Hello all,

I normally write my travel posts in Turkish so that my fellow Turkish Hive users can read about the U.S. Since this post is about Turkey, I thought it would make sense to write it in English. I hope you enjoy it! Let's start.
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<center>![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/IZjWaPbU-image.png)
A great example of the architecture in Sigacik, Izmir.
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I visited my home country last year in June. So, all of these pictures are taken in 2019. I believe, during the COVID, the scenery will be much more different. When this is all over, I strongly encourage you to visit Turkey! Before I even start talking about Sigacik, Izmir, let me first explain you what Cittaslow is.

# What is Cittaslow?

<div class="pull-right"><img src="https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/aiQZPUk2-image.png"/><br/>Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cittaslow</div>

[Cittaslow](https://www.cittaslow.org/) is inspired by the slow movement of people and it is an organization based in Italy. They aim to improve the quality of life by slowing down cities. I would say that this more like an urbanization movement of cities by limiting vehicle access to the streets and making cities more walkable and urban-oriented. I believe it is a great trend and its importance is felt much more during these crazy times.

# Sigacik, Seferihisar - Izmir

Sigacik, Seferihisar is one of the first members of Cittaslow cities in Turkey (may be the first?). The emerging trend of escaping cities make these little villages attractive to many visitors from all over the world in Turkey. I visited the town during the weekend and I can say that the streets were pretty crowded. 
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<center>![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/THhwe11S-image.png)
*Almost all the streets have cobblestone features and houses are painted white. 
This a prime example of an Agean town.*</center>
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# The Castle

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<center>![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/bOwGpjKf-image.png)
*Sigacik Castle - Buit from 1521 to 1522*</center>
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In the Northeast side of the town, there is a cute little castle built by Mustafa Pasha with the order of the Sultan Suleiman. It was used as a naval base. An interesting fact about the base is that the stones used to built the castle were transported from the Ancient city of Teos.

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<center>![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/GL4BXgCS-image.png)
*I wanted to include a map to show how far the stones were transported from the ruins of the ancient city. You can also visit this ancient town (540 BC) while you are in town.* </center>
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# Food
There are many great restaurants located in the city. People also sell local goods and food on the street. We visited a friend's restaurant in Sigacik. We wanted to say hi and eat some of her delicious appetizers. I think I am in love with the food in Izmir and if you are a vegeterian, this is heaven for you.
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<center>![IMG_5924.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/72IowffG-IMG_5924.jpg)
*I am drooling even by just looking at this picture!*</center>
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After the appetizers, we ordered manti, Turkish dumplings. Manti has ground beef in it so it is not a perfect dish for a vegetarian but I believe that they have a version of it for you guys too! Let me add a picture of that as well.

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<center>![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/P2SYwziB-image.png)
If you want the recipe of this, click [this](https://www.panningtheglobe.com/turkish-manti/) link.</center>
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Although there are many more things you can do in Sigacik and nearby towns, our adventure has ended here. I will leave one last picture of Sigacik with myself in it. This beauty is a must see! I hope you enjoyed it, tune in for more travel posts from Turkey!

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<center>![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steinhammer/6Gjzp5FP-image.png)
Take care and stay healthy!!</center>