KAVAKLIDERE

The history of Kavaklıdere District is largely based on oral traditions due to the lack of written sources. According to rumors, Kavaklıdere took its name from the stream passing through it and the plane trees around it, which the local people call “Poplar / Kavak in Turkish “. It is believed that the first settlers of the region were Turkmens from the Karakeçili Yörüks in the early 17th century. Later, with the settlement of Türkmen families from Denizli, Denizli-Tavas, Muğla, Uşak-Eşme, Uşak-Karahallı, and the Kaz Mountains region, the village structure was established. Kavaklıdere gained district status in 1990 and an organizational structure was established.

Main Historical and Archaeological Destinations

Ancient Cities – Wallarima/Asarcık and Hyllarima

The ancient cities of Wallarima and Hyllarima are located in the inland Caria region, within the boundaries of the nowadays districts of Menteşe, Yatağan, Kavaklıdere, and Milas in Muğla province. Hyllarima is situated in Derebağ Neighborhood of Kavaklıdere district, while Wallarima is located in Çayboyu Neighborhood.

The first informations about the ethnic and political structure of this region comes from Hittite scriptures. These scriptures describe the names of settlements and kingdoms in Western Anatolia and the routes taken by Hittite kings during their military campaigns in the areas they conquered. It is believed that Hyllarima, located on a hill approximately 1.5 km north east of Asarcık Hill, corresponds to the Wallarima mentioned in the Hittite scriptures.

Traces of settlement from the Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, and Archaic Period of Hyllarima have been found on Asarcık Hill, located in Çayboyu/Kıllıaliler Neighborhood. Excavations have revealed that Asarcık Hill was inhabited from the early 3rd millennium BC. However, these settlement traces were constantly damaged in later periods, thus in limited evidence of cultural continuity, except for the Middle Ages and Early Hellenistic Period. Stone and adobe building foundations dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, along with associated pottery, stone tools, and textile industry related to weaving, have been discovered. Pottery finds discribe that the settlement continued between 1200 BC and 330-320 BC. Moreover, well-preserved remains of well preserved walls from the Iron Age are also present.

The last cultural period of Hyllarima is correlate with the Middle Ages. During this period, a defense system was built, supported by 3.5 meter high towers and surrounded by 2.5 meter high and 2 meter thick city walls. The interior of the defense system has a tight architectural configuration. During the excavations, traces of a fire that took place in the 13th century AD were found, especially in the city wall area where the gates are located. In such a case suggests that the region may have been conquered by Turkish raids coming through the Menderes Valley. Asarcık Hill has been in an important position throughout history as one of the transit routes of all powers that wanted to control southwestern Anatolia.

The structures in Hyllarima are dated from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD. The region stands out as an important settlement that has preserved its remains to the present day. Located on a key route that connected inland Caria to the Menderes Valley and extended from Stratonikeia to Aphrodisias, Hyllarima has been known as an important site since the 2nd millennium BC.

Natural and Cultural Heritage

Marble Industry

Since the 1990s, Kavaklıdere has shown significant development in the marble sector, which plays a key role in the district’s economic growth. The district is home to 20-30 marble quarries, along with numerous marble processing factories and workshops. Kavaklıdere produces 60% of Muğla’s marble. This percentage clearly highlights the district’s important role in the marble industry and its contribution to both the Muğla and Turkish economies. This growth in the marble sector adds dynamism to Kavaklıdere’s commercial life and supports regional development.

Coppersmithing

The district of Kavaklıdere is renowned for its copper craftsmanship and tinning, and this traditional craft is one of the most significant sources of income for the district. Artisans in the region produce a wide range of kitchenware from copper. Items such as bowls, pottery, pitchers, roasting pans, fireplaces, intricately carved trays, wreaths, and nameplates are meticulously crafted in our district. Before the widespread use of aluminum and steel kitchenware, a large portion of the Aegean region’s copper kitchenware was supplied by Kavaklıdere. During this period, coppersmiths developed a unique language among themselves, and this special language is still used among the local people today. In the past, all copper items were entirely handmade. Although this traditional production method has diminished with the advent of machinery, there are still artisans who work copper by hand, creating decorative items, trays, copper bowls, and roasting pans. These craftsmen produce products that are both traditional and aesthetically valuable, thanks to their fine craftsmanship.

Yerküpe Cave

Yerküpe Cave is located on the Hebil Stream and is known for its natural beauty. The plateau above the cave has been arranged for picnics and wrestling events. The plateau is popular among nature sports enthusiasts during the spring and summer months.

The cave is 100 meters long and consists of a single gallery, forming a semi-active passage structure. Its width varies between 3-10 meters, and the ceiling height ranges from 2-8 meters. Inside, there are gravel and sand deposits, along with stalactites and stalagmites. The speleothems (dripstone formations) are of particular interest to tourists. The area above the cave has been developed as a picnic and recreational site.

Gökçukur Plateau

Gökçukur Plateau, at an elevation of 1850 meters, offers visitors cool temperatures and breathtaking views during the summer months. In winter, the lush greenery is replaced by a blanket of white snow, creating postcard-worthy scenes.

Recommended Activities

Beşpınar Wrestling

The Beşpınar Wrestling Festival is a vibrant and entertaining event held every June at the Beşpınar Plateau. This festival, set in a traditional atmosphere, features numerous activities that reflect the region’s cultural heritage. The festivities begin the night before with concerts where some folk songs are performed. The wrestling competitions that start the following day draw significant attention from both local and foreign tourists, who watch with great excitement. The Beşpınar Wrestling Festival offers a perfect opportunity for those who wish to experience cultural richness and enjoy a fun time.

Kurucuova “Keşkek” Festival

The Kurucuova Keşkek Festival is a special event held every August, following the wheat harvest in the region. “Keşkek,” a local dish well-known and loved throughout Anatolia, has a unique reputation in Muğla and its surroundings as well.

This traditional festival is organized to celebrate the cultural richness and gastornomy heritage of the region. Throughout the festival, in addition to “Keşkek” , various cultural events and social activities also take place.