Akkaya can be explored through two distinct histories: the development of a women’s cooperative and the history of the Osman Dede Zaviye. There is also a regional perspective on agriculture around the village. These topics give you concrete points of reference to decide whether Akkaya suits your travel interests.
Akkaya Cooperative and Products
The Ayaş Akkaya Köyü Kadın Kooperatifi was founded in 2007, when 15 producers from Akkaya joined forces. Women farmers working in Akkaya also founded the cooperative; its early plans included a project to build a facility for producing tomato paste. Its history therefore encompasses both the producers’ collaboration and the processing of agricultural products.
The following dates show further developments: in 2019, the women’s cooperative produced 60 tonnes of tomato paste. In 2020, it switched to organic farming and exported to Germany and the Netherlands for the first time. The 2019 figure specifies a production volume; the 2020 information concerns farming methods and markets. Production, farming, and exports can thus be seen as different aspects of the cooperative’s history.
The women in the cooperative make village tarhana, tomato paste, and breakfast spreads. These products are sold through an online shop and a factory outlet. If you would like to include the factory outlet in your travel plans, it is best to check access and opening hours in advance. The products’ story is therefore both a topic to consider when planning your trip and a tangible connection to Akkaya.
Osman Dede and the History of the Zaviye
The Osman Dede Zaviye in Akkaya is attributed to the Ottoman period as a mosque and zaviye dating from the 19th century. In the destination’s local context, Osman Dede is considered the founder of the zaviye. A foundation deed from 1888 is also associated with it in the local context. The founder attribution and the deed offer different historical points of reference: the person associated with the site and a dated document.
The relocation of the village is also part of its history. In 1970, it was moved to its current location, five kilometres away; the site was abandoned at the same time. This development distinguishes the history of the village from that of the abandoned site, even though both feature in the story of Akkaya.
The Osman Dede tomb is located nearby. People from the village continue to visit it; visitors generally come to pray for their wishes and prayers to be fulfilled. If you plan to visit, check access in advance. This helps distinguish the traditional visiting practice from the practical arrangements for your stay.
Agriculture in the Wider Region
The agricultural perspective extends beyond Akkaya. Between Akkaya, İlhanköy, and Uğurçayırı lies an irrigation area of about 4,645 hectares, watered by the İlhan and Uğur streams. Unlike the history of the cooperative and the zaviye, which concerns specific developments and places in Akkaya, this area encompasses several villages. Its size and the two streams illustrate the regional scale of agriculture around Akkaya.
When choosing a destination, you can weigh the topics according to your interests: the cooperative offers a way to explore products and their development over several decades; the zaviye and the Osman Dede tomb lead to historical and religious connections. The irrigation area complements this local perspective with a look at agriculture in the surrounding area.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Serinyayla Köyü, Ankara, Ayaş, Temelli Yenihisa, Akyurt/Ankara, Polatlı, Şereflikoçhisar, Çayırhan.
For the main travel overview: Ankara.
