Originally known as Kirkintzes (Greek: Κιρκιvτζές), Şirince is a community with a rich history and enchanted ambiance tucked away in the Selçuk area of İzmir Province. Şirince is culturally and historically important; it is roughly 8 kilometers east of Selçuk and near the remnants of ancient Ephesus. With just 456 residents as of 2022, its mix of Ottoman Christian architecture, modern-day appeal, and antiquity continues to enthralls visitors.

History: From Ancient Roots to Ottoman Influence

Şirince’s past is one of adaptation, resiliency, and cultural synthesis. The area’s importance begins in the Hellenistic era, roughly 323–31 BC. Pottery discoveries in the vicinity indicate the presence of many villages and farmsteads, therefore proving the importance of this site for old communities. Especially, the remnants of aqueducts, which formerly provided water to the ancient city of Ephesus, clearly show the village’s relationship to the Roman Empire, therefore attesting to Şirince’s significance in antiquity.

Şirince grew as a vibrant agricultural village in the fifteenth century when Ephesus was abandoned. Originally Çirkince, meaning “ugly” in Turkish, its name is connected to an odd local myth. Greek liberated slaves, attempting to deter intruders, called their colony to represent their supposed ugly character. The name changed over time to Şirince, which means “pleasant,” a change formally approved by İzmir Province’s governor in 1926.

The community turned mostly Greek Orthodox in the 19th century. Visitors including the English priest Edmund Chishull (1699) and the traveler Arundell (1832–1833) write of a thriving community of Greek-speaking residents with a solid agricultural basis generating vines, tobacco, and olives. Notwithstanding sporadic political changes, the settlement prospered; Greeks and Turks coexisted harmoniously until the population exchange in the 1920s, which brought about a major demographic change.

Şirince’s once-vibrant agricultural economy started to wane in the decades following the trade as many relocated to the adjacent town of Selçuk, therefore neglecting the village mostly until the late 20th century.

Modern Revival and Cultural Significance

Thanks in great part to linguist Sevan Nişanyan and his wife, Müjde Tönbekici, the town had an amazing rebirth in the 1990s. Once settled in the semi-derelict village, they led initiatives to rebuild the old homes and advance Şirince as a national heritage site. Showcasing the rebuilt Ottoman Christian architecture and drawing visitors looking for a taste of a bygone age, the boutique hotel Nişanyan House became a focal point for the comeback of the village.

In addition, Nişanyan founded the Nesin Mathematics Village in association with mathematician Ali Nesin, which hosts summer courses drawing students and academics from all around the globe. Combining its rural appeal with intellectual vitality, this mix of history, architecture, and academic interests has firmly put Şirince on the international scene.

The Myth of the 2012 Apocalypse

During the 2012 phenomena, Şirince attracted global interest when New Age mystics claimed it as one of the two locations on Earth that would not be touched by the expected Mayan Apocalypse. Although the forecast turned out to be baseless, the village’s connection to this myth added to its reputation and attracted a lot of guests ready to feel its alleged “positive energy.”

A Peaceful Retreat: Şirince Today

Surrounded by verdant olive orchards and undulating hills, Şirince is today a peaceful haven. Its economy depends on tourism as well as agriculture, which generates olive oil, peaches, and wine; people swarm its little alleys and historical buildings. Popular among visitors seeking a perfect haven from the bustle of city life, the village’s well-preserved architecture—including charming stone homes and cobblestone streets—gives it almost fairy-tale character.

Places to Visit in Şirince

Despite its small size, Şirince is home to several notable landmarks that showcase its historical and cultural heritage.

• Şirince Bazaar: The bustling heart of the village, this charming marketplace offers visitors a chance to browse local crafts, souvenirs, and produce while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. It is a hub of activity where you can experience the village’s lively atmosphere.
• Stone School: Built in 1906, this historic structure was initially envisioned as a center of education. Today, part of it serves as a museum, displaying photographs and documents that illustrate the region’s educational history during the Ottoman and early Republican periods.
• Nesin Mathematics Village: Located just a couple of kilometers from Şirince, this unique institution offers summer courses in mathematics and philosophy. Built using traditional Aegean architecture, the village also hosts researchers and students from across the globe, fostering a community of learning.
• St. John the Baptist Church: One of two Greek Orthodox churches in the village, St. John’s has recently undergone restoration and is now open to visitors. Its serene setting, complete with a wishing pool, is a tranquil spot for reflection and photography.
• Wineries: Şirince is renowned for its fruit wines, with local wineries offering tastings and tours. From the classic flavors of blackberry and sour cherry to more unusual varieties like quince and melon, the wines of Şirince are a unique experience for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
• Pamucak Beach: For those seeking a coastal retreat, Pamucak Beach, located just a short drive from Şirince, offers sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. The beach, protected due to the presence of endemic sand lilies, provides a peaceful setting for relaxation.