Sile
Di Nergiz Varli
The roads never end; When talking about new places to be reached, new discoveries, special routes, curious settlements, mountains, lakes and seas, human beings never stop commuting between kilometers. It has always been like this for ages. Here is a road story that brings me together with you… One of the best aspects of living in Istanbul is that there are very good routes to escape from when you get bored of the city. Although it is advantageous to live in a big city, sometimes people want to get away.
This week, I will tell you about Şile; one of the routes preferred by city people to rest both themselves and their souls, especially on weekends, where I spent my childhood in tent camps and where I spent my vacation with my family.
History of Sile
It is claimed that the name ‘Şile’ comes from a small flowered, fragrant prairie plant called Marjoram in Ancient Greek. Its history dates back to ancient times. Archaeological studies show that Şile was inhabited during the Neolithic Age and the post-Ice Age period. It was an important settlement between the 12th and 6000th BC. Sea town ruled by Lydians, Persians, Galadians, Romans and Ceevizlis. The first settled city in Şile was probably built by the Miletosians, who were a seafaring tribe, under the name Philee in VIII BC. It was founded in the century. It is also known that the Miletos people, who built a city on the rocks rising just behind the beach on the seaside in the northern part of Şile, established some trade colonies on the Marmara and Black Sea coasts in the same centuries. Traces of this period have been found in the Yalı, Uçurumaltı and Tavşanlı caves in Nitkim Şile. It is possible to come across traces of the Roman Period and Seljuk Turks.
Şile is a special holiday resort that is 60 km away from Istanbul and can be reached in 1 hour. With its kilometers of coastline and proximity to the city, it is a good escape route where vacationers can easily reach and breathe. It is a dynamic route, a cute sea resort, which is very popular with its weather, nature, climate, sea and beaches, which is preferred by almost all residents of Istanbul on weekends, daily or seasonally. It is one of the places where summer, winter, spring and autumn are beautiful in all seasons.
Şile, which is a tourism paradise today, cannot cease to be a point of attraction for the people of Istanbul with the options it offers. Sile, which is flooded by visitors on weekends due to its proximity to Istanbul, deserves this with the scenery and opportunities it offers. You can take a nice walk and swim in the sea, especially on the unique sandy beaches. Of course, we should not forget to sunbath between the blue and the green. In the remaining time from the sea, you can visit the small bazaar in the center of Şile. You can see handmade jewelry, handcrafted products, and look at clothes made from sile cloth from the stalls in this small touristic bazaar. You can dance and have fun in nightclubs and have a drink. If you are interested in Turkish baths, you can visit the bath in the center. You can drink tea and coffee in the square.
Şile Cloth Festival
One of Istanbul’s oldest festivals takes place in Şile every year between July and August. The International Şile Cloth Culture and Art Festival has been meeting with people for 33 years in order to introduce Şile Cloth, the only geographically marked product of Istanbul. The festival, which is the scene of great enthusiasm every year, starts with a cortege march that turns Üsküdar Street into a carnival area. You should definitely join this walk.
International Şile Cloth Culture and Art Festival; It will continue to leave its mark on Şile’s summer season with concerts by famous artists and fashion shows and weaving organizations where Şile Bezi meets its enthusiasts. If you come across the festival period in Şile, the enthusiasm and excitement in the district will affect you a lot.
Sile Castle
The castle, which was built by the Genoese between the years of 2000, is integrated with Şile. The castle, which was restored a few years ago, continues to be the symbol of Şile, although it is not true to its original. There are two different claims about the history of the building, which was built as a watchtower. According to the claim accepted today, it was built by the Genoese 2000 years ago. According to another claim, it was built by the Byzantines and later used by the Ottomans. The castle, which was captured by the Genoese in 1305, was conquered by the Ottoman army under the command of Yıldırım Bayezid in 1396. The castle has been repaired twice throughout history. Built on an area of 100 square meters, the castle is 12 meters high. White limestone was used in the construction of the 4-storey castle. The other floors of the castle, the first floor of which was used as a cellar, were designed to accommodate 20 soldiers.
Sile Port
The first lighthouse on the beach, which was built in the year of the harbor with a magnificent view, is one of the frequent destinations of the visitors who come to Şile both to take a walk and to watch the magnificent sunset. You can also buy freshly caught fish in the port, which is also home to the fishermen’s fisheries and boats around, and you can also eat at the restaurants there. You can crown your fish with raki, a wonderful Turkish drink, at sunset.
Sile Lighthouse
It is a lighthouse located in the Şile district of Istanbul and serving the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Şile Lighthouse, which is one of the two lighthouses in the Black Sea, that provides coastal security, was built in 1859 during the Ottoman Empire, like other lighthouses. The lighthouse is located on the rocks 60 meters above sea level, 110 cm. It was built in the form of a tower. The wind-up system lantern, which has a visibility of 20 nautical miles, started to work with electricity in 1968, while it was working with a 3-wick gas lamp in the early periods. Şile Lighthouse, which has been turned into a museum today, has a history of 150 years. Şile Castle or Ocaklı Ada Castle is a castle located on Ocaklı Ada in the Şile district of Istanbul.
Aglayan Kayalar (Weeping Rocks)
The Weeping Rocks, which are integrated with Şile, are named after the people who compare them to the tears of a crying person because of the way the water flows. In fact, this is a water source coming out of the stones. The beach, which has the blue flag, is the choice of those who come for a day trip or stay. The bay, which is further out from the center, can be a bit dangerous with its waves approaching one meter high. But the bay is magnificent and the rocks in the sea offer you a unique view. It will make you have a good day with its beautiful beaches where you can walk along the entire coast.
Source: Municipality of Sile Photos: latest news
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