Alright, monkeys. You’ve read Kongo’s thrilling escapades through Istanbul’s labyrinthine alleys and marveled at the sheer audacity of its ancient water tanks. You’ve embraced the “Beyond the Big Three” mantra, dipping your toes into the lesser-known wonders of the city that straddles two continents. But what happens when a monkey yearns for… more?

Specifically, when a monkey, having consumed enough Turkish Delight in Istanbul to fuel a small army, starts to hear whispers of a place where the mountains are green, the air is crisp, and the kebabs… oh, the kebabs are the stuff of legends. Friends, I speak of Bursa.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Bursa? Isn’t that just… across the Marmara Sea?” And yes, geographically, you’re spot on. But metaphorically, it’s a world away from Istanbul’s bustling, glorious chaos. Think of it as Istanbul’s chiller, more understated cousin who secretly knows how to throw a fantastic garden party.

But before Bursa, you must experience ancient cobblestones! You’ve seen the monkey wax lyrical about Istanbul’s dizzying delights, from its ancient water tanks that once held the city’s secrets to its glorious bazaars that still hold a good portion of my lira. On the way to Bursa itself, promising legendary kebabs and green mountain air, Kongo went old school. . Really old school.

Because, my friends, just a hop, skip, and a very scenic dolmuş ride from Bursa, lies a place where time didn’t just slow down; it pretty much stopped for a few centuries. I’m talking about Cumalıkızık Village.

A Blast from the (Very Old) Past: Welcome to UNESCOville!

First things first: this isn’t just any old village. This place is so authentic, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. And rightly so! Established way back in the early 1300s, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of an early Ottoman village. Picture this: the Ottomans, fresh from choosing Bursa as their first capital, decided they needed some strategically placed, charmingly rustic settlements. Enter the “Kızık” villages, named after a nomadic tribe. Cumalıkızık is the star pupil of the bunch.

Walking into Cumalıkızık is less like visiting a tourist attraction and more like stepping onto the set of a really well-funded historical drama. The streets aren’t just cobbled; they’re like a delightfully erratic maze, winding up and down the Uludağ mountain slopes. Apparently, nomads weren’t big on grid planning, and honestly, I’m here for it. It adds to the charm!

Houses That Talk (and Some That Just Look Really Good)

The main event here are the houses. Oh, the houses! With their stone bases, their proudly overhanging upper floors, and their timber frames filled with colorful plaster – think vibrant yellows, blues, and even purples. They’re like architectural sponges, soaking up centuries of stories. Some of these beauties are still actively lived in by locals leading a traditional lifestyle, which is truly fascinating. You might even spot laundry drying from a window that’s seen 700 years of sunrises.

Yes, there’s a “tourist loop,” lined with charming stalls selling all the local crafts, delicious jams, and those ubiquitous little trinkets that you’ll absolutely buy because “it’s authentic!” But for the truly adventurous monkey, venture beyond the main drag. Those less-restored streets offer an even more raw, captivating glimpse into what daily life was like when sultans were just getting started. It’s a real village, not just a museum piece.

Breakfast of Champions (Ottoman Style)

Now, let’s get to the crucial part of any travel itinerary: the food. Cumalıkızık is legendary for its traditional Turkish breakfast. And let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. Imagine this: a spread of freshly baked walnut bread, gözleme (that’s thin griddle bread with various fillings, for the uninitiated), an array of local cheeses, homemade jams that taste like pure sunshine, and to wash it all down, glorious raspberry sherbet. It’s a feast so good, you’ll forget all about those fancy Istanbul brunches. This is where the real culinary magic happens, folks.

Why Bother with Cumalıkızık?

Because sometimes, you need a break from the grand palaces and towering mosques to appreciate the humble beginnings. Cumalıkızık offers a living, breathing testament to the ingenuity and enduring spirit of early Ottoman life. It’s a chance to literally walk through history, breathe mountain air, and eat a breakfast that will haunt your dreams (in a good way).

So, if you’ve done Istanbul, and are craving that deeper dive into Turkish heritage, point your compass towards Cumalıkızık. Just don’t expect perfectly straight roads or lightning-fast Wi-Fi. What you will get is an unforgettable journey back in time, and a whole lot of charm. And possibly, a new favorite place to eat breakfast. You can thank me later.

Next stop: Bursa, the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire.

Travel safe. Have fun!