Çanakkale–Adatepe

Adatepe Village is located within the boundaries of the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale Province in Türkiye. It is situated on the southern slopes of the Kazdağı Mountains, approximately 4 kilometres north of the settlement of Küçükkuyu. The village, which has hosted diverse religions and cultures since antiquity, is built on a high hill above sea level. Historically linked to Küçükkuyu, which once served as a port, Adatepe features stone architecture and a traditional village fabric.

Çanakkale - Adatepe Village (Republic of Türkiye Ayvalık Municipality)

Historical Development and Population Structure

Before the Republic, Adatepe was home to both Turkish and Greek populations. In 1924, as part of the Turkey-Greece population exchange, the Greek community migrated to Greece, and Muslim Turkish families from Crete were resettled in their place. Following this process, the village gradually emptied due to further migrations and demographic changes, becoming nearly abandoned by the 1950s.

In the 1980s, Adatepe experienced revitalisation when a group of people from major cities purchased the village’s stone houses and undertook restoration efforts. Today, the local population and new settlers from outside live together in the village.

Architectural Structure and Housing Features

The buildings in the village are typically two-storey, constructed with stone walls, featuring internal courtyards and gardens. The ground floor serves as living space, while the upper floor is used for sleeping. Roofs are either tiled or made of earth. Earth roofs were traditionally used during summer months to dry winter foodstuffs. Houses were built using stones quarried from small local stone quarries. Stone masonry remains a living craft in the village.

In 1989, Adatepe Village was declared an urban conservation area, and in 1992, it was fully placed under protection by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. Restoration efforts have increased over time, and some houses have been repurposed as boutique hotels, cafés, or shops.

Çanakkale Adatepe Village Building Structure (Republic of Türkiye Ayvalık Municipality)

Altar of Zeus

Immediately adjacent to Adatepe Village, on a commanding position overlooking the surrounding landscape, lies the Altar of Zeus. This sanctuary, comprising a stone chamber and a water-filled cistern, is associated with Mount Gargaros mentioned in Homer’s Iliad. According to legend, during the Trojan War, Zeus observed the battle from this site. The altar offers views of the Edremit Gulf, the Ayvalık Islands, and the island of Lesbos.

Altar of Zeus (Republic of Türkiye Küçükkuyu Municipality)

Stone School

The primary school in Adatepe Village operated from 1947 to 1985 but was closed due to insufficient student numbers. In 1997, it was reopened under the name “Stone School” and transformed into a centre offering seminars for adults in philosophy, literature, art, and art history. Additionally, artists conduct independent workshop activities here.

Biga Stone School (Republic of Türkiye Çanakkale Provincial Special Administration)

Economic Activities

Olive cultivation is one of the main economic activities in the village. Products such as olive oil and soap are produced based on local resources and sold in village shops. A natural cleaning product known as “sabun suyu,” sold at establishments such as Elvan Café, is used for both household cleaning and laundry.

Social and Cultural Spaces

The area surrounding two ancient plane trees in the village square serves as the centre of social life. The cafés and coffeehouses on the square operate year-round.

Visitors are also offered local ice creams made with regional flavours such as hawthorn, thyme, and pomegranate blossom.