If you’ve not heard of Cittaslow, it’s a spin-off of the Slow Food movement. Certified Slow Cities are those who can show evidence that they are committed to the values of slow living, both in both in theory and practical application.
When I first heard that Kaş was applying to be Turkey’s second Cittaslow, I didn’t really think they would do what it took to make it happen. Cittaslow has a very strict set of conditions that towns have to meet before they can be certified. One of the conditions is that there cannot be any motor vehicle traffic in the town centre. Well, I went to Kaş last weekend, and lo and behold, they’ve already blocked off traffic on the marina road, and several other streets have become completely pedestrianised. So it looks like they’re serious about doing this. I can’t wait to see what these changes will bring, because one of the things I’ve always loved about Kaş is its quaint and tranquil atmosphere, and I think the Cittaslow movement is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Gem of the Riviera.