Only 600 Residents! Discover the World’s Best Tourism Village
Explore Ormana Village, crowned the World’s Best Tourism Village of 2024. Discover its historic "button houses," cultural festivals, and rich history nestled in Turkey’s Taurus Mountains. Uncover the charm of Ormana Village, a rural gem in Antalya, Turkey. With its iconic button houses and cultural heritage, this UNWTO-recognized village is the epitome of sustainable tourism.
Editors 
Only 600 Residents! Discover the World’s Best Tourism Village
Ormana Village: A Hidden Gem in Turkey’s Taurus Mountains
Nestled high in the Taurus Mountains in Turkey’s Antalya province, Ormana Village has been named the “World’s Best Tourism Village for 2024” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With its 300 historic "button houses" and a 57-year-old grape festival tradition, this picturesque village, home to just 600 residents, is a remarkable destination for culture and history enthusiasts.
A Prestigious Honor by the UNWTO
The UNWTO’s initiative highlights villages that excel in preserving culture, embracing diversity, fostering sustainability, and protecting biodiversity. Ormana earned its spot alongside 54 other villages worldwide, standing out as the only Turkish entry in this year’s prestigious list.
A Village Rich in History and Culture
Architectural Marvels: The Button Houses
Ormana’s iconic "button houses" are architectural masterpieces built without cement or mortar. Constructed using stone and cedar wood, these houses showcase an ancient and sustainable building technique.
Cultural Legacy: A Tradition That Lives On
The village’s annual grape festival, which has been celebrated for 57 years, reflects its strong community bonds and agricultural heritage. Ormana also holds historical significance as part of the ancient Silk Road, with wild Yılkı horses roaming its surroundings.
A UNESCO-Level Preservation Effort
Thanks to efforts spearheaded by the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Ormana joins a prestigious list that includes other Turkish gems like Mustafapaşa (Nevşehir), Taraklı (Sakarya), Birgi (İzmir), and Şirince (İzmir).
A 600-Resident Treasure
Tolga Özgüven, a leading figure in rural tourism and director of the Özgüven Foundation, has played a crucial role in restoring Ormana’s button houses and promoting its cultural significance. He highlights the village’s unique identity:
“With 600 residents, 300 button houses, and a deep historical connection to the Ottoman Sipahi cavalry, Ormana is a cultural treasure.”
Why Ormana Deserves Its Global Recognition
From its breathtaking natural surroundings fed by the Manavgat River’s tributaries to its architectural and cultural richness, Ormana is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authenticity.
Ormana's achievement underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving rural communities and cultural heritage. Its success serves as a blueprint for other villages aspiring to balance tradition with modernity.
