Kayaköy, also known as Levissi, is a ghost town in southwestern Turkey’s Muğla Province. Abandoned for over a century, this once-bustling town of Greek Orthodox Christians now stands as a haunting reminder of the past. With narrow streets lined with crumbling houses and churches, the town is dotted with countless ruins slowly being reclaimed by nature. A century ago, Kayaköy was home to around 10,000 people, many of whom were artisans living alongside Turkish Muslim farmers. However, following the Greco-Turk war and the population exchange of 1923, its Greek residents were forced to leave, and the town was left deserted.
Aysun Ekiz's grandparents were among the few Turkish people to stay in Kayaköy. Barry Neild/CNN
Today, visitors can explore Kayaköy’s empty streets, ancient fountains, and abandoned houses, many of which still bear traces of their former lives. The town’s most prominent structure, the Upper Church, stands in faded pink stucco, though its deteriorated state has sealed it off from public access. The old schoolhouse offers stunning views over the town and the nearby Aegean Sea, with a Turkish flag flying above it as a reminder of the past.
Kayaköy’s ruins tell a story of loss and resilience, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a community that once thrived but was torn apart by history. It remains a powerful symbol of Turkey’s complex past and an evocative destination for those looking to connect with a forgotten world.
