6 places to visit in the Atabey district of Isparta: Atabey Madrasa (Ertokuş Madrasa), Atabey Mosque and Atabey Rose Fields. Plan your trip to Atabey with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Atabey, a subdistrict of Isparta province attached to the central district, became a district in 1960. The average elevation of the Atabey district centre above sea level is 1,037 metres.
Atabey is one of the district centres of Isparta, one of the two major settlement centres of the Lakes Region, the inner part of the Antalya section that covers the western half of the Mediterranean region, extending along the Mediterranean coast in the south of Türkiye within the western and central Taurus Mountains. It is 23 km from the provincial centre. To the north of Atabey lie the districts of Senirkent, to the east Eğirdir, to the west Gönen, and to the south the towns of İslamköy, Kuleönü and Büyükgökçeli, which are attached to Isparta central district.
The series Sakarya Fırat, broadcast on TRT 1, was filmed in this district. It is the hometown of the 9th President of Türkiye, Süleyman Demirel.
Atabey became a district from a subdistrict in 1960. The series Sakarya Fırat was filmed in Atabey; the hometown of the 9th President of Türkiye, Süleyman Demirel, is the district.
In Antiquity the Atabey area, known as Agrai or Agpia, came under the rule of Alexander the Great in 334 BC. The city, which took the name Claudioseleucela during the reign of Emperor Claudius, was later renamed with the prefix ‘Sidera’, meaning ‘of iron’, and called Seleucela Sidera.
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Built in 1224 by the Seljuk commander Mübarizeddin Ertokuş, the madrasa is one of the important examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture. The geometric decorations and muqarnas craftsmanship of its portal are striking.
View on mapA mosque from the Seljuk period, which forms a complex together with the madrasa. With its stone craftsmanship and mihrab decorations, it is a fine example of Seljuk art.
View on mapLocated in Isparta's rose-growing region, the rose fields of Atabey bloom in May and June and create a sea of pink. Photographing the fields during the rose harvest is a popular activity.
View on mapThe Kurşunlu Mosque in Atabey, whose dome is covered in lead.
View on mapWhile you are in Atabey, you can also see the highlights of Isparta province. These places are in other districts; Atabey is about 25 km from the provincial centre.
Jam made from fresh rose petals, the best-known flavour of Atabey. An indispensable part of breakfast tables, rose jam stands out with its light floral aroma.
A soup prepared by slow-cooking lamb, chickpeas and vegetables in a tandır oven. It is the traditional flavour of Atabey's winter tables.
Atabey takes its name from the Seljuk atabeys. The madrasa and mosque in the district keep alive the cultural heritage of the Anatolian Seljuk period.
The economy of Atabey is based on rose cultivation, agriculture and livestock farming. Rose oil and rose water production are important sources of income. Grain and fruit cultivation are also carried out.
Atabey is 25 km from Isparta city centre. It is located on the Isparta–Eğirdir highway. There are regular minibus and dolmuş services to Isparta.
The 6 highlights of Atabey are: Atabey Madrasa (Ertokuş Madrasa), Atabey Mosque, Atabey Rose Fields, Ertokuş Madrasa, Atabey Ertokuş Tomb and Atabey Sinan (Kurşunlu) Mosque.
Gül Reçeli and Tandır Çorbası are the standout flavours on the tables of Atabey.
Atabey is known for Atabey Rose Water and its Seljuk Heritage. Rose water obtained by distilling roses grown in the district is used in the cosmetics and food sectors.
Atabey is 25 km from Isparta city centre. It is located on the Isparta–Eğirdir highway. There are regular minibus and dolmuş services to Isparta.
Suggested visit duration: half a day. Best time to visit: rose harvest season (May–June).