Çomakdağ
Where Nomadic Traditions Are Preserved
by Slowtravelguide
This is a rare place, especially in a country like Turkey, where tourism sometimes disrupts the natural flow of things. However, in some areas, the centuries-old traditions are not only preserved but also truly part of daily life.
One of these places is Çomakdağ, which consists of three villages, Kızılağaç, İkiztaş and Ketendere, which have managed to preserve their unique culture to this day.
Çomakdağ is located in the Latmos Mountains, between Labraunda and Lake Bafa, not far from Milas. This is the place to go if you want to experience how 500 years of ancient customs fit into modern Turkish life.
Visiting Çomakdağ is not a trip to a dull, artificial, open-air museum. It is a charming and colourful tour through beautiful villages where the women’s clothing and headwear add a touch of splendour to your life.
Restored Old Stonehouse In Çomakdağ Turned Into A Shop
The Reason You Should Visit Çomakdağ?
If you stay in Turkey near the tourist resorts of Bodrum or Didim and want to see something off the beaten track, visiting Çomakdağ is the perfect day trip. Consider combining it with a stay in Herakleia and spending the rest of the day on the beach at Lake Bafa.
What can you expect?
Expect a beautiful environment, with the boulders of the Latmos Mountains as the backdrop, and drive to the village through stunning scenery.
You will receive a warm welcome in a place where the locals are happy to meet tourists and are honoured to share their centuries-old traditions with you.
Expect a typical but unique Turkish village. Its main characteristic is that it is relatively primitive and unique because the villagers managed to preserve their way of life, which is also reflected in the colourful clothes of the women.
Please expect to be struck by the radiant colours of the women’s silk garments, their headpieces studded with wildflowers and golden coins.
In short, visiting Çomakdağ is a feast for your eyes and soul. It gives you a unique understanding of the traditions of the ancient Anatolian Turkish nomads who settled here about 500 years ago and how they live today.
The village is famous for its striking portraits of Çomakdağ women, silk and cotton çemberi scarves adorned with flowers, and its typical architecture and exceptional chimney design. Villagers are used to foreign tourists, and almost anyone you see will say ‘’Hoşgeldiniz’’, which means ‘’Welcome’’.
The ideal answer is ‘’Hoşbulduk’’ if you want to receive a big smile.
Enjoying A Moment In The Shade
The Çomakdağ Women’s Headwear Is Totally Amazing!
Although most village women like to pose and are eager to have their pictures taken, some women don’t like it, so it’s best to ask. This is not your typical tourist attraction, but the villagers will still try to sell you their beautiful handicrafts and rag dolls.
If you are not interested, polite rejection is enough, but dolls and other handmade products are cute and unique souvenirs. They are an additional source of income for the villagers. Their primary source of income is olive harvesting and silk weaving.
Practical Information
If you go to Çomakdağ, we recommend that you do not visit the village on Tuesday. It is market day in nearby Milas, so most women will not be in the village during the day. The easiest way to visit the village is by driving. The village is about 15 kilometres from Milas, and good road signs start from the D525 main road.
If you rely on public transportation, the best option is to take a dolmuş from Milas. Please note that there are only two buses a day, and a third one on Tuesday as it is market day. (We recommend you not take the bus at 8 am on Tuesday). You can find the current schedule on the Muğla Büyükşehir website.
A Colour Explosion With Fresh Flowers
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Places Nearby
Labraunda, visit the Sanctuary of Zeus Labraundos (7 km)
Beçin Castle, dominating the Milas plain (16 km)
Alinda is tucked away in the sacred Latmos mountains (18 km)
Hiking to Yediler Monastery, chasing silence in Turkey (19 km)
Iasos is always pretty! (21 km)
Places We Recommend
Bergama
This town is an independent world, and the colourful houses reflect its emotional story. (Coming soon)
Cunda
A quaint island off the coast of Ayvalık and a popular weekend destination for many Istanbul residents. (Coming soon)
Birgi
If you like the off-the-beaten-track in Turkey, the Ottoman houses, lovely surroundings and fantastic weekend holidays, add Birgi to your list. (Coming soon)
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