What Are the Famous Villages to Live in Turkey?

Turkish villages are very in tune with nature. They are clean and unpolluted as they can be and every one of them has a unique beauty. Here are some of the most famous villages in Turkey.

1. Sirince Wine Village in Aegean Selcuk

Sirince, a mountain village in the Selcuk district of Izmir, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Most of the tradesmen came from abroad, the stone mansions where families lived in the past were mostly boutique hotels or restaurants/cafes, and most of the local products on the counter of the villagers are not even their production.

But if you ask if it is beautiful its architecture, nature, feeling, everything is very beautiful. If you prefer quiet but lively places to rest your head, this is the place for you. The touristic village was a very popular spot in 2012 thanks to the apocalyptic scenarios of the Mayans. It was said that Sirince would be one of the 2 survivors in the world. If you are going to Sirince by plane, before you buy your flight ticket, we say make a price comparison. Generally, tours plan their visit to Sirince as Ephesus in the morning and Sirince in the afternoon, as they are both in Selcuk. Half a day is enough time to travel all around and get caught up in the photography frenzy.

In Sirince, there are mostly boutique hotels, small hotels, and hostels instead of big hotels. Some of them are old Greek stone mansions. There are also very nice rental houses in the area.

2. Cirali: Turkey’s Hidden Paradise

Cirali is the location of the Ulupinar neighborhood of the Kemer district. Located within the borders of Beydagları Coastal National Park, Cirali is the breeding ground of protected sea turtles (Caretta) on the coastline formed by three kilometers of sandy beach. The beach rises with a gentle slope from the sea. It is bordered by cliffs at both ends. In general, it has a fine-grained sand structure. There is a stream bed in the north that flows only in winter. At the southern end, the stream coming to the village, passing through the ancient city of Olympos, reaches the sea. Thus, Cirali beach can be divided into two Olympos and Cirali, with the Olimpos stream to the south. Ulupinar stream and canyon, Lycian road, Olympos, Yanar Tas, together with cedar forests, plateaus, and 1st and 2nd degree natural and historical site protection statuses have been kept away from large-scale tourism and construction in similar areas nearby.

Local people generally earn their living from boarding houses, restaurants, and small-scale agricultural businesses. The typical Mediterranean climate prevails in the region. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below zero. After a long spring period, a very hot summer 45 degrees in July and August prevails.

3. Goynuk, Bolu District

Goynuk is a district located in the southwestern part of Bolu province, which is famous for its sugar beans, uhut marmalade, and wooden carvings, containing seven neighborhoods and sixty-six villages. The district, which is rich in old Turkish houses from the early 20th century, has been declared an "Urban Site" due to its 137 historical residences, 21 mosques, tombs, fountains, baths, towers, and a total of 158 civil architectural works. There are also historical mosques, baths, and mansions built by Gazi Suleyman Pasha in the 14th century in the district.

It is thought that the first settlers in the Bolu region were the Bebriks. This region, which is thought to be known as Bebrikya, was founded in BC. After the 8th century, the Bithynians from the west settled. The main settlements in these lands called Bithynia were Kienos (later Prusias, today Konuralp) and Bithynion (today's Bolu). In the period following the death of Alexander, the independent Kingdom of Bithynia was established in the Bolu region.  It is stated in the history books that the Roman military road passed through Goynuk, now known as “Dadastan”. The oldest known name of Goynuk is "Koinon Gallicanon". The district is in the settlement area of ​​Turkish principalities, Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations. Written works belonging to the Byzantine period were found in the villages of Susuz, Kilciler, Narzanlar, Boyacılar, and around these villages. There are also the ruins of a church in Kilciler Village. Some historical artifacts and structures have survived until today in the town.

It is possible to reach this tomb, which is located in the Goynuk district center, in 10 minutes on foot. Those who want to go by private car or taxi can provide transportation in a few minutes. Beybahcesi and Aksemseddin Street can be preferred for the trip.

4. Northeast Uzungol

The settlement is first seen in the records of 1586 with the Greek name "Saraho". According to the records, the first permanent settlement in the area was after the 1650s. The population increased with the arrival of the Muslim people in the next period to the settlement, which consisted of 12 non-Muslim households, and the settlement took place as 229 households in 1876 records. The settlement, which is also known as "Serah" in history, remained a part of the District of Of district for many years after the foundation of the Republic. As of 1948, when Caykara became a district, the entire region has remained within the boundaries of this district. Uzungol Municipality, which was established in 1969, was closed with Law No. 6360.

