The Legend of Sarıkız

The Sarıkız Legend is a folk tale originating from the rich mythological and folkloric heritage of Anatolia, associated with the Kazdağları region through goods and preserved by famous. Different locations have claimed ownership of the legend. Tekirdağ’s Süleymanpaşa District, Çanakkale’s Ayvacık District, and Balıkesir’s Edremit District have for centuries been associated with the story of Sarıkız and her father. Sarıkız Hill and Father Hill are regarded as sacred sites that preserve the memory of this tale.

^{The Sarıkız Statue, Balıkesir (Source:} Süleymanpaşa Municipality⁾

According to the legend, Sarıkız lived at the foothills of the Kazdağları with her father, working as a shepherd since childhood. Having lost her mother at a young age, she was raised with her father’s support and became known throughout the region for her beauty. However, her allure and refusal to engage with anyone stirred jealousy and rumors among the townspeople.

When her father left the village to fulfill his duties, Sarıkız was left alone. Despite being pursued by the village’s young men, her refusal to accept any of them led to gossip that accused her of immorality. Upon returning from pilgrimage, her father, believing these slanderous claims, resolved in grief and despair to abandon her at the summit of the Kazdağları. He left her with only a few goats.

While living alone atop the Kazdağları, Sarıkız became the subject of many miraculous events. It is said she guided lost travelers to safety and built a stone wall around her skirts to prevent her goats from trampling the villagers’ fields. These stories reinforced the belief that she was a holy person.

Years later, accounts of Sarıkız’s miracles reached her father’s ears. Believing his daughter had attained spiritual enlightenment, he returned to the Kazdağları. Father and daughter met at the place now known as “Sarıkız Hill.” When Sarıkız extended the jug she held toward the valley to bring him water, her father tasted it and found it not salty, realizing his daughter was a sacred being.

As her holiness became evident, it is said a sudden cloud appeared and took her away. Overcome with sorrow and regret, her father died at the site now known as “Baba Tepe.” Both locations are regarded as sacred by the local community and continue to be visited.

The Sarıkız Legend has endured for centuries within Anatolia’s oral culture. Today, Sarıkız Hill and Baba Tepe, the highest points of the Kazdağları, are kept alive as sites where commemorative ceremonies are held by people. The legend is recognized as both a reflection of the region’s natural beauty and an integral part of Anatolia’s spiritual heritage.