Are you tired of the tourist hustle and bustle? Then visit the historical heart of Turkey
Hasançelebi Village is one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey, nestled among the mountains and adorned with the richness of nature. Known for its small, charming houses, the village—though changed over time—still carries within it a unique sense of peace and simplicity. Years ago, its people lived off farming and livestock, but that tradition has mostly faded. Those who once made a living from animal husbandry gradually migrated to the big cities, and those left working the fields have become so few they can be counted on one hand. This shift has left its mark on the quietness of Hasançelebi; yet, life still lingers there, and the spirit of the village has never disappeared.
Looking back at its past, one can see how vital agriculture and livestock once were. But as these traditions slowly gave way, the villagers were drawn in new directions. Families scattered as everyone moved to the cities. And yet, the customs that once defined the village are still remembered, still respected. My grandfather’s grave is one such reminder. Perched on a hill beneath the statue of Atatürk, the cemetery is more than a resting place for the departed—it carries the history of the village and the values of its people.
In Hasançelebi, one living tradition still thrives: the apricot trees. The village’s livelihood now depends largely on apricot cultivation, and nearly every household has them in their garden. These trees symbolize the villagers’ patience and hard work. In my own garden, I too have apricot trees, and the fruits they bear—like all the fruits of the village—embody the purity of nature itself. Nothing could be sweeter than the apricots of Hasançelebi.
My home in the village is a little world of peace. The tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and blackberries I grow in my garden remind me both of my bond with nature and of my longing for the village. My clusters of tomatoes, nurtured with my own hands, are more than just food—watering them every morning feels like a form of therapy. I even have a small workout area in my garden. With the exercise equipment I’ve built myself, moving my body in the heart of nature soothes both body and soul. Even the dumbbells I bought, simple as they are, become a way of washing away the day’s burdens.
Of course, I share this peaceful life with a companion—my golden cat. He wanders through the garden, sometimes keeping me company, sometimes basking in the sun. The moments I spend with him create the simplest, yet most precious memories of my village life.
From time to time, I gather with old friends. Once, we went to Güveni Village to visit my “kirve.” His wife made us oily bread on the saç. It was so delicious that we devoured it with great joy, a group of grown men savoring it like children. Moments like these remind me how genuine and generous village life truly is. Every moment in the village is a friendship, a memory in the making.
Spending time with my family—especially with my 81-year-old grandmother—makes me realize again how precious everything really is. As one of the village’s oldest living figures, she carries the stories of its past and the memory of all its transformations. Every moment with her teaches me about the values, traditions, and history of Hasançelebi.
Surrounded by mountains, Hasançelebi’s nature reflects both the hardships of rural life and the purest gifts of the earth. The vegetables that grow in my garden are part of this natural abundance, and a testament to my connection with the village’s agricultural past. To live in Hasançelebi is to build a bridge between past and future. Though the big cities may shape people’s lives, life in my village is a way of carrying the traces of the past and living in peace with nature.
If you haven't read , you can read my post about our walk on Mount Yama.
The highest mountain in our village, where you can meet huge herds of sheep, cows, and shepherds with dogs. Here in the mountains there is an incredibly beautiful smell of juniper trees, cypresses, wild flowers.
You can also often turtles here.
The wildlife here is not spoiled by civilization. If you like walks in the wild, you will enjoy it.
The village of Hasançelebi in Hekimhan, Malatya, traces its origins back to the mid-14th century, around 1350, when Turkmens of the Beğdili tribe migrated from the Aleppo region and founded a settlement known as “Eski Köy” (Old Village). This community survived throughout the 16th century, but in the early 17th century, particularly during the Celali uprisings, the settlement shifted and transformed into what is now known as Hasançelebi. Since then, the village has remained a significant home for its people, preserving its traditions and spirit to this day.
I hope I have piqued your curiosity. Welcome!