The People

The local people are nomad Turkic tribes who, after years of a wandering existence, settled to practice animal husbandry in villages like Begis Susuzu. Even after settling, villagers continued to be seasonal nomads, following water supplies to highland meadows in the summer. There are a handful of remaining villagers continuing to live in this semi-nomadic way. Most families, however, started to drift away from the village and the tough lifestyle, and to find work in nearby resorts. Thanks to Eco Turkey, families are returning, and income from tourism is also being utilized to support the few remaining semi-nomadic families, allowing them to more comfortably continue an age-old life choice.

 Water

The story of Begis Susuzu is inexorably linked to water. As village is without water, locals have always collected rainwater and snowmelt to supply their water needs. At the same time, most villagers dug wells. Despite the great age of the village’s existing wells, almost 100 years old, they still continue to supply water for village residents. However, the lack of water in the area has been a perennial problem. It is, of course, the reason for the villagers’ semi-nomadic existence, and ultimately the reason for the village’s depopulation.

With the implementation of the Pure Life Village project, the Turkish government has finally brought drinking water into the village, while existing wells continue to be used for irrigation.

Why Begis Susuzu?

 Sustainabilty

Our eco village is founded on sustainable principles. It aims to promote an organic life, encourage the slow food ethic, and support local communities.

The Homes

The 5 homes have been renovated without using any modern technology. Buildings faithfully follow existing local architecture techniques, with stone-mud construction, interspersed with the use of timber, cut only by hand with an axe.

All cottages would have originally consisted of a downstairs byre, with two rooms for dwelling on the upper floor. Following a sympathetic restoration project, using only local workmen and materials, stables have become kitchens and sitting rooms. Upstairs, the houses boast two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower, and a balcony. One of the homes has even become a honeymoon cottage! Guests can prepare simple meals for themselves, or use the on-site restaurant.

Hand-made

The cottages themselves have been modelled by hand using only stonemason’s tools and hand axes. Cottages feature local handicrafts in the form of pillows, cushions, bed covers, and curtains. All of the soft furnishings have been made on-site by local women, using traditional patterns and designs. Hand-made soaps feature in the bathrooms.

Of course, no cottage would be complete without traditional flat-weave Turkish kilims thrown randomly on the floor. The beautiful Turkey red of the hand-woven masterpieces compliments the rich hue of the axe-hewn timber which features heavily in the cottages.

The Outdoor Life!

Hike or bike in the beautiful unspoiled countryside around Begis Susuzu. Walk through an unchanging landscape, marvel at the sheer variety of wild flowers in the spring, or simply watch farmers tending fields and goat herders walking their flocks.

Cycle hire is available on-site, and leisurely tours by donkey can also be enjoyed.

Learn something new

Try your hand at bread or yoghurt making. Learn to cook up a local dish, and see how the products of the cottage gardens are used. Improve your knowledge of culinary plants on a herb gathering session in the fields around Begis Susuzu. Explore the secrets of the renowned homemade wine of Begis Susuzu on a wine makers’ course. Learn basic carpentry skills, and make a pencil box to take home.

All of the activities must be pre-booked in Begis Susuzu. Some activities are seasonal.

Wine, dine, relax….

Try out the wines from the extensively stocked Pure Life wine cellar. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner in the slow food themed restaurant. Take a dip in the on-site pool. Lounge and soak up the sun.After a full day of activities, what better way to wind down?

Pure Life also has an excellent library of English and German language books available for guests to borrow free of charge.

Restaurant

Our restaurant and wine cellar open their doors to offer the very best in local produce, with meals cooked in time honoured ways, and served in comfortable surroundings. Of course, all food is grown locally, villagers are employed in the restaurant, and the menu offered contains many regional specialities.