Akyaka (Azmak Creek)

Akyaka is a settlement on the shore of the Gulf of Gökova, part of Muğla's Ula district. The Azmak River (locally known as Kadın Azmağı), which divides the area in two, is a short but striking stream about 2 to 2.5 kilometers long; roughly sixty percent of its water is fed by mineral-rich soda springs, with the rest coming from freshwater sources. This composition gives the river both a glass-like clarity and a cool temperature that stays around 10-12 degrees year-round. Akyaka is also known for its distinctive stone-and-wood architecture, pioneered by architect Nail Çakırhan; this distinctive style of construction earned the settlement the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983. Thanks to the steady winds that blow across the Gulf of Gökova, Akyaka has become one of Turkey's leading kitesurfing centers. With boat tours on the Azmak River, riverside restaurants, and natural beaches, Akyaka has become one of Muğla's fastest-growing destinations in recent years, appealing both to visitors seeking a quiet nature getaway and to those looking for water sports.