Seki

Seki is a legendary highland town, established on a plateau near the peaks of the Taurus Mountains, serving as a refuge for those fleeing the Mediterranean heat of Seydikemer. At an altitude exceeding 1200 meters, this is not just a neighbourhood; for the people of Fethiye and Seydikemer, it is the very embodiment of the word "yayla" (highland plateau). Formerly known as "Seydiler," Seki shouldered the region's administrative duties for many years as a sub-district (nahiye) and, from 1966 onwards, as a municipality (belediye), giving it the distinct identity of a deep-rooted centre.

Seki's true identity comes alive in the summer months. When temperatures on the coast reach oppressive levels, the cool, oxygen-rich air of Seki and its dozens of surrounding yaylas (like Zorlar, Temel, and Ceylan) becomes an invitation for thousands of people. The town's population multiplies, its streets become vibrant, and Seki transforms into the region's de facto summer capital. This is not merely a traditional pasture for livestock, but a recreational haven where modern people come to rest, connect with nature, and cool down.

Alongside this seasonal vitality, Seki has a permanent population and an established culture. However, a steady migration towards the urban centres of Fethiye and Seydikemer is also a reality of modern life. This reveals that Seki leads a life of two different rhythms: a quiet and peaceful mountain town in the winter, and a bustling highland metropolis in the summer that breathes life into the entire region. Seki is the cool breath of the Taurus, a historic centre, and the living heart of a culture.

Key Information:

• Location: 43 km northeast of Seydikemer, on a high-altitude plateau.
• Identity: The region's largest and most important highland centre; a summer resort town.
• History: A historic centre, formerly named "Seydiler," which held sub-district (nahiye) status for many years and was a municipality (belediye) from 1966-2012.
• Social Structure: A dynamic settlement whose population swells in the summer due to migration from Fethiye and Seydikemer, with a quieter population in the winter.
• Geography: An average altitude of 1220 meters, serving as the hub of an expansive highland plateau.