Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
Other Local Resorts & Areas => Kayakoy Discussion Forum => Topic started by: kamelia on July 26, 2013, 13:33:11 PM
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The abandoned village of Levissi lies in the mountains above Fethiye, Muğla. The ruins of the town are on the hillside overlooking the fertile fields of Kaya Valley. Although the village is slowly crumbling its heart-breaking history and tranquillity has been preserved over the years for future generations. Yet somehow, behind the evocative emptiness, there are deep memories of kindness in adversity. The town is virtually deserted and the only sounds are those of cicadas and birds. After the rain, cyclamen appear between the cobbles of the empty lanes, adding touches of colour to the stones.
Nowadays the ruined town means different things to different people. For some it is a potentially lucrative business opportunity, while for others it is a symbol of what happens when politicians become overly involved in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people. For many more it is yet another enduring image of man’s failure to rise beyond greed and self-interest and a poignant reminder that war has enduring consequences. It is certain that many foreign tourists wander through the overgrown alleys with little or no understanding of its significance, apart from what they read in [often inaccurate] guide-books.
For all who visit the town, once they have learned about the history, it must be impossible to stand there amongst the ruins without being able to empathise with the people who lived in the valley and had to leave: their pain, suffering and the social upheaval and destruction of a community whose members had developed a mutual dependency. Without doubt everyone suffered, whether they left or stayed.