How successful these efforts were is uncertain, as even by the 19th century it would remain a refuge for people such as Norshteyn, who were ostracized from their own communities due to their religious beliefs. As such, the villagers were treated with suspicion and contempt by the more pious of soldiers who had set up their own fort to the west, who saw them as either heretics or Pagans a practice which would last well into modern day. Over time, foreign powers attempted to establish Orthodox Christianity to the region. One such state was responsible for the construction of a castle to the south in the 15th century, later known as Castle Dimitrescu, which would be inhabited by Cesare's descendants. The Pagan roots of this community are evident by Nichola's stone idol of a goddess, and a steel icon of the mythological Norse creature, Hræsvelgr.ĭuring the Late Mediæval Period, efforts were made by the emerging states to expand into the mountains. The village itself may have been established considerably later, with four people in particular named in myth as its founders: Nichola, Berengario, Guglielmo, and Cesare, who was a nobleman. Ruins left by this people included the remains of an underground city and four towering statues carved in the image of the "Four Kings", who mysteriously disappeared along with the entire population they presided over. Although no exact age has been determined, Mediæval folklore would indicate the region was once the heart of a powerful kingdom so ancient that nothing else was known of them. The most beautiful time of the year to visit is in May when the valley is covered in sweeping fields of crimson poppies.There has been continuous or near-continuous human habitation of the mountain range for millennia. If you take the trail leading past the ambars, you can hike to the top of the mountain and get a fantastic view over Kalkan and the sea.Ī trip to Bezirgan is an opportunity for a glimpse into a very different way of life than most of us are used to, a visit back in time. You can read about themhere (see the bottom of this page for a photo). These are traditional wooden grain storehouses with a construction method carried over from the ancient Lycians. Or sit outside and have a cup of tea at the tea house in the central grassy “square” and watch the local men play the game “OK”, tavla (backgammon) and dominoes.ĭon’t miss the large cluster of ambars in the southwest corner of the village. There are also several Lycian ruins to be seen within the village itself. You can take walks about the village and observe Turkish country life with its slow pace or alternatively, walks in the mountains encircling the village. The village makes an interesting daytrip. Bezirgan is a relaxing place and its friendly people are full of traditional Turkish hospitality. There’s a lot to see in Bezirgan – charming village houses and gardens and depending on the season you will see planting, animals being shorn, wool processed, grain winnowed and fruit and vegetables laid out for winter use. A remarkable change in vegetation is seen before one reaches the crest of the mountain valley where Bezirgan lays below in all its beauty. One reaches the village after an lovely drive high above Kalkan with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean below as well as a look into the depths of the Kaputaş Gorge. The village is nestled on an ancient lake bed of rich soil which supports a luxurious coat of fertile fields yielding grains and chickpeas, lush orchards and grazing land for sheep and goats. It is an authentic working Turkish village and the people living here live much as their ancestors did 100 years ago. During the summer months about 650 people live here and this number drops to about 150 in the winter when the population moves back down to the coast.īezirgan is a completely different environment from what you see on the coast. Today many still follow the pattern of their ancestors, spending summers in the coolness of the mountains and winters near the warm coast. Historically, many locals of Kalkan have owned land both in Kalkan and in Bezirgan. Kalkan is located only 17 kilometers away from the beautiful yayla (high mountain valley) village of Bezirgan, elevation 700 metres.
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