Uzungol is 99 km from Trabzon and 19 km from Caykara. It is located at the junction of the Soganli and Kackar Mountains, where Turkey's rainforests are located. This region is also home to the oldest forests in the world's temperate zone. Thanks to its abundant rainfall and relatively mild climate, it is green in all seasons of the year. There are more than 60 endemic plant species identified in Demirkapı and Soganlı mountains. It also includes a rich environment in terms of wild animal life. A total of 59 mammals and 250 bird species were identified in Uzungol Special Environmental Protection Area. There are species of mammals such as Brown bear, Roe deer, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild boar, Lynx, Badger, Marten, Otter, Hook-horned mountain goat, Wild goat, etc. The flora and vegetation of the area were determined by the studies carried out in the region to determine the herbal biological diversity of the Special Environmental Protection Area, and a total of 658 plant taxa belonging to 311 genera, including 125 subspecies and 68 varieties, were identified in the area. It has been determined that eight different amphibian species, two of which are tailed frogs, live in the Uzungol region. Long Lake; has protection status such as Natural Protected Area, Special Conservation Environment, and Nature Park.

5. Kayakoy

Kayakoy or formerly Levissi is a well-known neighborhood in the Fethiye district of Mugla.

Kayakoy consists of two very different residential areas. The first of these; Although it is a relatively recent settlement based on the slopes, which was established at the beginning of the 19th century, and also has an important place in tourism, in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire, it reached the size of a town with a population of 3000, all Greek, and its old name was Livissi. Although the houses were in ruins after the 1957 Fethiye Earthquake, it attracts the attention of tourists with their lively museum quality. The other is Kayi Village, which has been mentioned in Ottoman cadastral records since 1512. There are records of Turkmen belonging to the Kayi tribe of the Oghuz Turks settled in the region, especially in the cadastral register number 39. There are big and small churches and fourteen chapels among the places to visit in Kayakoy. There is also a pottery workshop (Comlekhane) next to the small church. It is about forty minutes to go to Soguk Su Koyu, which can only be reached by sea or on foot, from the small church road. With the population exchange that took place in 1923, while the Greeks living in Levissi migrated to Greece, immigrants from Thessaloniki and its surroundings settled in Kayakoy.

Discussions continue regarding the more efficient use of the old Kayakoy from a touristic point of view. Yunus Nadi Abalıoglu (Abalızadelerin Yunus Nadi), the founder of Cumhuriyet newspaper and close colleague of Ataturk, was born in Kayakoy in 1880 when his family came here to the plateau. Kayakoy is one of the tourist stops of Fethiye, which is less frequented, but is preferred by those who go. Indeed, it is impossible not to go to this huge ghost village, which completely covers the slopes of a hill with its half-destroyed historical houses, and it is a place that should be on everyone's list of places to visit in Fethiye.

6. Kalekoy

Kalekoy, is a village in the Demre district in the Antalya Province of Turkey, located between Kas and Demre, on the Mediterranean coast. Kalekoy faces the island of Kekova and can be reached by sea or on foot from Ucagiz.

Kalekoy is overlooked by a Byzantine castle, built in the Middle Ages to fight the pirates who nested in Kekova. The castle contains a small theatre. With its natural beauty, ancient cities, and amazing coastline, Kas is a unique place. Kalekoy, also known as Simena, found in Kas, is interesting and very beautiful. Built on the seaside, Kalekoy is home to the historic ruins of Simena and should be added to your trip to Kas. Kalekoy faces one of Kas’s most iconic places: Kekova Island. Blue as far as the eye can see. Its terraces of narrow streets and quaint houses stretch to the top of the hill. Wandering these streets, you’ll see an endless view of the Mediterranean with every step.

