Since Ortahisar's inclusion, the total number of "slow cities" in Turkey has increased to 29, further highlighting the country's significance in the global Cittaslow movement.
Additionally, Ortahisar has been awarded the title of one of the "50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World" by Forbes for 2025, making it a must-visit destination in Cappadocia. The village is located just six kilometers from Urgup and is famous for its unique rock-carved architecture, majestic castle, and picturesque skies filled with hot air balloons.
The Ortahisar Castle, the main attraction, is believed by researchers to have Hittite origins. It is one of the highest points in the region, offering stunning panoramic views of the Cappadocian landscape. The rock-carved complex includes a network of caves, pigeon houses, and tunnels, and is considered one of the oldest multi-story settlements on the planet.
Surrounding the castle, one can see examples of traditional Cappadocian architecture. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with stalls selling local apricots and tea gardens lead to scenic valleys that were once vital for the region's agriculture. The rock-carved storages were used to preserve local produce, including apples, potatoes, and citrus fruits from the Mediterranean.
Ortahisar is also known for its religious monuments that reflect Cappadocia's spiritual traditions. Among them are the Sarıdja Church, the Cembazlı Church, the Tavşanlı Church, temples in the Balkan Deresi Valley, and the Hallaç Deresi Monastery.
The Cittaslow movement emerged as a response to concerns about the homogenization of urban life amid globalization, which threatens the unique identity of cities. Participants in the network develop at a calm pace, preserving local culinary traditions, architecture, and historical heritage.
Cittaslow Türkiye was founded in 2009 when the city of Seferihisar became the first Turkish representative of this movement. Since then, the network has gradually expanded.
As of today, the Cittaslow Türkiye network includes 29 cities located in 24 provinces of the country, emphasizing Turkey's reputation as a nation actively preserving its cultural heritage and local identity. Among these cities are Ahlat, Akyaka, Arapgir, Çameli, Demre, Daday, Eğirdir, Finike, Foça, Gökçeada, Gerze, Göynük, Güdül, Halfeti, İbradı, İznik, Kemaliye, Köyceğiz, Mudurnu, Ortahisar, Perşembe, Safranbolu, Şarköy, Şavşat, Seferihisar, Uzundere, Vize, Yalvaç, and Yenipazar.
