Kayaköy: The “Ghost Village” located in the Fethiye district of Muğla

Kayaköy, located in the Fethiye district of Muğla, was abandoned during the population exchange in the early years of the Turkish Republic. No one has lived in Kayaköy for a century, yet the village welcomes thousands of tourists each year. The historic village, with its stone structures from the Ottoman era, offers visitors a journey through time.

Kayaköy was abandoned a century ago, left desolate, and earned the name “ghost village.”

The village, which was constructed during the Ottoman period, consists of over 700 stone houses. Not a single person has lived there for a century.

Kayaköy, whose history dates back 3,000 years, was abandoned during the population exchange. Over time, Kayaköy has also endured natural disasters. As a result, the roofs of almost all the houses have collapsed, leaving the structures as mere four walls. However, the ruins and solitude have not detracted from Kayaköy’s beauty. On the contrary, they have added a mystical atmosphere to it.

Muğla’s Ghost Village: Kayaköy

Despite being abandoned, the village never lacks visitors. Today, Kayaköy is among the favorite tourist destinations.

Designated as a “World Friendship and Peace Village” by UNESCO, Kayaköy also attracts significant interest from foreign tourists.

In Kayaköy, the Afkule Monastery, situated 400 meters above sea level, is often compared to the Sümela Monastery in Trabzon.