The village of Tirilye (or Trilye) is 12 kilometers west of Mudanya on a winding seaside road. Originally a Greek port village dating a back to 500 B.C., the town is also known by its Turkish name, Zeytinbağı (“olive yard”), a name that pays tribute to the olive orchards that blanket the hillsides surrounding the village. Tirilye is a sleepy little village: tractors clog cobblestone alleyways, old men sit on stools outside tea houses, women peddle olive oil near the seaside, fishermen work for a catch off the concrete wharf, boats line the harbor, and out-of-towners wander the streets enjoying the fresh sea air and looking for a glimpse of village life.

Tirilye is a worthwhile afternoon drive from Bursa. Not only can you get a good plate of locally caught seafood, you can appreciate the sea views and enjoy the serenity of a quiet, modest village. And if you’re a photographer with an eye for the simpler ways of life, you’ll enjoy the village’s abundant supply of fantastic photo opportunities. Here are a few snapshots from our recent visit.

The village harbor

Around the village

The old abandoned Stone School

Fatih Mosque, formerly St. Theodore’s Church

Notes on Tirilye

• The easiest way to reach the village is by car. From Bursa, drive through Mudanya on the main road and you’ll find Tiriyle about 12 kilometers to the west. If you’re using public transportation, you can taxi directly from Bursa or bus to Mudanya and then grab a taxi or dolmus (minibus).
• If you’d like to spend the night, there are a few hotel options. The Kaplan Hotel is in a prominent location in the village, while Emprador Hotel and Tirilye Hotel are on the main road going through the village. Tirilyalı Hotel and Cinar Motel are right on the seaside boardwalk, and the Hera Hotel is nestled in a quiet alley just a block off the sea.
• Being a Greek town for most of its existence (until the population exchange of the 1920s), the village is known for its church and monastery remnants. Also, be sure to try the locally produced olives, olive oils, and olive soaps for sale in many shops and booths.

And here’s our favorite photo from our recent visit…