Kazdağı Sarıkız Tomb

Description

Kazdağı Sarıkız Tomb is a sacred pilgrimage point high above the Gulf of Edremit where the Sarıkız legend lives on, uniting nature and faith-based tourism.

Story

Kazdağı Sarıkız Tomb is a sacred summit stop located to the north of Edremit, at an altitude of around 1,700 meters above sea level. Being at the heart of both the cool forests of Mount Ida National Park and the Sarıkız legend makes this site not only a place of pilgrimage but also a powerful cultural symbol. For centuries, local people have passed down stories about Sarıkız’s innocence, the injustice she suffered, and her mysterious bond with the mountains. According to the legend, Sarıkız lived in these mountains with her father and became famous for her kindness, generosity, and beauty. After being slandered, her father takes her to the peaks and leaves her to her fate. Here, Sarıkız is believed to have reached a saintly state, uniting with the spirit of the mountains and living among the geese. Today, visitors gather around the tomb, remembering this story and asking Sarıkız for intercession, abundance, and protection. Especially before the Feast of Sacrifice and during the summer Sarıkız Festivals, the summit turns into an open‑air place of worship. Instead of a classical mosque architecture, the site features a simple tomb structure, modest stone walls, colorful pieces of cloth tied to votive trees, and open spaces reserved for prayer. This simplicity, combined with the mountain’s harsh winds and the scent of pine and fir, creates an impressive spiritual atmosphere. After praying at the tomb, visitors usually walk to nearby viewpoints to admire the Gulf of Edremit, the island of Lesbos, and the seemingly endless forests of Mount Ida. To reach Sarıkız Tomb, you follow winding mountain roads that start from the villages on the lower slopes of Kazdağı. Although the road becomes narrow at times, the scenery opens up a bit more at every turn. As you approach the summit, the air gets cooler; even in midsummer, a chilling wind greets visitors. For this reason, it is important to bring a jacket or coat, wear walking shoes, and carry enough water. The area around the tomb is attractive not only for faith‑based tourism but also for hiking and photography. At sunrise and sunset, the light filtering through the clouds paints both the tomb and the surrounding peaks in different colors. Sitting silently, listening to the sound of the wind and the rustling of the trees, you begin to understand why the legend of Sarıkız has not been forgotten for centuries. When you leave, you take with you not only beautiful photographs but also a lasting memory of the mystical atmosphere of Kazdağı.

Visit Tips

• When visiting the Kazdağı Sarıkız Tomb, don't forget to wear your hiking shoes to explore the surrounding natural beauties as well.
• During your visit, you can learn more about the Sarıkız legend by listening to the stories of the local people.
• Check the weather conditions before your visit; especially in winter months, snowfall can make the road difficult.
• For those who love photography, the view here at sunrise and sunset will truly be enchanting.

Photos