Chris Evans, Voices Columnist
Mavişehir is famous for its night market. There’s a lot more to discover if you walk a short distance to see the main bay.
Regulars will already know I’m going to be mentioning Resit and Sonny at 06 Restaurant. They hold a special place in the hearts of many expats and tourists. Resit is now the owner of 06 and is gradually bringing in the changes to put his stamp on what is now his restaurant. Sonny has retired, but can still be seen daily taking his fishing boat out and popping in to say hello to the huge amount of friends he’s made over the years.
On a personal note, Sonny was the first person I ever spoke to in Didim. My parents had moved here and video called me as the sun went down over this amazing bay. Sonny was with them. It’s a friendship that’s stood the test of time. I call his partner in crime, Resit, my brother, because it feels as though he is. The help I’ve seen them give so many people over the years is something we should all celebrate.
This column isn’t just about them. It’s about a bay that feels like stepping back in time to those holiday brochures offering sun and sea that seemed like mystical worlds back in all our younger days when travel to far-off lands felt like a thing of wonder. It really is beautiful.
The pier extending into the sea offers safe harbour for many small fishing boats and a great place for wonderful holiday photos. It’s common to see couples come to have their wedding photos taken here. It gives a backdrop that only our part of the world seems able to supply. Watching the sun drop over the horizon is the best I’ve ever seen. I’m travelled a lot, so I’m comfortable in giving Mavişehir the accolade.
There are several restaurants as you walk away from the market. The two at the roundabout specialise in fresh fish and are well worth a visit, but if you want to see the true wonder of Mavişehir, you need to take a few steps further.
You’ll find Mavişehir is a huge bay with one end dominated by restaurants: Cadan, 06, Cakirgoz, CNR, and Baba Cengiz. You truly can eat whatever food takes your fancy. The Testi Kebab in 06 isn’t just tasty, but almost a drama unfolding before you in its serving.
For those wanting to wander further, we come to the beach. I have good news. There’s been a lot of work done over the winter improving drainage. They’ve left the park and beach looking wonderful.
Continuing around the bay is strange as you realise it’s almost split in two. The second part works its way past a cliff to introduce us to a different world. There is a restaurant with a couple of tables on the beach, but this is very much the quiet residential area. An hour sat on one of the benches with the park behind you, gazing out over the water, is better than a week in a relaxing spa.
Most holidays include a trip to Mavişehir market, but you need to go further. Take a step back in time to a village based on its fishing history. You’ll see some very special sunsets, laugh with some amazing people, and create memories that last a lifetime.