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Description
This is an emerging intentional community project in the hills of northern Türkiye, near the town of Kavak in Samsun Province. We began this project from a shared desire to explore a different way of living—one that is rooted in ecological responsibility, meaningful human connection, and a closer relationship with the natural world.
Rather than rushing to build, we have chosen to begin with an observation year. Three of us are living on the land full-time, carefully studying its seasonal rhythms, water flows, soil conditions, biodiversity, weather patterns, and ecological relationships. Inspired by permaculture principles, we believe that good design begins with listening. Our goal is to understand the land deeply before making long-term decisions, allowing the future community to grow in harmony with the place rather than imposing a preconceived plan upon it.
This is not only an ecological experiment but also a social one. Alongside learning from the land, we are exploring what it means to live and work together in a more cooperative and conscious way. We practice sociocracy, a collaborative form of governance that emphasizes participation, transparency, shared responsibility, and consent-based decision-making. We are inspired by ecovillages, intentional communities, and regenerative cultures around the world, while adapting these ideas to our own local context. We are a vegan community, reflecting our values and commitment to ecological responsibility, nonviolence, and reducing our impact on other living beings.
Between us, we bring experience in community governance, facilitation, education, therapeutic work, and social change. Like many people, we have spent years navigating fast-paced modern life and have chosen to invest our energy in creating something slower, more grounded, and more connected.
In the long term, we hope to develop a small but resilient ecological community that can serve as a place for learning, exchange, and regeneration—for both people and land. We are still at the beginning of that journey. What exists today is not a finished ecovillage but the first foundations of one: a living experiment shaped by observation, cooperation, and a willingness to learn as we go.
We welcome people who are curious about ecological living, intentional community, and alternative ways of organizing life together. If you are interested in participating in the early stages of a project that is still evolving, we would be happy to share this journey with you, and we will remember each of our volunteers as one of the contributors of this exciting beginning of our dream.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Interests
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Writing
Music
Languages
Drawing & painting
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Dancing
Vegetarian or vegan
Self development
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
LGBTQ
Performing arts
Photography
Plant care
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Architecture
Art & design
Animals
Mountain
Nature
Camping
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learning happens primarily through participation. Rather than attending a structured course, you become part of daily life on the land and learn through shared work, conversations, observation, and community living.
Depending on your interests and the timing of your stay, you may gain experience with permaculture observation methods, community governance methods, gardening, composting, ecological infrastructure, water and land stewardship, and the practical realities of creating a low-impact way of life. Because we are still in the early stages of the project, volunteers have a unique opportunity to witness and contribute to the foundational phase of an intentional community.
This is also a place of social learning. We regularly practice sociocracy, a collaborative governance system used by many intentional communities and organizations around the world. Volunteers interested in community-building, facilitation, collective decision-making, conflict transformation, or alternative forms of organization are welcome to observe and, where appropriate, participate in these processes.
Cultural exchange takes place through shared daily life. We come from different backgrounds and experiences, and we learn from one another through conversations, meals, work projects, storytelling, and the challenges and joys of living together. Cooking and eating vegan food, and caring for shared spaces are all part of the experience.
Beyond practical skills, many people value the opportunity to slow down. Life on the land offers space to reconnect with nature, spend time away from the pace of urban life, observe seasonal rhythms, and experience a simpler and more intentional way of living.
Whether you come to learn practical ecological skills, explore intentional community, contribute to a meaningful project, or simply experience a different rhythm of life, we hope your stay will be both enriching and memorable.
Help
As we are still in the early stages of establishing life on the land, the work is varied and changes with the season, weather, and current priorities of the project. Volunteers support both practical daily life and the gradual development of ecological infrastructure.
Tasks may include preparing and maintaining garden beds, planting, mulching, composting, improving soil, collecting natural materials, helping with simple structures, maintaining paths and communal spaces, processing firewood, carrying and managing water, and supporting the setup and upkeep of systems such as compost toilets, storage areas, and outdoor living spaces.
Daily life is also a shared responsibility. Everyone contributes to cooking, washing dishes, cleaning communal areas, and helping maintain a functional and welcoming living environment. We see these activities as an important part of community life rather than separate from it.
