Kayacık

In the southeast of Seydikemer, nestled on a slope in the majestic shadow of the Akdağ mountain, lies Kayacık, a place dominated by cool mountain air. With its altitude of approximately 750 meters, this settlement stands apart from the villages of the plain, offering a tranquil and authentic life in harmony with nature. With its houses scattered within forest land and its small agricultural plots, Kayacık is a mountain neighbourhood that lives at its own pace, far from the noise of the modern world.

The most significant feature that distinguishes Kayacık from other settlements in the region is its rich "yayla" culture. With numerous highland pastures such as Camialanı, Almacık, Kuruova, and Gölçukuru, this place is a living centre of the Yörük tradition and pastoralism. The local people, who move to these cool pastures with their livestock during the summer months, carry on a centuries-old tradition. This cultural richness forms the very foundation of the neighbourhood's identity.

The economy is shaped by what the mountain geography offers. Forestry, along with sheep, goat, and cattle farming, are the main sources of livelihood. On the scattered fields, crops adapted to the region's climate are grown, such as anise, wheat, barley, and especially onions and garlic. Although a portion of the population seasonally migrates to work in the coastal greenhouses (Karadere, Kumluova) in winter or in Fethiye's tourism businesses in summer, their hearts and homes always remain in this peaceful village at the foot of Akdağ.

Key Information:

• Location: In the southeast of Seydikemer, situated on a high-altitude slope at the foot of the Akdağ mountain.
• Identity: One of the neighbourhoods with the richest highland (yayla) culture in the region.
• Economy: Based on livestock farming, forestry, beekeeping, and mountain agriculture (anise, onions, garlic).
• Highland Pastures (Yaylas): Camialanı, Almacık, Karaazıklar, Söğüt, Kuruova, Oylu, Taşalmacık, Taşkuzluk, Yeriçi, Gölçukuru, Evkayası.
• Geography: An average altitude of 752 meters, with a dispersed settlement pattern within the forest.