Turkey sees surge in cultural tourism in Mardin and Antalya

Turkey is experiencing a surge in cultural tourism, highlighted by significant visitor numbers in Mardin and Antalya. In Mardin, approximately 1 million visitors have arrived over the last four months, drawn by the city's ancient stone architecture, religious centers, and traditional cuisine. Local tourism officials report that hotel occupancy rates in the region have reached 100 percent.

In the Akseki district of Antalya, the small village of Sarıhacılar has become a major cultural destination. Despite having a population of only 55, the village welcomed over 100,000 visitors in the first eight months of the year. The area is famous for its 'button houses,' which are constructed using a 350-year-old technique involving stone and cedar wood without the use of nails, mortar, or concrete. The village also hosts Turkey's first and only folklore museum, which contains over 5,000 historical objects, including a 3,000-year-old honey jar.