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7 places to visit in the Senirkent district of Isparta: Lake Eğirdir, Senirkent Historic Bazaar and Senirkent Rose Fields. Plan your trip to Senirkent with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Senirkent is a district of Isparta province, founded at the foot of the mountain known as Kocadağ or Kapıdağı. It became a town in 1880 and a district in 1952. It borders Lake Eğirdir and has a continental climate. The district has an area of 521 km², and the average elevation of the central district above sea level is 961 metres.

History

The history of the Senirkent district goes back to ancient times. After the Battle of Myriokephalon in 1176, permanent Turkish settlement in the region began. In 1301 Senirkent and its surroundings passed to the rule of the Hamidoğulları Principality. It joined Ottoman territory in 1361; it is said to have been founded in 1370 by Turks from the Kayı tribe of the Oghuz.

Economy

The district’s economy is largely based on agriculture. Fruit growing is in the foreground as an agricultural activity, and apples, grapes, cherries, sour cherries, sugar beet and grain are widely produced. Fishing is the economic source of income in the towns and villages on the shore of Lake Eğirdir. In recent years, marble production has also been carried out.

Cuisine

Senirkent Banağı was registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 6 July 2021 and received a geographical indication.

History and Culture

Senirkent was a subdistrict with a municipal organisation established in 1880. Senirkent became a district in 1952, from a subdistrict attached to Uluborlu. In 1995 a flood disaster in which 74 people died took place in the district.

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Places to Visit in Senirkent

  • 1 Ancient City
  • 5 Nature
  • 1 Cultural
Nature

Lake Eğirdir

Senirkent district borders Lake Eğirdir and is important for fishing to the district's economy.

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Cultural

Senirkent Historic Bazaar

Located in the historic central area of the district.

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Nature

Senirkent Rose Fields

In Senirkent, part of Isparta's rose belt, rose fields bloom in May and June. There are also rose oil distillation facilities in the district.

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Nature

Surroundings of Lake Uluborlu

The natural areas around Senirkent are suitable places for walking and picnics. Thanks to the district's plain location, the view of the surrounding mountains can be clearly seen.

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Nature

Towns and Villages on the Shore of Lake Eğirdir

Fishing is a source of income in the towns and villages on the shore of Lake Eğirdir.

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Ancient City

Plinistra

The ancient settlement closest to the centre of Senirkent, at Gömüler.

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Nature

Kocadağ (Kapıdağı)

The mountain known as Kocadağ or Kapıdağı, on which the district is founded.

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Places to Visit Around Isparta Province

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While you are in Senirkent, you can also see the highlights of Isparta province. These places are in other districts; Senirkent is about 45 km from the provincial centre.

  • Eğirdir Castle — A castle rising at the entrance to the town of Eğirdir, dominating the lake; in the time of the Hamidids it was one of the principality's important centres.
  • Antioch of Pisidia (Yalvaç) — An ancient city at Yalvaç that was the capital of the Pisidia region in the Roman period; it is one of the cities where St Paul preached.
  • Kovada Lake National Park — A shallow lake south of Eğirdir, reached by the waters of Lake Eğirdir through the Kovada Canal, and the forests around it; ideal for birdwatching, walking and camping.
  • Yazılı Canyon Nature Park — A canyon at Çandır village in Sütçüler, declared a nature park in 1989; it takes its name from verses written on a rock and attributed to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus.
  • Firdevs Paşa (Mimar Sinan) Mosque — A 16th-century mosque in the city centre attributed to Mimar Sinan; together with the bedesten next to it, it is among Isparta's most important Ottoman buildings.
  • Zindan Cave — A cave 756 metres long at an altitude of 1,300 metres, 2 km north-east of Aksu; an underground stream flows through it, and its stalactites and stalagmites and the crystal-covered 'hammam' section at the end are of interest.

Practical Information for Visiting Senirkent

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May–September)
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Senirkent

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  • Senirkent Samsa Tatlısı

    Senirkent Samsa Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 5 May 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1098). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Senirkent Municipality.

  • Senirkent Üzüm Pekmezi (Senirkent grape molasses)

    Senirkent Üzüm Pekmezi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 17 March 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1051). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Senirkent Municipality.

  • Senirkent banağı (Senirkent banak)

    A local banak of Senirkent; it received a geographical indication registration in 2021.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Senirkent

  • Carpet-Weaving Tradition

    Senirkent is one of the important centres of Isparta's carpet-weaving tradition. Hand-woven carpets are produced using traditional methods maintained for centuries.

Local Products

  • Senirkent Banağı (Senirkent banak) — Senirkent Banağı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 6 July 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 795). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Senirkent Municipality.
  • Senirkent Dimrit Üzümü (Senirkent Dimrit grape) — Senirkent Dimrit Üzümü was registered as a protected designation of origin on 10 February 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1030). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Senirkent Municipality.
  • Senirkent Gelin Fesi (Senirkent bride's fez) — A product registered at TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

Economy

The economy of Senirkent is based on agriculture, carpet-weaving and rose cultivation. Grain, sugar beet and fruit are produced. Carpet production is maintained as a traditional craft.

How to Get to Senirkent

Senirkent is 45 km from Isparta city centre. It is located on the Isparta–Afyon highway. There are regular minibus and dolmuş services to Isparta.

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Senirkent: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Senirkent?

The 7 highlights of Senirkent are: Lake Eğirdir, Senirkent Historic Bazaar, Senirkent Rose Fields, Surroundings of Lake Uluborlu, Towns and Villages on the Shore of Lake Eğirdir, Plinistra and Kocadağ (Kapıdağı).

What is there to eat in Senirkent?

Senirkent Samsa Tatlısı, Senirkent Üzüm Pekmezi and Senirkent banağı are the standout flavours on the tables of Senirkent.

What is Senirkent famous for?

Senirkent is known for Senirkent Banağı and the Carpet-Weaving Tradition. It is a product registered as a geographical indication at TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Senirkent?

Senirkent is 45 km from Isparta city centre. It is located on the Isparta–Afyon highway. There are regular minibus and dolmuş services to Isparta.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Senirkent?

Suggested visit duration: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).

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