Vakıflı Village

Vakıflı Village is located within the boundaries of the Samandağ district in Hatay Province, in southern Türkiye, in the Mediterranean Region. Situated on the southern slopes of Mount Musa, the village is defined by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, its natural environment, and its traditional architecture. It is the only village in Türkiye whose entire population consists of Armenians. The villagers adhere to the Armenian Apostolic faith, and Western Armenian remains the traditional language still spoken in the village.

^{Vakıflı Village (}Hatay Metropolitan Municipality⁾

The village is affiliated with the Armenian Apostolic Church, which serves as its central religious and social institution. The people of Vakıflı have continuously preserved their traditions, language, and faith across generations.

Vakıflı Village stands out as the only settlement in Türkiye with an entirely Armenian population. During the events of 1915, the villagers resisted on Mount Musa and later returned to their village during the French mandate period. With the annexation of Hatay to Türkiye in 1939, the village became part of the Samandağ district.

The local economy in Vakıflı Village is primarily based on agriculture and handicrafts. The Vakıflı Village Agricultural Development Cooperative, established in 2004, is at the center of production activities in the village. Products such as citrus fruits, jams, and natural soaps are produced, with village women playing an active role in these endeavors. The cooperative ensures the sustainability of local production while also promoting female employment.

^{Vakıflı Village (}Culture Portal⁾

The Vakıflı Village Museum, opened in 2021, houses documents, artifacts, and visual archives related to the village’s history, traditions, and daily life. The museum was established to preserve and present the historical memory of the village to visitors.

Vakıflı Village has been protected under the support of the Samandağ Municipality and various public institutions, and its cultural heritage has been promoted to make it accessible to visitors. Agricultural production, traditional architecture, and local cultural practices are supported through promotional activities. Vakıflı has become a culturally significant destination attracting both domestic and international visitors.