Because this is an observation year, some activities involve slowing down and paying attention rather than constantly building. Volunteers may help document seasonal changes, wildlife observations, weather patterns, vegetation, and other ecological features of the land. Patience and curiosity are often as valuable as practical skills.
People with experience or interest in photography, videography, writing, social media, mapping, design, or documentation are also welcome to contribute to recording and sharing the project's development, though these skills are entirely optional.
No special experience is required. What matters most is a willingness to participate, communicate openly, take initiative when appropriate, and work collaboratively with others.
This experience is likely to be a good fit for people who enjoy outdoor living, hands-on work, learning new skills, and being part of an evolving project. It may be less suitable for those looking for a highly structured program, a finished ecovillage, or a fast-paced building project with fixed plans and schedules.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Turkish: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer simple, nature-based accommodation on our land in rural Samsun/Kavak in the Black Sea region of Türkiye.
Most volunteers stay in their own tents, surrounded by open space, forests, and the rhythms of outdoor living. If you do not have a tent, we can arrange one for you, as well as bedding. We also have a large shared heated tent with internet connection that serves as a communal gathering and sleeping space and can accommodate several people when needed.
Living conditions are intentionally simple; we're staying in temporary structures to observe the land and reduce impact while we're getting to know our human, animal, plant, and fungi neighbours, as well as our life-givers: the soil, water, air, and the sun. We are still in the early stages of developing the project, and facilities are basic rather than modern. This is not a retreat center, guesthouse, or finished ecovillage. Instead, it is an opportunity to experience a slower, more grounded way of living close to nature and alongside others who are helping create the project.
Daily life follows a communal rhythm. We share meals, work together, spend time outdoors, and contribute to the ongoing care of the land and living spaces. Evenings often include conversations around the fire, shared activities, games, workshops, or simply enjoying the quiet of the countryside.
All meals on the land are plant-based. Ingredients are provided, and everyone participates in a cooking and kitchen-care rotation that includes preparing meals, washing dishes, and helping keep shared spaces clean and functional.
The land is peaceful and relatively remote (15 minutes drive to the nearest town), offering a chance to disconnect from the pace of urban life and reconnect with nature. Depending on the season, you can expect fresh air, starry skies, changing weather, wildlife encounters, and the experience of living more directly with the natural environment.
This experience is best suited to people who enjoy camping, outdoor living, simplicity, and community. Flexibility, self-responsibility, and a positive attitude toward shared living will help you get the most from your stay.
What else ...
Outside of volunteer hours, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the surrounding landscape, connect with others, or simply slow down and rest.
The land is located in a rural area near the town of Kavak in Samsun Province, surrounded by forests, hills, meadows, and wildlife. In your free time, you can explore nearby walking routes, spend time observing nature, read, journal, practice yoga or meditation, join conversations around the fire, play games, or participate in informal workshops and skill-sharing sessions that often emerge within the community.
Kavak town is a short drive away (15 minutes) and provides access to shops, cafés, markets, and basic services. We visit the town to do shopping regulary and can give you a ride. The city of Samsun, located on the Black Sea coast, can be reached by public transportation (1 hour) and offers beaches, museums, cultural events, restaurants, and urban amenities for those wishing to explore the region further.
The Black Sea region is known for its green landscapes, forests, traditional villages, and rich local culture. Depending on the season, visitors may have opportunities to explore nearby villages, local markets, festivals, and natural areas.
Transportation to the project is relatively straightforward. Samsun has an international airport with domestic and some international connections, and long-distance buses connect Samsun to major cities throughout Türkiye. We can provide detailed arrival information and pick you up from Kavak once your visit is confirmed.
Many people appreciate the balance that life here offers: there is space for meaningful social connection and shared activities, but also plenty of quiet time for reflection, creativity, and being alone in nature when desired.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have stable internet connection in our main yurt.
Space for parking camper vans
We have plenty of room for workawayers who wish to arrive in campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
We love our animal friends! Please let us know of their needs when you apply and we'll make sure they're treated as one of the community members.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
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