Sille, also known as Sille Subaşı and historically as Sylata, is a picturesque neighbourhood situated within the municipality and district of Selçuklu, Konya Province, Turkey. With a modest population of 1,191 as of 2022, the village remains a testament to the unique cultural and religious heritage of the region. Once a thriving hub of peaceful coexistence between the Greek and Turkish communities, Sille holds profound historical significance that continues to captivate visitors today. Its fascinating story is intricately tied to the spiritual legacy of the great Sufi mystic, Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi.

Sille Subaşı was home to a significant Greek-speaking population, who lived alongside the Turks of Konya for over eight centuries, an era marked by peaceful relations and mutual respect. This remarkable coexistence was not a mere coincidence but the result of the benevolent influence of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, one of the most celebrated figures in Islamic mysticism. His spiritual teachings and actions created an enduring bond between the two communities, fostering an atmosphere of harmony that lasted for centuries.

Rumi’s impact on Sille’s Greek villagers is profound. Legend has it that he was a witness to a miraculous event that occurred at the nearby Orthodox Christian monastery of Saint Chariton. Known today in Turkish as Akmanastir, or the White Monastery, it was here that Rumi performed a significant act of interfaith solidarity by constructing a small mosque inside the sacred grounds of the monastery. This gesture of inclusivity symbolized a deep reverence for both faiths and marked the beginning of a unique and enduring relationship between the Greek and Turkish residents of the region.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this coexistence was the fusion of cultures, particularly in the realm of language. While the Greek villagers of Sille maintained their native language, they did so alongside a unique form of Turkish known as Karamanli Turkish. This was a Turkish dialect written using the Greek alphabet, a fusion of linguistic traditions that highlighted the close ties between the two communities. Interestingly, Rumi himself composed Greek poetry using the Arabic-Turkish script, further illustrating the blending of linguistic and cultural influences in the region.

The practice of using the Greek alphabet to write Turkish was not limited to Sille alone but became widespread throughout the surrounding areas, allowing for the preservation of the Greek-speaking population’s cultural identity while embracing the broader Turkish language. This linguistic phenomenon, known as Karamanli Turkish, is a testament to the intellectual exchange and mutual respect that defined the relationship between the Greek and Turkish peoples of the area.

Rumi’s influence extended beyond his contributions to literature and religious thought. He left a lasting imprint on the relationship between the Turkish and Greek populations of Sille through his explicit instructions to the local Turks. Mevlana, as Rumi is affectionately known, made a heartfelt plea for the Turks never to harm the Greeks of Sille. He entrusted the Greek villagers with the sacred duty of caring for his tomb, a gesture that further solidified the bond between the two communities.

This act of trust and reverence was not merely symbolic; it had practical implications, as Rumi’s directive was respected by the local Turks for generations. During times of conflict, official firmans, or decrees, were issued by the Sultan to remind the Turks of their sacred promise to protect the Greek inhabitants of Sille. These firmans reinforced Rumi’s message and ensured that, even during tumultuous periods in Turkish history, the Greeks of Sille remained safe and secure.

Despite the lasting peace in Sille, the course of history eventually disrupted this harmonious coexistence. The population exchanges between Greece and Turkey in 1923, following the Treaty of Lausanne, led to the expulsion of Christian Greeks from Turkey and the relocation of Muslim Turks from Greece. By 1924, the last of the Greek population left Sille, marking the end of an era that had lasted for more than 800 years.

The majority of the Greek villagers from Sille resettled in Nea Silata, a village in Chalkidiki, Greece, which today stands as a living reminder of the historical connections between these two communities. While the Greeks of Sille were forced to leave their ancestral home, the bond between Sille and its Greek heritage endures, both in the memories of those who left and in the cultural remnants preserved in the village itself.

Today, Sille is a protected village, with efforts underway to preserve its rich cultural and historical heritage. Renovation projects are being carried out to maintain the integrity of its monuments, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the village’s unique legacy. These restoration efforts are also aimed at boosting tourism, as visitors are drawn to Sille’s tranquil atmosphere, its ancient buildings, and its deep spiritual history. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and interfaith harmony makes Sille a truly captivating destination.

History of Sille Subaşı

The history of Sille Subaşı is deeply rooted in the distant past, stretching back to the Neolithic Age, with evidence from archaeological findings attesting to its long-standing presence as a settlement. The region’s rich history is reflected not only in its ancient remnants but also in its name, which carries various theories of origin, each offering a glimpse into its complex past.

One theory suggests that the name “Sille” is derived from Silenus, the figure from Greek mythology who was often depicted as a companion and tutor to the wine god Dionysus. This connection hints at the possible cultural and mythological influences that shaped the early identity of the settlement. Another, more widely accepted explanation, suggests that the name is linked to the word “Silenos,” which refers to boiling, bubbling, and flowing water—an allusion to the natural water features that likely played a significant role in the area’s development and appeal as a settlement site.

