What a hidden gem! Birgi is inland from popular Selcuk, Ephesus and completely off the tourist route. The town has beautiful examples of old ottoman architecture that add to its charm and feel of yesteryear. There are flawless examples of the old ottoman style houses lining the high street and the Cakiraga Konagi is a house not to be missed. Built against the tradition in Ottoman time, where houses were built behind high walls for complete privacy this house broke against the mould. Here you will find the house opens out with sweeping verandahs giving it a feel of an open air stage. There are beautiful paintings and ornate gorgeous fireplaces found within.
On the other side of the river valley there is a mosque dating back to the 14th Century that has relics of the ancient Roman settlement of Prygium, built within its walls. A short walk from the mosque is the burial site of Imam Birgivi, a highly esteemed Muslim scholar whose scripts are still used within the Muslim world today. The site is very popular for locals to come and pay their respects and set within the natural pine trees it has an unmissable ambience.
