Barla Village

Barla is a village in the Eğirdir district of Isparta Province, Türkiye, known for its historical and cultural richness. The village bears traces from both ancient times and the Ottoman period, attracting attention through its natural beauty and spiritual significance. In particular, the fact that Said Nursî lived here for many years has made Barla an important destination for faith-based tourism. 

According to the 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System data, the total population of Barla Village is 997, of whom 485 are male and 512 are female.^【1】

Barla Village (Republic of Türkiye, Eğirdir Subgovernorship))

Geographical Location and Physical Characteristics

Barla is located 46 km from the city center of Isparta and 23 km from the district center of Eğirdir. The village is bordered by Eğirdir Lake to the east, Atabey district to the west, Akkeçili Village of Senirkent district to the north, and Bağören Village to the south.

History

Ancient Period

The ancient name of Barla is Parlais. It is known that coins were minted here in the 1st century BC. In 25 BC, the city was incorporated into the Roman province of Galatia by Emperor Augustus and became a Roman colony under the name Colonia Julia Augusta Parlais. Remains from this period include a Roman bridge and two rock-cut tombs.

Medieval and Ottoman Period

After the Roman Empire, Barla came under the rule of the Byzantines, Seljuks, Hamidoğulları, and finally the Ottomans. One of the most important surviving structures from the Hamidoğulları Beylik period in the 14th century is the Çeşnigir Paşa Camii. Ottoman-era structures include two stone bridges, a bathhouse, various fountains, and historic plane trees. Additionally, the Aya Georgios Church, built during the period when the Greek population resided here, is among the significant structures.

Cultural Assets and Cultural Spaces

• Çeşnigir Paşa Camii: Built in 1376. The structure has stone walls, a wooden and earthen roof, and a bulb-shaped minaret constructed with colored bricks.

• Aya Georgios Church: Built in the 18th century. It has a rectangular plan.

• Ottoman Bridges I and II: Located on Barla Creek; they feature pointed arches.

• Roman Bridge: Dated to the 2nd century AD. It spans Barla Creek.

• Barla Hamamı: Located on the southern slope of the village. It features a square-plan entrance, a central section with a stone fountain, and domed hot rooms.

• Ahi Hoca (Ahırcı) Fountain: Built in the 18th century; it has a pointed arch.

• Ak Ahmet (Akmescit) Fountain: Dating from the 18th century; it is covered by a wooden roof.

• Baş Mahalle Fountain: Has a square plan.

• Pazar Mahalle Fountain: Features a wooden roof, two pointed arches, and a four-candle niche on its western side.

• Culture House I: A two-room house where Said Nursî resided for eight years between 1926 and 1934. A continuously flowing fountain lies beneath it, and a plane tree stands in front. A small hut is situated among the branches of the tree.

• Culture House II: The house where Said Nursî stayed during his visits to Barla between 1953 and 1960. It served as a stopover during his travels from Isparta city center. The structure is located on parcel 3825 of map 46.

Natural Assets

• Barla Mountain: The highest point of the mountain range extending between Atabey and Senirkent, reaching 2,798 meters. Its position overlooking Eğirdir Lake offers scenic viewpoints. It connects to Davraz Mountain in the south.

• Gelincik Mountain: Located along the Eğirdir-Barla route, 70 km from the city center of Isparta. 127 endemic plant species have been identified here. Rich in wildlife, it is suitable for hunting tourism. Scenic views are possible in the Kapi Dağı and Çamdağı sections.

• Çamdağı Recreation Area: Located in the Çam Dağı section of Gelincik Mountain, this recreation area covers 65 hectares. It includes ablution facilities, camel shelters, seating groups, and observation terraces.

• Monumental Trees: Four monumental plane trees in Barla Village were officially registered in 1997: Plane Tree I (Baş Mahalle), Plane Tree II (Akmescit Street), Plane Tree III (Beside Göçeripaşa Camii), and Plane Tree IV (Said Nursî Street).

Tourism and Rural Development

Barla is a destination for both domestic visitors and tourists from Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia. The Yokuşbaşı Neighborhood and the Çam Dağı region are heavily visited between April and November. As part of rural development, the Barla Rural Development Action Plan prepared by the Isparta Provincial Directorate aims to establish a comprehensive policy for the village’s advancement. Ultimately, the plan seeks to serve as a model for diversifying tourism activities.