Religious Significance During the Roman and Byzantine Periods

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Sille Subaşı’s importance was amplified due to its strategic location on the road to Jerusalem. The settlement became a vital religious center, attracting pilgrims and religious figures alike. In the early days of Christianity, the area played a pivotal role in the spread of the new faith. Notably, St. Paul, one of Christianity’s foundational apostles, is said to have passed through Konya and sought refuge in the surrounding mountains of Sille while facing opposition from local authorities.

Among the most significant religious structures of the period is the Ak Monastery, also known as Hagios Khariton Monastery or Deyr-i Eflâtun. This ancient monastery, one of the oldest and largest in the world, has been in continuous use for approximately 800 years. It remains a testament to the area’s religious importance, providing a link to both Byzantine Christianity and later Islamic traditions. The Mevlevi dervishes, part of the renowned Whirling Dervishes order based in Konya, also visited the monastery, adding a layer of spiritual richness to the area. A mosque was even constructed within the monastery’s garden, symbolizing the blending of Christian and Islamic influences in this historically diverse region.

Before the population exchange of 1924, the settlement was home to the Karamanli Orthodox Christians, a community that had lived in harmony with the Muslim population for centuries. This coexistence was reflective of the broader religious and cultural melting pot that characterized Sille, making it a focal point of religious history in the region.

Ottoman and Seljuk Periods: The Continued Importance of Sille

Sille’s significance did not wane with the advent of the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Situated along the historic Silk and Spice Roads, the settlement continued to serve as a hub for trade, culture, and religious exchange. The Ottomans, recognizing the strategic and economic value of Sille, maintained its importance throughout their rule. Ottoman records from the late 19th century indicate that Sille was a village under the Sudirhemi district, and it eventually grew to become a district center.

By the early 20th century, Sille was a thriving, multicultural settlement. Records from 1907 reveal that the population was divided into 13 neighborhoods, with both Muslims and non-Muslims coexisting peacefully. The Muslim populations were concentrated in Karataş and Ak neighborhoods, while the Christian community resided in Kilise-i Kebir. At its peak, prior to the population exchange, the population of Sille reached an impressive 18,000 residents. During this period, Hungarian traveler Bela Horvath noted in his 1913 writings that the village was home to 60 churches, a testament to the area’s vibrant Christian heritage and its central role in the religious life of the region.

Architectural Heritage: Churches and Monuments

Sille Subaşı’s landscape is dotted with ancient churches, many of which are carved into the region’s soft volcanic rock. These small but significant religious structures, along with Ottoman tombstones, provide a fascinating glimpse into the village’s past. Among the most notable of these is the Archangelos Michael Church, which dates back to 327 AD. This church was built by Helena (Ayia Eleni), the mother of Constantine, the first Christian Byzantine emperor. The church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, has survived the ravages of time and remains an enduring symbol of Sille’s Christian heritage.

In addition to its religious landmarks, Sille boasts an array of other historic structures that reflect the diverse cultural influences that shaped the settlement over the centuries. These include Ottoman tombstones, which tell of the area’s Islamic past, as well as various structures built in the Byzantine and Seljuk styles, each contributing to the village’s rich architectural tapestry.

The Population Exchange and Its Aftermath

The population exchange of 1923 marked a profound turning point in the history of Sille Subaşı. As part of the broader demographic shifts following the Greek-Turkish population exchange, the Christian inhabitants of Sille were relocated to Greece, while Muslim populations from the regions of Kozana and Florina in Greece were resettled in Sille. This exchange drastically altered the social and cultural makeup of the village, leading to the end of centuries of religious coexistence.

Despite the significant loss of its Christian population, Sille’s cultural and historical legacy continued to thrive. The village’s unique position at the crossroads of various civilizations ensured its place as an area of both historical and cultural significance. Today, Sille Subaşı remains a protected area, with many of its ancient structures safeguarded for future generations.

Modern-Day Sille Subaşı

In recent decades, Sille Subaşı has seen significant changes. The village, which had once been a district center under the Republican era, was incorporated into the city of Konya in 1980, and is now part of the Selçuklu district. Today, Sille is divided into two neighborhoods, Subaşı and Ak, yet it still retains a sense of its historical importance and charm.

The village’s rich heritage continues to draw visitors from across the world, eager to explore its ancient churches, monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. Despite the erosion of some of its original structures over time, Sille Subaşı remains a poignant reminder of the region’s diverse past, with its blend of religious, cultural, and architectural influences offering a unique and enduring story of the many peoples and traditions that have shaped it throughout history.