Tahtakuşlar Village: Ethnography, Tradition and Remembrance

Tahtakuşlar Village brings together the history of an ethnographic museum, cultural traditions, and the memory of a Turkish folk musician. These different connections give you a concrete point of reference when considering what you would like to shape your stay: a museum with a special place in Turkish museum history, gatherings of the Tahtacı Turkmen, or memories of Ali Ekber Çiçek.

The Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Gallery

Alibey Kudar founded the Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Gallery, which opened in 1991. It is considered Turkey’s first private ethnographic museum. Its founding, opening year, and special status make the gallery a concrete cultural and historical point of reference for the village.

Its location can also help you find your way: From Akçay, after 6 km, the route joins the road to Çamlıbel. Tahtakuşlar is a further 1 to 2 km away; the gallery is at the entrance to the village. Road conditions can change, so check the current route before setting out.

Tahtacı Turkmen Traditions

Tahtacı Turkmen from the districts of Burhaniye, Edremit, and Ayvalık gather in Tahtakuşlar. If you would like to combine your trip with such a gathering, ask locally in advance for the specific date. This lets you plan around a particular occasion rather than assume a date.

A custom observed every year takes place on May 7: Turkmen clean the cemetery in Tahtakuşlar, decorate it with roses, and pray there. During the Hıdırellez tradition at the cemetery, Tahtacı Turkmen eat the food they have brought and share coffee prepared over a wood fire, as well as snacks and sweets. The specific refreshments may vary from year to year.

The Hıdırellez tradition is also of great interest to residents of the surrounding area, not just the Tahtacı Turkmen. However, participation can vary from year to year. When planning your trip, it is therefore important to distinguish between the established custom and a specific date confirmed in advance.

Remembering Ali Ekber Çiçek

Another cultural point of reference is Ali Ekber Çiçek, a Turkish folk musician whose grave is in the Tahtakuşlar neighborhood of Edremit. A memorial event was held there on the 20th anniversary of his death: his songs were performed, followed by the laying of carnations and roses on his grave.

A 2024 memorial ceremony organized by the Municipality of Edremit at the grave is also documented. At this event, Ender Balkır and Adil Asker Yıldız performed songs by the artist. The two memorial events offer different concrete insights into how Çiçek is remembered, but they do not establish a fixed date for an event during your trip. If attending such a memorial is important to you, check the program in advance.

Cultural Highlights for Your Trip

The gallery and recurring traditions represent different ways of getting to know Tahtakuşlar: one is the history of an ethnographic institution, while the other involves gatherings and customs tied to particular occasions. The memorial to Ali Ekber Çiçek adds a musical connection to this cultural overview. You can use these points to decide whether you are more interested in the history of the museum, Tahtacı Turkmen traditions, or remembering the musician.

If you are looking for a hotel in Tahtakuşlar Village, these themes may help you choose your destination. If you are planning your stay around a particular tradition or memorial event, confirm the date in advance. This keeps your plans focused on your interests without assuming a specific event date.

Discover more destinations: Taylıeli, Sefa Çamlık Mahallesi, Saraylar, Bandırma, Demirkapı, Avşa, Çakıllık Village, Edremit.

For the broader travel overview: Balikesir.