CittaSlow Member: Foça

The City That Produces, Protects and Lives: Foça “Phokaia”

Phocaea, which takes its name from the seals living on the Phocaean islands, was founded by the Aeolians in the 11th century BC. At that time, Phocaea was one of the most important settlements in Ionia and the Ionian settlement began in the 9th century BC. The Phocaeans, known as master sailors in history, also established many colonies in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea with their advances and successes in engineering. Some of the important colonies established by the Phocaeans in history are: Amysos (now Samsun) in the Black Sea; Lampsakos (now Lapseki) in the Dardanelles; Methymna (now Molvyos) on the island of Lesbos; and Elea (now Velia) (Italy); Alalia (Corsica); Massalia (now Marseille) (France) in Europe. The Phocaeans are also known to have been one of the first to mint the "electron" coin in Ionia using a natural gold-silver mixture. Having gone through different historical periods, the city of Foça, formerly known as “Phokaia”, has been a frequent commercial port and pioneered many civilizations with which it interacted, possessing local products with geographical indications.

The components of the local economy are agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. In this city, olive cultivation, beekeeping, endemic herb and essence production, small cattle farms, fishing, recently promoted Foça Karası grape and wine production have been highlighted. At the same time, the Eath Market, which was launched in 2011 within the scope of Slow Food, has been one of the important activities carried out to keep the local gastronomy culture alive and support local producers. Foça Local Delicacies (Yogurt Kupez, Fava Bean Dishes, Lamb Meat Şevket-i Bostan, Adabeyi Soup, Kakavya, Çekme Makarna, Foça Tarhana, Foça Ice Cream etc.) are being revived and preserved with the encouragement of Gastro Historical Tours.

If you are looking for an alternative place where you can take a breath in the rush of life and breathe in the history and nature while walking around the city streets, Cittaslow Foça is the best address for you. If you are one of those people who want to experience the city by enjoying it instead of those who try to catch up with their work second by second in the rush of fast life, you can also be a part of this family. This beautiful city, which preserves its local values, unique cultural structure, producers, citizens, nature and sincerity in the chaos of the consumer society, will make you feel like you are in the home you have been longing for from the moment you set foot. The harmony of people, nature and history, which is the teaching of the unique sincere culture of the Aegean region, shows itself in this city. Its nature, sea, sun and the famous northeaster that blows, which have inspired many artists, will draw you in the moment you arrive.