Efkere – Darsiyak

Kayabağ, formerly known as Darsiyak, and the adjacent Efkere dam reservoir, are located within the Gesi district of Kayseri. This idyllic spot is featured on our page as a place well worth visiting. Darsiyak boasts a large freshwater spring; you can see the source of the water and even make a wish there. The water feeds the Efkere dam reservoir and is also used for drinking.

As you travel from Efkere to Darsiyak, you'll encounter dozens of birdhouses along the way; there's nowhere else in Kayseri where you can see so many. Speaking of birdhouses, for those unfamiliar with them, a birdhouse is a type of bird nest architecture that dates back to ancient times. It's a structure with a chimney for birds to enter and exit, a lower entrance for collecting eggs and droppings, and numerous cavities where many birds can build their nests.

There is also a Greek monastery in Darsiyak. I heard from the villagers that its name is Yanartaş Greek Monastery, and I investigated the reason for the name: According to the villagers, there was a stone in the oval area above the monastery's entrance gate, which is now empty, that was bought with money collected by the villagers (Greeks) of that time. This stone was very expensive and could only be found in Russia. A special feature of the stone was that when moonlight fell on it at night, it would cast rainbow-like colors over the village. Therefore, the monastery was called Yanartaş Greek Monastery. They say that there were hazelnut trees in the monastery's garden, and until recently, hazelnuts could even be harvested there. There was also a large pool in the monastery's garden.

Darsiyak is also home to a wild fruit called gilaburu. This small, red fruit, which doesn't have a very pleasant taste, is said to be beneficial for kidney problems.

Currently, the village is inhabited mostly by people who leave for the city center or even outside the city during the winter and return in the summer. Stone houses, fountains, a coffee house, a mosque, and a school are among the main architectural features. The stone houses, in particular, are unique examples of old Ottoman and Greek architecture.

The sound of flowing water, walnut trees, and plenty of fresh air make this a perfect spot for a picnic; I highly recommend visiting and seeing it.