Bekçiler Neighborhood

As you leave the center of Seydikemer and head northwest, climbing into the cool slopes of the Taurus Mountains, a completely different landscape greets you: Bekçiler Neighborhood. Situated on a slope at an average altitude of 1300 meters, this concentrated settlement has a unique climate and character, far from the humid heat of the coast. This is not just a neighborhood; it's the homeland of the region's most delicious potatoes.

When you hear the name Bekçiler, the first thing that comes to mind is agriculture—especially the potato. It’s no exaggeration when locals and those in the know claim that "the most delicious potatoes in Turkey are grown right here." The unique flavor, bestowed by the high altitude and rich soil, has turned the Bekçiler potato into a brand. Of course, the fields yield more than just potatoes; crops like wheat, anise, barley, and green beans also thrive on this fertile land. The presence of agricultural development and irrigation cooperatives is a testament to how organized and conscious the production is here.

Life flows at a calm rhythm in the sub-districts of Dibektaş, Üzümbağı, and Merkez. With its schools, health center, and especially its weekly market on Saturdays, Bekçiler is a self-sufficient community with a strong social fabric. While deep-rooted families like the Hatipler and Himmetler form the memory of the village, the population remains dynamic with people who commute to Dalaman and Finike for work, or seasonal workers who come from Kumluova and Karadere. The high plateaus (yaylas) of Ağadamı and Eleman are beautiful reflections of this mountain village's life, deeply intertwined with nature.

Quick Facts

• Location: Located 55 km northwest of Seydikemer, on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains.
• Altitude: 1300 meters.
• Economy: Based on agriculture, primarily its famous potatoes, along with grains and vegetables. Some small-scale livestock farming is also practiced.
• Social Life: It has a vibrant social life with a weekly market on Saturdays, cooperatives, and essential public services.
• Highlight: Its potatoes, known for their unique taste throughout the region and even across the country.