Since it’s far from any main road, this village has managed to preserve its traditional atmosphere. Due to the bad condition of the road, locals traveled to and from solely by boat for years. Kalekoy is home to more beauty than expected from just a single village. Sunken cities, ancient ruins in the sea, and the many beautiful bays that surround the village. There are no cars in the village, just a relaxing silence; you’ll find incredible views around every corner and the air is fresh and clean. This village was declared a ‘Special Protected Area’ in 1990 and an ‘Urban Archeologic Site’ in 2016. Construction is banned in Kalekoy. Even hammering in a single nail is illegal. Home prices are extremely high; it’s one of the country’s most expensive villages.

7. Gumusluk

It is located on the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos in the Aegean Sea. In the knee-deep water that separates the two bays and flows to Rabbit Island (Tavsan Adasi), construction foundation remnants are readily visible. Rabbit Island is reachable on foot from the water, but entry is not permitted.

In contrast to many other tourist attractions, the hillsides around the Gumusluk bay area are protected against future projects, therefore it has not been overexposed. The island provides a panoramic view of Gumusluk bay and beach and contains ancient building ruins disorganized. Gumusluk is larger than only the small region close to Rabbit Island; the actual village extends farther inland. The village of Gumusluk, along with the remainder of the Bodrum district, was integrated into the city of Mula in 2015, which led to the closure of the Gumusluk Municipality (Gumusluk Belediyesi), which had been founded in 1999.

The Gumusluk International Classical Music Festival has been held in the village every year since 2004. The Bodrum Classical Music Association sponsors this festival, which takes place between July and September. This festival is held every year in the ancient stone quarries in Gumusluk's Koyunbaba neighborhood. From this quarry, King Mausolos procured the stones for his mausoleum and castle. Bodrum Castle and other locations on the Bodrum Peninsula also host events. The festival also includes the annual Ahmed Adnan Saygun Piano Competition as well as the Gumusluk Music Academy masterclass program. Along the beachfront of Gumusluk, there are several bars, cafés, and hostels, some of which hold live music performances with both regional and international artists, singers, and DJs. Along the seaside in Gumusluk, there are many well-established restaurants, many of which specialize in fresh fish and shellfish as well as meze and raki. Along the beachfront, two village cafés serve tea and other non-alcoholic beverages along with small nibbles.

In Gumusluk a weekly market is conducted every Wednesday. Local seasonal food, dairy products, handmade clothing, textiles, and housewares are available in this market. Bodrum One of the first sites in Bodrum that come to mind is Gumusluk. With its distinct atmosphere, fishermen lined up on the seafront, and the Gumusluk International Jazz Festival, where notable musicians from Turkey and around the globe perform, the small town has developed a reputation. If you're vacationing in Bodrum, Gumusluk is a "must-see" location. Gumusluk is located on the furthest western edge of the peninsula of Bodrum, which means it is not particularly close to the town center. From the bus station in Bodrum to Gumusluk, buses run frequently. The town is 23 kilometers away and may be reached in 45 minutes. In the summer, the buses run until late at night, but they stop running early in the winter. The same is true for buses heading to Bodrum from Gumusluk.

Gumusluk has a long, illustrious history. The region has been significantly impacted by the Lelegians and the Persian satrap Mausolos. Around this region, which was afterward submerged under water by the earthquakes, Mausolos erected Myndos. When visiting Rabbit Island, the most well-known tourist destination, you would stroll over the town's ruins, but you are no longer permitted to enter the island. By driving to Rabbit Island or using snorkeling equipment, you can still see the ruins. Another place to go in Gumusluk is Ecclesia. The 400-year-old rock-built Orthodox chapel has been transformed into an art center. There are a lot of concerts held here during the summer, including jazz and classical music performances by performers from all over the world. Therefore, as a historical structure and a center for the arts, Ecclesia Church is among the most significant and unique locations in the area. Gumusluk is a greatly sought-after travel destination despite being a small town. As thousands of people visit this area for vacation throughout the summer, there are numerous hotels.

8. Assos

Assos, also known as Behramkale or just Behram, is a tiny town in Turkey's Anakkale Province with a rich historical past. The city was also known as Apollonia when Pliny the Elder lived there in the first century CE. Aristotle and Xenocrates left the Platonic Academy in Athens and traveled to Assos, where King Hermias welcomed them and allowed them to establish an academy. Pythias, Hermias' adopted daughter, was also Aristotle's wife. Aristotle rose to the position of chief of a group of philosophers in the Academy of Assos, where he collaborated on original zoological and biological observations. King Hermias was apprehended and killed during the Persian invasion of Assos. When King Philip II of Macedon took power, Aristotle fled to that country. He taught Alexander the Great, Philip's son, there. At the town's entrance, there is a contemporary statue of Aristotle. Luke the Evangelist and Paul the Apostle both traveled to Assos, according to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 20:13–14). Assos is a coastal hideaway on the Aegean coast today surrounded by historic ruins. It has been included in Turkey's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites since 2017.

