ŞILE, TURKEY
Şile, Turkey is resort town located on the Black Sea coast in the Istanbul Province. Sile’s expansive beaches are a popular summer destination for residences of Istanbul looking to escape the heat of summer. Although the town has a population of 35,000, it triples in size during the peak season. In addition to its beaches, Şile is known for having the largest lighthouse in Turkey. The town also is home to the ruins of a Genoese fortress that overlooks the harbor. Şile is also well-known for the production of a light-weight cotton fabric called Şile Bezi or Şile Cloth. The fabric is particularly popular during the summer months and many shops sell clothing and home textiles made from Şile Bezi.