Ormana, a picturesque village located atop the Toros Mountains in southern Turkey’s Antalya province, has been named among the Best Tourism Villages 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This accolade highlights the village’s efforts in preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
The village is renowned for its historical button houses, which are uniquely built with cedar wood and masonry stone without the use of mortar or plaster. Ormana is also famous for its grape festival, which has been celebrated for 57 years, adding to its charm as a cultural and natural destination.
The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, celebrates villages that excel in integrating local values and preserving traditions, while promoting sustainable tourism. The aim is to empower rural communities to protect their cultural heritage and drive development through tourism. According to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, tourism plays a vital role in inclusion and sustainable growth by enhancing the well-being of rural communities and preserving their unique cultural identities.
Ormana was selected from over 260 applications submitted by more than 60 countries. The village, with a population of only 600 residents, stood out due to its historical significance and natural beauty. The village is home to around 300 button houses, and it is also linked to the Silk Road and the Ottoman Sipahi traditions, particularly in horse breeding.
Tolga Özgüven, the director of an initiative dedicated to preserving Ormana’s heritage, shared that they have restored the button houses and opened many to tourism, ensuring that these historic structures are preserved for future generations. “We are proud to represent Türkiye alongside 55 villages globally,” Özgüven added.
As Ormana continues to grow as a rural tourism destination, it is home to seven boutique hotels offering a total of 170 beds, attracting visitors who seek a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature while experiencing the village’s rich cultural history.
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