The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has named four Turkish villages to its Best Tourism Villages 2025 list. The awards were given to Akyaka in Muğla Province, Barbaros in Izmir Province, Anitlı in Mardin Province, and Kale Uçağız in Antalya Province.
The awards ceremony took place in Huzhou, China. The awarded villages are distinguished by their combination of natural landscapes, traditional lifestyle, and cultural heritage.
Previously, the list included five Turkish villages: Taraklı (Sakarya), Mustafapaşa (Nevşehir), Birgi and Şirince (Izmir), and Ormana (Antalya). With the addition of these new villages, the total number of Turkish villages recognized by the UN is nine.
Akyaka is located on the Aegean coast and is known as a center for ecotourism. Barbaros, near Urla, attracts visitors with its local culinary traditions and handicrafts. Anitli in Mardin is noted for centuries of peaceful coexistence between various religious communities. Kale Uçagız, on the Lycian Way, preserves monuments from the ancient era.
Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy commented on the inclusion of the villages on the list, stating that tourism is viewed not only as an economic sector but also as a tool for preserving cultural heritage and developing regions. He emphasized the country's commitment to further developing rural tourism.

