In a world where speed is of the essence, the ever-increasing flow of personal traffic wreaks havoc on the streets, taking too long a break is considered cheating in some workplaces, and fast food has become a modern staple. At least our own four walls, our own neighborhoods, our towns should provide us with some kind of peace and quiet, happiness, and ample opportunity to recharge our batteries. . So, welcome to the concept behind “Cittaslow” or “Slow Cities”.
But the concept itself is not about withdrawal from the modern world, about quitting one’s job, building a cabin in the forest and starting hunting, or about the lifestyle of an isolated single person or a family, respectively. there is no. It aims to revitalize our local communities under the banner of quality of life and to further deepen our interactions with friends and neighbors without sacrificing the comfort of information technology. Masu. This may make you reconsider whether your next pre-made burger is a healthy option or whether you’re better off not frequenting the corner restaurant or grocery store where you know the ingredients are locally sourced. The purpose is It’s about attending the best university two hours away without leaving the comfort zone of your hometown, which you can at least enjoy every weekend, while also being involved in local job creation.
From Italy to Türkiye
Continue to Seferihisar and its wonderful coastal district, Şiçak. Since 2009, the town has been part of the ever-expanding Slow City network (“Cittaslow” in Italian), because this is the country where it all began. In 1999, the mayor of the small town of Chianti decided that it was time not only to restore the quality of life for which the town was once famous, but to actually dramatically improve it. Greve’s mayor, Paolo Saturnini, insisted that he was not against new development, but only if it would improve the quality of life locally. According to Saturnini and the national movement that soon spread beyond the borders, “human beings are still living in a place where the seasons change slowly and healthily, where the health of the people is respected, where the authenticity of products and good food is respected, where the charming craft traditions of precious works are rich. There are arts, squares, theaters, shops, cafes, restaurants, spiritual places and unspoiled landscapes, and where respect for traditions through the spontaneity of religious rituals and the joy of a slow and quiet life is characteristic. “
To become a slow city, the seven macro categories are divided into 72 subcategories. These macro requirements consist of provisions for energy and environmental policies (e.g. recycling). Infrastructure policy (e.g. bike paths). Policies regarding urban quality of life (fiber optics, wireless, etc.). agricultural, tourism and artisanal policies (e.g. banning GMOs); Hospitality, awareness and training policies (e.g. welcoming approach). Social cohesion (e.g. non-discrimination). Partnerships (such as collaboration with slow food advocates).
Live broadcast from Türkiye’s pioneer slow city
As for Turkey, it started here in Seferihisar, and over the years 20 more locations in Turkey have joined the network, and now 5 more locations have been added in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), bringing the total to 287 in 33 countries. Joined the Slow City of Places. Considering the short period since 1999, this is an impressive number.
But a real success story about the potential benefits of “going slow” can be seen and witnessed in Seferihisar’s Šcak district. The market town’s stunning coastal district is famous for its pedestrianized old town, its own historic acropolis, and its state-of-the-art marina. Before becoming a “slow city,” the number of beds was just over 5,000, but now the number has increased to more than 12,000. The population increased from 30,000 to 52,500 people in just 12 years (2009-2021), and Sicak accounted for just under 3,900 people (2021). A destination for a short weekend getaway, if ever, has now turned into a tourist attraction of sorts.
Introducing Bülent Kestem
In the words of Bülent Kestem, technical coordinator of Turkey’s Cittaslow Network, who was working at Seferihisar City Hall at the time, in 2009, the most important reasons for becoming a slow city were infrastructure and tourism development. The point was not to stop it, but to carry it out. That’s what makes it different compared to other holiday hotspots in the wider region. The town wanted to do it the right way by focusing on preserving its rich history, protecting the environment and natural landscape, and promoting culture and local crafts, to name just a few . In this context, Kestem coined the term “urban identity”.
“Slow foodization” definitely included the food aspect. Already ten years ago, the Slow Food movement arrived in Turkey, educating the population about the benefits of locally produced ingredients, prepared by local chefs for local customers and to the highest standards of quality and taste. .
Kestem then spoke about the “thin red line” between increasing your town’s tourism potential and achieving lasting fame in a positive sense. In other words, development is not just about the number of additional guests, but about sustainable numbers. Development must address the question of how to prevent mass tourism while still allowing the local economy to thrive and tourists to enjoy their visit for a day or two-week vacation.
Seferihisar has not only become a magnet for non-residents. Kestem said many of the more than 20,000 new arrivals are retirees from Izmir, but they live far away, for example in Istanbul, and they do not start new businesses themselves. He explained that he would choose the high quality of “slow-paced” daily life found in the region. .
Needless to say, since 2009, dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of new businesses have opened. There are boutique hotels, trendy or traditional restaurants and, always with an emphasis on quality and no fuss, food stalls, souvenir shops and art galleries. .
We came to the conclusion that the positive dynamics of being part of Cittaslow required little additional PR campaign from the City Hall side. Word spread quickly, television crews and major newspapers flocked to Seferihisar, and the rest was history.
“We are not robots here.”
It’s easy to run into newfound acquaintances and hopefully become friends soon. Among them is a grocery store owner who says that when the first movie theaters opened in the late 1960s, they were showing Cleopatra starring Liz Taylor. The owner of a small boutique hotel and memorabilia store played the disc on an antique gramophone that was still in perfect condition. and an ambitious artist who will soon be opening her own cafe and gallery, joining many other residents, showcasing her stunning murals and murals to visitors.
One of these new acquaintances bid farewell by saying, “We are not robots here,” referring to the hectic pace of daily life, as is often the case elsewhere. He told me, “At least in the old part of town, we still stop and say hello.”
Sittaslaw doesn’t mean men don’t wear suits, but there’s no “inner city protocol” in which you have to dress up. Relaxed clothing lets you know you’re in a place to relax without ever compromising on a modern feel. comfort.
how to get there
Seferihisar has perfect local bus connections with nearby Izmir to the northeast, and also minibus routes connecting with other coastal cities to the south. Additionally, there are regular flights to and from Ankara and Istanbul, so access is never a problem. A positive sign is that many local day trippers prefer public transport over private transport. Of course, cars are not prohibited in the city, but if slow cities are serious about protecting the environment, they must encourage the use of public transport. Public transportation applies here from 6 a.m. to just before midnight. He has countless pensions, boutique hotels, three large hotels catering to all tastes and budgets, and a wide variety of very good restaurants.
