Kavaklıdere: Copper Craft and Hyllarima

Kavaklıdere brings together a long tradition of copper craftsmanship, traces of the past and scenic places in its surrounding municipality. Estimates suggest that copper craftsmanship here dates back as far as 800 years. Hyllarima in Derebağ, in Kavaklıdere District, and Yerküpe Yaylası in the surrounding municipality show other facets of the district. You can include Kavaklıdere’s copper craft, along with archaeological and scenic destinations in the district, in your holiday plans.

Copper Craft and a Distinctive Occupational Language

In Kavaklıdere, copper craftsmanship has been passed down as a family tradition for four generations. This craft tradition includes the distinctive occupational language Palleci, also known as the Kalaycı language. It was once used by all families working with copper; today, only a few master craftspeople still remember it. The craft thus brings together a continuing family tradition and a language familiar to only a few people.

The history of the bazaar also spans different periods: in 1916, Kavaklıdere had a large bazaar with numerous coppersmiths. Today, shops selling copperware shape the bazaar’s range of goods. A cultural programme on 6 November 2023 included a tour of Kavaklıdere Bakırcılar Çarşısı, followed by a visit to a coppersmith’s workshop. As part of the programme, Provincial Director of National Education Emre Çay, District Director of National Education Ümit Menteşe, other school inspection staff and teachers took part in a hands-on activity using copper objects.

Hyllarima: From the Hittite Period to Antiquity

Hyllarima, the ancient city in the Derebağ neighbourhood of Kavaklıdere District, lies in the surrounding municipality. The first settlement dates back to the Hittite period, around 3,500 to 4,000 years ago. The surviving structures date from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. At the centre are a theatre, a bouleuterion, or assembly building, and an agora, or marketplace. These terms describe the different functions of the buildings: a theatre, a place for assemblies and a marketplace. Together with their different construction periods, they offer a tangible glimpse into the ancient city’s long history.

Scenery and Wrestling at Yerküpe Yaylası in the Surrounding Municipality

Yerküpe Yaylası in the surrounding municipality features centuries-old plane trees, five natural springs, a broad meadow, a waterfall and a cave. The flat area just above the cave has been set up as a picnic and wrestling ground. At Yerküpe Yaylası in the surrounding municipality, landscape and local tradition come together.

On 13 July 2025, Kavaklıdere Municipality held the 31st Menteşe Beşpınar Yağlı Pehlivan Güreşleri, a traditional Turkish wrestling event, at Yerküpe Yaylası in the surrounding municipality. If a tournament is important to your travel dates, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Market and Regional Tea Speciality

A market is held in Kavaklıdere on Fridays. It mainly sells locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as spices, cheese, olives and handicrafts. Tea made from Kardelen and Göktepe otu is also considered a regional speciality of Kavaklıdere District. The market and the tea offer two different ways to experience local everyday and food culture: one through the range of goods, the other through a named local speciality.

Choose Kavaklıdere as a Holiday Destination

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kavaklıdere, consider which aspect of your trip matters most: copper craft and the market in town, the archaeology of Hyllarima in the Derebağ neighbourhood of Kavaklıdere District, or the landscape and wrestling tradition at Yerküpe Yaylası in the surrounding municipality.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Torba, Bozburun, Çandır, Peksimet Köyü, Mugla, Ören Belediyesi, Kızılağaç, Güvercinlik.

For the overview of the wider region: Mugla.