Şile, Coastal district in Istanbul Province, Turkey
Şile is a coastal town on the Black Sea coast in Istanbul Province, stretching across numerous beaches and dense forests. The region consists of several villages with traditional stone buildings and combines natural landscape with historic architecture.
The settlement began as a fishing village around 700 BC and later became an important Byzantine trading center. After the Byzantine period, the area became part of the Ottoman Empire while maintaining its role as a coastal community.
Local weavers continue to make Şile cloth, a cotton fabric that shows the textile traditions of this region. You can see this craft in small workshops and shops throughout the town.
The area attracts many visitors during the summer months from June to September when Istanbul residents move to their vacation homes. Expect larger crowds and fully booked accommodations during this peak season.
The Şile lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands 19 meters tall, making it one of the oldest still-operating maritime structures on the Black Sea coast. The structure is a visible reminder of the area's seafaring history and remains a distinctive landmark along the shore.
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