Başlamış Village: Springs, Culture and History

Başlamış Village brings together springs that emerge from the rock in several places, an ancient settlement site and long-standing village customs. Nature, archaeological history and local traditions each offer a different focus. If you are considering the area for a trip to Hatay, you can think about which of these aspects interests you most.

Springs and landscape

The springs of Erzin Başlamış Thermal Baths emerge from the rock at various points in Başlamış Village. The water is described as slightly salty and bitter, and as containing bicarbonate, alkaline earths, carbon dioxide and bromide. Two thermal springs, or baths, are distinguished in the Başlamış area, named Ilıca and İçme. In the vicinity of the destination, Erzin Başlamış Thermal Baths lie on the foothills of the Amanos Mountains; the springs are considered warm and mineral-rich. Thermal baths and mineral springs boost tourism in Hatay, particularly during the summer months. Başlamış is also one of Hatay Province’s five natural protected areas.

The characteristics of the water and its emergence from the rock give the nature theme a tangible dimension; the foothills of the Amanos Mountains broaden the view of the landscape. Başlamış’s status as one of Hatay’s natural protected areas is another aspect. This makes it possible to consider the spring water and the wider natural environment as two related but distinct features of the place.

Ancient settlement and local history

The ancient settlement site of Çağlakçınar is located in Başlamış and is registered as a first-degree archaeological protected site. A 2021 decision by the conservation board confirms this designation. The village is also home to the old mosque, built in 1885. A local archival tradition identifies the folk poet Dadaloğlu as having been born in Başlamış; his exact place of death and the circumstances of his death remain unknown.

These historical subjects place different periods and perspectives side by side: the ancient settlement site, a building dated to 1885 and a local biographical tradition that leaves questions about Dadaloğlu’s death unanswered. Anyone interested in local history will find both archaeological traces and stories associated with the village.

Customs and local culinary character

Historical wedding customs in Başlamış included a flag ceremony in which an onion was placed on the tip of a flag and shot at. This was followed by the festive meal known as Bayrak Yemeği. Customs also included a henna night with games and celebrations, as well as applying henna to the bride’s hand. These traditions offer a glimpse into different communal occasions: a ceremony followed by a meal, and a festive night with games and henna.

The village’s traditional picnic is for local residents and their invited guests. Food is served, and an invited speaker gives a talk or leads a discussion lasting about forty minutes. Nar Ekşisi is also among Başlamış’s important local products, adding a culinary dimension to the nature and history themes.

Getting there and choosing a place to stay

For travel from Erzin to Başlamış, options include shared taxis, vehicles operated by the Kızlarçayı and Kuyuluk municipal administrations, and a bus and minibus operated by the village administration. Check which of these services are currently running before you travel.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Hatay, you can assess Başlamış based on whether its springs, history and local traditions match your travel interests. The combination of nature and cultural attractions offers a practical basis for choosing a destination, without assuming any specific features of an accommodation.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Samandağ, Ahmetbeyli Village, Belen, Hüseyinli, Harbiye, Iskenderun, Paşaköy, Tepehan

For the main travel overview: Hatay.