THE ÇAMLIK VILLAGE IN BODRUM

The former village of Irmene, now as Çamlik, lies on the old Bodrum - Izmir road. In 1600, nomadic peoples settled here, but there is evidence, in the district, of far older civilization, dating back to karian times.
It is an area of domed water cisterns, which are everywhere, and because the village is surrounded by pine woods, is has been called "Çamlik" or Pine village since 1970. Since village tradition has principally followed its nomadic roots, life is about animals, carpets, and more recently, tabacco.
The local soil is ideal for the olive tree and the local olive-oil is of the highest quality.
Carpet - making has developed alongside Animal Husbandry and become an inportant source of income.
From the 1960s, the natural animal wool for carpets and Kilims was dyed with natural root and plant colourings.
Formerly, of course, carpet-weaving was an individual process; the arrival of organised Co-operatives has accelerated the economic advantages.
Diferent improving methods in carpet and kilim production have raised standarts and, throught mass-production, the prices to potential buyers have been reduced.