A few minutes
drive east of Yalikavak,
past magnificent roadside rock formations and
towering mountain peaks covered in pine forests,
brings you to the secluded village of Gundogan.
The old Greek name 'Farilya' means 'Sunrise' and
is still visible on some signposts. At one time
most of the inhabitants lived by the seashore
supporting the main local industries of fishing
and sponge diving, but fear of British gun boats
during the First World War caused the villagers
to move inland, leaving the waterfront spacious
and uncrowded.
Once an important
fishing center, Gundogan's major economies are
now agriculture (primarily citrus fruit) and tourism.
A few small but comfortable hotels dot the beach,
and the intimate seaside restaurants proudly serve
the fresh catches of Gundogan's remaining fishermen.
A seaside road occupies most of the available
beachfront but the numerous jetties jutting from
the shore provide plenty of comfortable and private
spots for sunning and swimming. Daily boats for
hire are available from the small harbor.
Gundogan also offers
some interesting historical sites. Across the
bay is Küçük Tavsan (Little Rabbit)
Island, where and old Greek Church is clearly
visible atop the hill. A step climb up the ridge
just outside the upper village leads to a flight
of 50 steps cut into the rock and the entrance
to a small but spectacularly sited monastery.
In addition, on the far side of the main Yalikavak-Torba
road, across from the upper village, an old Ottoman
tower pokes its head from the lush pine forest. |