“Domuzdere” it was once called. Now Gümüşdere Köyü Camii stands here. We are in Istanbul. We are in the Sarıyer district. This area is Gümüşdere Mahallesi.
Gümüşdere Köyü Camii is more than just a building. It is a place of community. It is a landmark in this vibrant Istanbul neighborhood. The mosque’s story is woven into the village’s past.
Once, the village was known as Domuzdere. This name came from the pigs raised here. Over time, the village changed. After the republic was established the name was changed to Gümüşdere. The name change came from a silver mine in the area.
The original inhabitants of Gümüşdere were Rum. In 1923 and 1924 an exchange happened. The Rum people went to Greece. Muslim Pomaks came from Greece to Gümüşdere. The village became Pomak.
Not much remains of the old days. There is a church that reminds us of Domuzdere’s history. No one knows when the church was built or for whom. After the population exchange the church was used as a mosque for a while. Later it became a village depot.
The Gümüşdere Köyü Camii itself was built later. Its foundation was laid in 1963. It opened for worship in 1969. So the Gümüşdere Köyü Camii does not have historical significance.
The villagers of Gümüşdere have always been gardeners. The Rum were known for vineyards. They were famous for their wines. After they left vineyards were replaced by gardens. Gümüşdere grows many vegetables. It supplies Sarıyer and other districts. You can find seasonal vegetables here all year.
Some parts of Gümüşdere are forests. There is a beach. Many families camp and spend holidays here. The Gümüşdere Köyü Agricultural Development Cooperative manages the beach.
The Gümüşdere Köyü Agricultural Development Cooperative was founded in 1972. The village also has a sports club. In 1999, the Tulya Kurtulan Equestrian Academy was founded.
Gümüşdere has a population around 2,000. Many people know about the hardworking Pomak women. They work hard in the fields. They grow many vegetables.
So Gümüşdere Köyü Camii may not be ancient. But it stands in a place with a long story. It reminds us of the changes the village has seen. It is part of the living history of Istanbul.