Even though the town's actual name is Behramkale, the majority of people still refer to it as Assos. The settlement is located on the southern tip of the Biga Peninsula, also known as Troad in ancient times. The Adramyttian Gulf (Edremit Korfezi) coast is where Assos is situated. The ancient Temple of Athena, which was constructed on a trachyte cliff, provides a good view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, the surrounding cities of Lesbos, Pergamum, and Mount Ida in Phrygia may all be seen from this temple. The Tuzla River runs to the north. Two enormous Hellenic columns still stand in the northwest as the city's entrance and are still a bustling metropolis, many of Assos' ancient structures are in ruins today. It continues to function as a port for the Troad. The ruins of the 530 BC Doric order Temple of Athena are located on the acropolis, 238 meters above sea level. There are still six of the 38 original columns. The main entrance with 14-meter-high (46-foot) towers and the city wall from the fourth century BC is still visible to the west of the Acropolis. The gate opens to the northeast, where there are the remains of a bouleuterion, an agora, and a sizable gym from the second century BC. A 5,000-seat theater constructed in the third century BC is located further south, close to the coast.

A tiny pebbly beach exists. Both boat trips and hamlet visits are available. Although the steep, narrow road leading to the hamlet has tremendous drops, automobiles and minibusses are constantly coming to the seafront from dawn until dusk. Archaeologists in Assos, Turkey, discovered a 1,500-year-old stone oven from the Byzantine era and a 2,200-year-old lion sculpture from the Hellenistic era. Professor Nurettin Arslan claims that the statue was discovered within a building that had served as an inn for much of that time. Additionally, one discovery from that period included a cooking burner with three pots.

9. Ayvali

Its previous name was Hosor. In Georgian sources, it is sometimes referred to as Hosori.  The settlement, which is situated in the historic Tao region, was taken from the Georgians by the Ottomans in the sixteenth century. This name must have come from Georgian to Turkish.

10. Ayder Plateau

Located 19 kilometers to the southeast of the Camlihemsin district of Rize, Ayder is a plateau with spruce and beech forests at a height of 1350 meters. The people of Hala Valley founded it in the thirteenth century. Although residents of Hala Valley have used Ayder for amusement, it has never been used as a plateau. People from the area take a break in the thermal spring in Ayder as they migrate from Hala village to their highlands (Kavrun, Ceymakcur, and Paákcur). According to researcher Metehan Mollamehmetoglu, in the early 1900s, Ayder served as a rest stop for locals. The spa has been around since the 1700s.

The people who live in the Hala Valley use three plateaus with the names Ayder, Asa Ceymakcur, and Yukar Ceymakcur. They travel to Lower Ceymakcur in June, Upper Ceymakcur in July, and Ayder in May. Grass-cutting celebrations known as Hodoc are held in Ayder in August on the route to Asa Ceymakcur. They would go for Ayder in September and come back to the town of Hala in October. Ayder was until recently considered a highland by the locals. Ayder Plateau developed as a hub for both tourism and entertainment.

11. Old Greek Settlement of Mustafapasa

In the Nevsehir Province's Urgup district is the town of Mustafapasa. It is located west of Gomeda Valley and 5 kilometers away from Urgup and 27 kilometers away from Nevsehir. Sinasos was Mustafapasa's previous name during the Ottoman Empire's reign. The population was diverse and the majority of the population was made up of Turks who were Muslims, followed by Greeks and Karamanlides (Christians who spoke Turkish). Despite living in an area distant from the sea, Sinasiotes (Greeks from Sinasos) who immigrated to Istanbul were well-known for trading fish, particularly caviar. Due to the wealth of Istanbul, the small town had a lot of ornate homes.

