Adatepe Village

Adatepe Village is a historic settlement located in the Küçükkuyu township of Ayvacık district, Çanakkale Province, Türkiye. It is situated on the western slopes of the Kaz Mountains. The village lies at the northern end of the Edremit Gulf, approximately 280 metres above sea level. It is about 110 kilometres from the Çanakkale provincial centre and 35 kilometres from the Ayvacık district centre. Located approximately 3–4 kilometres from Küçükkuyu, it can be reached by following signs to the Altar of Zeus.

Adatepe Village (AA)

History

The history of Adatepe extends back to antiquity. The region referred to as “Gargaros” in Homer’s epic Iliad is believed to be the place where Zeus and Hera observed the Trojan War. Before the Republic, the village was home to both Turkish and Greek populations. In 1924, following the population exchange, the Greek population migrated away, and over time the Turkish population also gradually left. In the 1980s, a group of people from Istanbul purchased and restored the stone houses, reviving the village. In 1989, it was declared a protected area.

Architecture and Cultural Heritage

Adatepe is a village notable for its stonemasonry and traditional architecture. Houses are typically two-storey, with courtyards and gardens. The village features narrow alleys and Albanian-style pavements. In the village square, old plane trees, cafés, and a building that served as a primary school between 1947 and 1985 can be found. Since 1997, this building has been used for seminars under the name Taşmektep.

Adatepe Village (Ayvacık Municipality)

Economy

The villagers primarily earn their livelihood through olive cultivation and small-scale animal husbandry. Olive oil and olive milk production play a significant role in the village economy. Additionally, soap manufacturing and tourism-related income contribute to the local economy.

Tourism and Cultural Activities

Adatepe attracts both domestic and international tourists due to its natural setting. The restored stone houses offer boutique hotel and accommodation options. Cultural spaces such as Taşmektep host seminars on philosophy, literature, and art.

Film and Television Productions

Due to its natural plateau characteristics, the village has served as a filming location for numerous films, television series, and documentaries. Productions such as Devlerin Öcü, Kuyucaklı Yusuf ve İpekçe, Yılan Hikayesi, and Karadağlar were shot here. Most recently, the TRT series Seddülbahir 32 Saat was also filmed in the village.

Adatepe Village (Ayvacık Municipality)

Natural Beauty

Due to its location at the foot of the Kaz Mountains, the village boasts a rich natural environment. The hill known as the Altar of Zeus offers panoramic views of the Edremit Gulf and provides opportunities for hiking trails and nature tourism.

Social Life

Social life in the village centres around the cafés. In addition to olive cultivation and animal husbandry, film and television productions provide an additional source of income for the villagers.