Formerly a Greek village under the Ottoman Empire, Şirince preserves much of its historic architecture – sort of – intact. It is surrounded by a glorious countryside of vineyards and forested hills. Tourism has turned the main street into souvenir-alley, but Nişanyan Hotel is high enough on the hill to stay almost unaffected.

Ephesus, possibly the top Ancient site and sight in Turkey, is a 12-kilometer drive from the hotel. It is not to be missed. But we find our guests fall in deeper love with the two other major sites in the area, Priene and the Temple of Apollo at Didyma.

MV is an altogether unique educational institute where mathematicians and students from around the world work freely in a rural setting. TC is a summer camp for the finest theater people of the country. Both were designed and built by Sevan Nişanyan. They are at the other end of Şirince, about 2 kms. from the hotel.