In addition, agriculture used to be the mainstay of the local economy. However, the village is a part of Cappadocia, a popular tourist destination in Turkey famous for fairy chimneys and ancient churches carved out of rock. The village is now surrounded by hotels catering to tourists. Thermal tourism is another expectation

Anciently known as Sinasos, Mustafapasa is an ancient Greek settlement. 6 kilometers from Urgup and 25 kilometers from Nevsehir separate Mustafapasa, one of Cappadocia's natural hotspots. When visiting Urgup, you should spend as much time as you would in any other location in this attractive town that exudes history because Mustafapasa is so rich in tourist attractions.

Museum of Art and History in Cappadocia is a private museum connected to the Ministry of Culture that was founded in a 150-year-old mansion that was later refurbished. The museum is the first in Turkey with this function and displays a different aesthetic by using dolls to explain the story of Cappadocian culture. We recommend that you visit this museum if you have any interest in the historical developments, the art, or the culture of Cappadocia.

The dolls displayed in the museum are entirely handmade and imported from other countries; none of them are manufactured. Every day but Monday, between 10:00 and 18:00, the museum is open for visits. Gomeda Valley, which is located on the west side of Mustafapasa Town, is also known as "little Ihlara" or "Bey Stream Valley." Horror films have also explored the valley's natural formation, which is concealed in Cappadocia and less well-known than the others. Along with the Gomeda Ruins at the valley's entrance, churches, monasteries, and pigeon houses can be found on the valley's slopes if you follow Bey Creek. If you have a flashlight with you and want to add a little mystery to your journey, imagine that the valley is filled with numerous dark tunnels and caves. Your tour will be in a vibrant setting thanks to the valley's greenery. As you relax on the branches of fruit-filled trees, you may observe butterflies flitting in the background.

12. Lavender Kuyucak

Kuyucak Community today has 3000 hectares of lavender planted there, compared to the barren, empty fields it once had. During the lavender season, tour buses regularly circulate the small village. When you visit Kuyucak Village, speak with the locals there, and purchase lavender goods from the aunts' stalls, you may better comprehend the project's success in generating employment through lavender production, enhancing tourism, and creating an additional source of income. With this passion for lavender, they are all really happy. It has produced a whole new living area designed in particular for the village ladies.

Lavender purple only blooms for up to three weeks, so if you don't visit during that time, you'll only see a round bush and be let down. Lavender typically starts blooming in June and is harvested in the second week of July. In other words, the end of June and the start of July are the best times to view the village's most stunning features. You can still observe uncropped fields through mid-July because the harvest is still happening piecemeal. The seasons can change, however, and the world is not always connected. There is, however it's in Burdur, directly next door, in Lavanta Stream. By automobile, it takes 20 to 30 minutes.

For many, first-time visitors to Turkey, Kuyucak lies off the beaten path because it is less well-known than Cappadocia or Istanbul. According to T+L A-List advisor Engin Kadaster, the lavender-covered slopes of Kuyucak are somewhat of a happy accident. The hub of our rose production is located in this village, which is interesting, according to Kadaster. Twenty lavender stalks were brought from France by one of the rose growers. They had virtually little when they began. Then the villagers began planting it.

According to Kadaster, "they produce  90% of the lavender for Turkey, some of which is exported as lavender oil." Summer vacation can be your best bet if you want to see the plants in their full glory. Kadaster stated that it "starts to blossom somewhere in late May or early June, and in July the entire area smells of lavender."

Turkey's lake area, which is home to beautiful natural scenery and historic cities, is where Kuyucak is conveniently located. Lake Salda, which some have compared to Turkey's Maldives, is only two hours drive from the settlement. Termessos, one of Turkey's best-preserved ancient cities, is also two hours away. Both natural and historical wonders can be found here, according to Kadaster. As well as all the beauty that results from the growth of these roses and this lavender. It is astounding.

13. Ucagiz

Ucagiz, which is a coastal city, was formerly known as Theimeussa. Theimeussa's history isn't well recognized despite it being situated on a natural harbor. We do know that this city was a city of sailors and that it was one of the cities that founded the Lycian League.

Ucagiz looks out toward Kekova Island, one of Kas' most unique locations. One of Turkey's largest Mediterranean islands, which is today unconnected to the settlement, was originally connected to it. When you arrive in Ucagiz, you'll be welcomed by submerged historic cities, pristine bays, and brightly colored islands that seem to be made of emeralds. Many travelers from throughout the world visit this place. Every year, tourists from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan visit Ucagiz and its surroundings.

