LOCATION
KALKAN
A sophisticated resort situated on Turkey's South Western Turquoise Coast at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. The town wraps around a beautiful bay and is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and an unrivalled choice of fine dining in historic buildings, most with roof top terraces overlooking the town, sea and star studded skies. It's Ottoman Greek origins are reflected in the distinctive and picturesque 'Kalkan architecture' with whitewashed villas, speciality shops and excellent Restaurants, winding down the Harbour.
Kalkan has a high percentage of return visitors, many of whom have bought Villas having been captivated by the sheer charm of this cosmopolitan town, which retains its 'Turkishness' with warm and welcoming locals
KALKAN'S HISTORY
Kalkan is situated in the heart of the Lycian region. Formerly a Greek village called Kalamaki, Kalkan is thought to have been founded around 200 years ago by traders from the nearby Greek Islands of Meis. The success of those early traders encouraged others of both Greek and Turkish origin to settle in Kalkan. Evidence of this is witnessed by the similarity of architecture between Meis and Kalkan. Settlement was further promoted by Kalkan's harbour which was only the safe, hospitable harbour between Fethiye and Kas.
Kalkan residents traded various produce, including; charcoal, silk, cotton, olive oil, timber, grapes and sesame. This produce was brought to Kalkan from the plains of Patara and loaded onto ships in the village's harbour, where goods were then exported across the Ottoman Empire.
In 1923, the new Turkish Republic and Greece embarked upon a population exchange as a result of the Turkish War of Independence. Greeks who were living in Turkey moved to Greece and Australia, and Turks who were living in Greece moved to Turkey. Most of Kalkan's Greek community migrated back to Meis.