Elmali which reaches deep into the history at every step and reflects the Anatolian culture through its ancient markets, bazaars and narrow streets is an ancient settlement site established near the Mountain Elmali. The area which carries the allure of the past into the present has a major tourism potential thanks to its climate, natural assets and Cedar Forests.

The houses which ornament the district through their bay windows, old style windows and bright colors are still fully upright as if to speak today back from the very old times. The wooden Elmali Houses with double bay windows which are the source of inspiration for not only the life, but also for those times of beholding, feature an authentic structure as much, at least, as that of the Safranbolu Houses and have achieved to preserve most of their unique characteristics up to the present time.

Cedar trees, which the area is blessed with, were used in abundance in their structure made of wood, an architectural element of these houses which are at least 500 years old. They are among the unparalleled examples reflecting the Anatolian culture thanks to the stylized trees, floral motives and hexagonal stars used in their ornamentation.

Yesil Kapi (the Green Gate) is the most beautiful example as may be treated among the Elmali Houses. The wood craftsmanship of this structure built in 1600 is a surprisingly subtle work of art.

In Elmali mantled with forests, another and the most splendid one of the structures in which wood is used as an architectural material is Aylar Sokagi (the Street of Months) at the Tahtamescit Quarter of Elmali where it is possible to witness, step by step, the traces of the history. The restoration activities of the Elmali historical houses are further under way.