History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Karakiraz village, hidden in the western forests of Şile, is an authentic settlement that preserves traditional wooden architecture and centuries-old hand weaving craft. The wooden mosque in the village, built with the historical bell technique without using nails, and the Şile Cloth workshops, where village women continue to weave on black looms in their homes, are a living folk art center. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Its altitude is approximately 110 meters. It has the atmosphere of a cool mountain village surrounded by hornbeam, beech and oak forests. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is completely free, the village and workshops are open to the public.•Visiting Hours and Days:It can be visited in daylight 7 days a week.•Rules and Security:Care should be taken to maintain peace within the historical wooden mosque; Weaving looms should be examined with the permission of the masters.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a village coffee house, fountains, and local handicraft sales points. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Karakiraz District, Köyiçi Yolu, Şile / Istanbul.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It can be reached by passenger vehicle via the asphalt forest road branching from Şile Highway Avcıkoru junction towards Karakiraz.•Real Public Transportation Information: Transportation is provided by Karakiraz village minibuses departing from Şile center.•Parking Availability:There is a parking space for 25 vehicles in the village square. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The mosque ceiling with wood carvings and the authentic hands of village aunts shuttling around the loom.•Light and Shooting Times:Foggy village silhouette in the early morning hours.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Sac pancake cooked on wood fire in village houses, buttermilk and chestnut honey.