Due to its distance from any major roadways, Ucagiz has been able to maintain its tranquility and beauty. One of the few Mediterranean coastal towns that have not been impacted by mass tourism is this one. It's completely dissimilar to the common image of a village we have in our imaginations, with its neighboring submerged city and turquoise bays. On the Mediterranean coast, many of the seaside villages have expanded and become towns, but Ucagiz has escaped this fate. Ucagiz has an aura that is unsurpassed because of its historic buildings and buried city walls. In the summer, the port in front of the village is crowded with yachts and daily passenger boats. As serene as a lake, Ucagiz Bay is ideal for watersports lessons.

Ucagiz is a calm, tranquil beach town that is even more so in the winter. Only a few visitors who arrive in private boats spend a few hours in the village because daily boat trips are suspended during this time. The community comes to life in the spring when everything turns green. The harbor starts to fill up with vessels as the boat tours start.

You'll have plenty of time to explore the village after arriving by boat in Ucagiz. You can browse the gift shops or eat fresh seafood in one of the restaurants along the beachfront. Of course, swimming in the clear, tranquil sea is the finest thing to do in Ucagiz on a hot day. You'll have a great time paddling around if you rent a kayak from one of the kayaking schools. Both a boat and a plane can take you to Ucagiz. There are two alternative routes you can take if you want to travel by land, depending on whether you're coming from Demre or Kas.

In the village, there aren't many hotels or hostels. The most popular tourist activity is a boat tour. Taking a Kekova boat excursion will give you some insight. Ucagiz's ability to combine tranquility, natural beauty, and historical significance is impressive. You are sure to find serenity by staying in the extremely peaceful area where few people dwell because tourists do not want to stay here. There are no upscale restaurants or coffee shops. The average age of those who reside in the village and those who work at the restaurant and hostel is very high.

What are the Remote Mountain Villages in Turkey

Remote Mountain Villages in Turkey are listed below:

• Derekoy
• Kayakoy
• Savasan Village
• Sazak Village
• Dark Village (Karanlik Koy)
• Old Bare Village (Eski Ciplak Koyu)
• Sandima
• The Village of Zaz
• Cokene

What are the Characteristics of Turkish Villages?

They are remote, friendly, and very natural. There are not many roads or big shopping locations. If you prefer nature over city life, Turkish villages are perfect for you.

Can Foreigners Live in Turkish Villages?

While it is possible, it is very hard. You most likely will have to learn the Turkish language because it would be very hard to find someone who speaks English. In villages, it is also hard to find places to shop because they are far between.

Is Life Safe in Turkish Villages?

Generally life is safe in Turkey. Turkish villages have thigh-knit communities that look out for each other.

Are Holidays Made in Turkish Villages?

There are many holiday opportunities in Turkish villages. You can choose any place from our article and enjoy a good holiday.

What is Nesin Mathematics Village?

Nesin Mathematics Village is a summer camp and educational center in Turkey that is focused on mathematics and science education. It was founded in 1995 by the Turkish mathematician Ali Nesin and is located in the town of Şirince, near İzmir. The village offers a variety of educational programs and activities, including math and science classes, workshops, and lectures for students of all ages. The goal of Nesin Mathematics Village is to promote a love of mathematics and science and to provide a supportive and enriching learning environment for students.

In addition to its educational programs, Nesin Mathematics Village also serves as a research center and a retreat for mathematicians and scientists. The village has a library with a large collection of math and science books, and it hosts conferences, seminars, and other events related to mathematics and science. The village is open to the public and is visited by many students, teachers, and other members of the mathematics and science communities from Turkey and around the world. One of the unique aspects of Nesin Mathematics Village is its emphasis on experiential learning.

Students are encouraged to explore and discover mathematics and science through hands-on activities and projects, rather than just learning from textbooks or lectures. This approach helps students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subjects, and it can also be more engaging and enjoyable for them. Overall, Nesin Mathematics Village is an important resource for mathematics and science education in Turkey and beyond, and it has had a significant impact on the promotion of these subjects among students and educators.