesin, this stone-built sanctuary hosts students from around the world for math, philosophy, and art. It offers such a peaceful atmosphere.
Important Note: It is located in the opposite direction from the Sirince Village center. Cars are not allowed inside, so you need to walk for 15 minutes.
ℹ️ Sirince Visitor Guide & Logistics
- 📍 Distance: 8 km from Selcuk (Ephesus), 30 km from Kusadasi.
- 🚌 Transport: Minibuses (Dolmus) depart every 20 minutes from the Selçuk Bus Terminal. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
- 🍽️ What to Eat: Don’t miss “Gözleme” (Turkish pancakes) and “Mürver” syrup.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Avoid weekends if possible; the narrow streets can get very crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what you’re looking for. Sirince village is famous for its picturesque Greek architecture, fruit wines, and authentic local food. It is the perfect place to relax, shop, and enjoy the view after a historical tour.
Sirince is globally famous for three main things:
Fruit Wines: Especially Black Mulberry (Karadut) and Melon wines.
The 2012 Apocalypse Legend: It was believed to be a safe haven during the Mayan Doomsday.
Nesin Mathematics Village: A world-famous open-air sanctuary for math and philosophy lovers.
Sirince village is located 8 km from Selcuk. The easiest and cheapest way is to take a local minibus (Dolmus) from the Selcuk Bus Terminal. They depart every 20 minutes, and the ride takes about 20 minutes through a winding mountain road. Taxis are also available. However, there’s no need to take a taxi, and it would be considerably more expensive compared to a minibus.
The most popular souvenirs are fruit wines (you can taste them for free), handmade olive oil soaps, and local handicrafts. For a unique luxury gift, visit Demetrius Jewelry in the village square. The owner, Osman Bey, designed jewelry for the movie Troy and specializes in color-changing Zultanite stone designs.
Yes, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and national holidays, as it is a popular spot for both local and international tourists. The streets are narrow and hilly. For the best photos and a calmer experience, try to visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon near sunset.
If you would like to explore Ephesus and Sirince Village with Best Ephesus Tours, you can reach us at the links below.
