PodcastWestern Turkey village predicted to survive Mayan apocalypse struggles with COVID-19 pandemic
The village of Şirince, known for the prediction that it would survive the 2012 Mayan apocalypse, has been struggling with COVID-19 as the pandemic essentially shut down almost all local businesses.
Duvar English
The village of Şirince in the western province of Izmir, known for its mention in the Mayan prediction for doom, is deserted in a season where it would be bustling with visitors.
Şirince was famed worldwide in 2012 as it was predicted to be the only town to survive the Mayan belief of an apocalypse on 12/21/2012.
Dating back to the fifth century, Şirince continues to be a popular tourist destination and hosts about two million tourists annually.
Usually home to nearly 4,000 tourists daily in spring, Şirince has been deserted for two months because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
While local businesses are hoping to receive clients by June, the district governor said that they have complete faith that Şirince will return to its original activity.
"We will monitor the number of people in the village at once, take visitors' temperature, watch social distancing and mandate that everyone wears masks," District Governor Ekrem Inci said.
Şirince restaurants will offer disposable cups, cutlery and plates when they open, Inci added.