The Explore feature series continues this week with reporter Ruken Alışkan focusing on one of the ‘villages’ of Izmir, Birgi.
Birgi Village, built at the foot of the mountains in Ödemiş, İzmir, is a must-see village with its architecture and centuries-old trees. As it is a historical village, its streets and the architecture of the houses and buildings are interesting.
It is thought the first settlement dates back to 3000 BC. Today’s Birgi, on the other hand, is preserved as it was 700 years ago.
Birgi, a former capital of Aydınoğulları Principality, one of the Turkish principalities, is one of the leading settlements of the period. Tombs of important names from the Aydınoğulları Principality are here, and the best of 18th and 19th century Ottoman architecture remain.
Mansions
Çakırağa Mansion: This mansion was built by the Çakıroğlu family, one of the wealthiest families of the 16th century. Its walls are decorated with Istanbul and Izmir paintings. This is because the mansion’s owner, Mehmet Bey, married two women, one from Istanbul, the other from Izmir. He decorated the walls with pictures of their homelands so they would not get homesick. The paintings remain, enabling visitors to see the art of the period and the state of the cities at that time.
Kadilar Pashazade Mansion: Now a boutique hotel, it is possible to have breakfast and dine in the restaurant here. Although not as flashy as the Çakırağa Mansion, it is a good example of the traditional houses.
Saliha Hanım Taş Mansion: This is a place from the Republic Period and has since been converted into a 7-room hotel, but preserving the original building.
Mosques and Madrasahs
Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque: The mosque, which was built in the 1300s by the founder of Aydınoğlu Principality, reflects the characteristics of Seljuk architecture. The tile, which has an important place in the old Turkish architecture, is covered throughout the architecture and its pulpit is made of walnut wood.
Derviş Ağa Mosque: This mosque is an unpretentious and charming place, built by Derviş Ağa in the 1600s.
Derviş Ağa Madrasa: The madrasah, built by the same person in the same years was is one of the religious education places of the period. There is a well and a hammam in the courtyard of the madrasa.
Imam-i Birgivi Madrasa: The madrasah, built in the 1500s with the request of the sultan’s teacher, as a place of education of the period, is used as a place where handicrafts are exhibited and sold to the public today.
Shops, Cafes, and Restaurants
Demirli Store: Silk weaving is an important source of income in Birgi. Therefore, there are places you can visit and buy silk shawls for yourself. In particular, you should see Demirli Store located next to Derviş Ağa Mosque. This place is one of the structures built in the early Ottoman period and still used as a store today.
Village House: In the village center, there is a shop where you can buy natural products grown by the villagers and small village shops where you can eat and drink. You can buy natural fruits, vegetables, spices, and local flavors from the Village House.
Historical Square Coffee: You should drink the famous pomegranate juice in the village coffee house where you can stop by to relax after your shopping. Very good when the weather is hot.
Food and Drink: You can choose Pomegranate Danesi for breakfast, and go to Birgi Sofrasi for lunch and dinner.
How to reach Birgi
By car, it is possible to reach Birgi by taking the Ödemiş Turn from Aydın İzmir bus station. You can reach Birgi in about 2 hours from Didim. If you do not have a personal vehicle, you can take the Ödemiş minibus departing İzmir bus station and go to Birgi from there. Since it will lengthen travel time, consider renting a car.