A New Life Away from the City 🏞️: How Our Journey to Kaş Began | Part 1

 From Istanbul to Kaş ✈️: Steps Toward a Nature-Centered Family Life 

Our Story: Leaving the City Behind

We were born and raised in Istanbul and spent many years working in corporate roles. My spouse worked in consulting, while I handled insurance, procurement, and administrative tasks. We met 16 years ago, married 14 years ago, and now we are 37 and 40 years old.

At first glance, it may seem like a typical urban life. But inside, we had long been nurturing a desire for change. One morning, over breakfast, we voiced the words that would set our lives on a new course.

One of our memories escaping the busy city life for a weekend to reconnect with nature.

Not Just a Conversation: Planting the Seed of Change

About seven years ago, during a routine weekend breakfast, we started talking about the city’s chaos. Hours lost in traffic, crowded hospitals, the exhaustion of work life… did we really have to accept all of this?

That day, we asked ourselves seriously, “Can we change something?” And from that moment, nothing remained the same. We weren’t just talking anymore—we were planning.

We knew that in today’s economic climate, such a change wouldn’t be easy. But we believed it was possible with careful planning. We foresaw at least 4–5 years of preparation ahead.

Imagining the Life We Wanted

We reflected on the life we no longer wanted: living squeezed between apartments, surrounded by noise, crowds, and rudeness. Instead, we dreamed of a calmer, simpler life, surrounded by nature and fewer people.

We kept this dream to ourselves initially, because first, we needed to truly embrace it internally.

Journeys That Nurtured Our Dream

From that day on, every vacation and spare moment was dedicated to pursuing this dream. Our annual trips turned into research expeditions, exploring villages along the way.

Every discovery became a cherished memory.

In the summer of 2019, we planned a trip along the Fethiye–Kaş route. This trip became a turning point for us, marking the first serious step toward making our dream achievable.

Each exploration in Kaş turned into a lasting memory, with Kaputaş Beach being a highlight.

Research, Observe, Confront Reality

On the trip, we didn’t just admire the scenery. We talked to locals, read stories of people who had relocated, and weighed the challenges and benefits. This wasn’t just a dream anymore; it was becoming tangible.

Moving meant more than changing location—it meant leaving habits, routines, and sometimes even social circles behind. But we were determined.

Not a Vacation, but a New Beginning

The Fethiye–Kaş trip wasn’t merely a holiday—it was a preparation. We imagined raising our unborn child in a natural, simple, and peaceful environment. This wasn’t an escape; it was the desire to build a real life.

This post marks the first step of that dream—and it’s only the beginning.

👉 In the next article, we’ll share how our first discovery trip to Kaş left lasting impressions, which villages captured our hearts, and how we confronted the question: “Could we really live here?”