Cittaslow (Italian for "slow city") is an international movement of small towns that put quality of life ahead of speed. Akyaka has been an official member since 2011 and follows its principles in its architecture, cuisine, and the rhythm of daily life.
The movement was founded in 1999 in Tuscany, Italy, as an outgrowth of the Slow Food idea launched by Carlo Petrini in 1986. Four mayors — of Greve in Chianti, Bra, Orvieto, and Positano — together with Petrini drafted the Cittaslow manifesto and founded the association. The movement's headquarters have been in Orvieto ever since.
The idea was simple: resist globalisation and the sameness of urban life, preserve local traditions, an unhurried pace, and a human scale of settlements.
Cittaslow stands for quality of life through care for the environment, support for local producers and crafts, preservation of historic buildings and a distinctive character. Local cuisine, seasonal produce, hospitality, and respect for tradition are all part of the philosophy.
To join Cittaslow, a town must meet about seventy criteria across seven categories: environmental policy, infrastructure, urban quality, support for agriculture and local cuisine, hospitality, civic awareness, and partnership. The main constraint is a population of no more than 50,000, so that a human scale is preserved.
Akyaka was awarded Cittaslow status in 2011 — among the first in Turkey after Seferihisar (2009). Today more than twenty Turkish towns are members of the network, and there are over 270 Cittaslow towns in more than 30 countries worldwide.
In Akyaka the movement's principles are visible at every turn: no high-rise buildings, a unified architectural style by Nail Çakırhan, no chain restaurants or large hotels, a protected nature area, and active use of local products in cafes and restaurants.
Official website of the international movement: cittaslow.org.
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