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Recreation & Sports |
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SKIING Winter sports resorts in Turkey are generally located in forested mountains of ave rage height. The following ski centres are easily accessible by road or by Turkish Airli nes domestic flights. Bursa - Uludag: This ski centre 36 km south of Bursa is accessible along a good asphalt road or by cable - car. The ski area lies between 1800-1900 m and the best season is from December to April. A wide range of accommodation is available in ho tels, in family chalets and apres ski facilities. At the resort there are chair-lifts, three ski-lifts, slalom and giant slalom courses, beginner's slopes and a small hospital. Skis, equipment, and instructors are available for hire. Total bed capacity is 3,500. Antalya - Saklikent Situated north east of Bakirli dagi the Beydag mountain range, 50 km north west of Antalya, at a height of 2000 m. Accommodation is available in guest house/chalets and there are restaurants, shops and a supermarket. The best season is from January to April. The special attraction of this centre is that in March and April one can ski in the mornings then drive down to the coast and swim in the warm waters of the Medite rranean in the afternoons. Bolu-Kartalkaya This resort situated on the Istanbul - Ankara highway 50 km from Bolu is surroun ded by pinewoods, the ski area Iying between 1500 and 2200 m. Kartal Hotel 1 and 2 with a total 743 bed capacity have a swimming pool, ski-lift and equipment for hire, and ski instructors are available. Erzurum-Palandoken This centre is 6 km from Erzurum along a good road, Iying at an altitude of 2200 to 3100 m with some of the longest and most difficult courses and best snow conditions in Turkey, making it an ideal location for international ski competitions. Accommoda tion is available at a 140 bed centrally heated ski lodge with telephone, restaurant, chair - lift and ski instructors and equipment are available for hire. Also there are a number of hotels in Erzurum. December to April is the most suitable season. Kars - Sarikamis Situated near Kars at 2250 m, this ski centre also has good courses and ideal snow conditions, the area is also noted for its hunting. One can stay in the town itself or at the 60 bed capacity centrally heated ski lodge with ski-lift and ski instructors avai lable. Best season is December to April. Kayseri - Erciyes This ski centre lies at 2150 m on the eastern face of Erciyes Dagl, Tekir Yaylasi (plateau), 25 km from Kayseri. The season is from November to May and there is a 135 bed capacity ski lodge and good courses, a ski - lift and babylift, ski instructors and equipment are available. Ankara - Elmadag This is a lovely place to relax, 23 km out of Ankara, to get fresh air and to dine far away from the clamour and air pollution of the city. There is a 10 room (33 beds) hotel, chalets (130 beds), a pleasantly decorated a la carte restaurant, a snack bar/ discotheque, and parking. llgaz Dagi Situated between Kastamonu and Cankiri at the junction of the Istanbul- Kastamonu, Ankara-Kastamonu roads. In the llgaz National Park amidst beautiful wo odlands the slopes lie at 1820-2000m. There are picnic facilities, chalets (50 beds) and good hunting in the area. Zigana - Gumushane This centre is 30 km from Gumushane, and lies at an altitude of 1870 m above a pine forested valley. There is a ski-lift, cafeteria and a restaurant. The season is from December to the end of April. MOUNTAINEERING In order to ascend the Buyuk Agri and Cilo-Sat ranges foreign mountaineering groups must have special permission from the authorities concerned. For further infor mation and to contact such Turkish groups, apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, An kara. Tel: (0-312) 212 51 25. It is generally advisable to inform the Turkish Mountaineering Club, of the region and time of the intended climb, before the trip: the Club will then inform the relevant authorities in the region so that they will be prepared to assist, should it be necessary. Buyuk Agri Mountain This is the highest mountain (5137 m) in Turkey with its peak totally capped by a glacier. The best season for the trip is July - October . Dogubayazit is the starting point for climbing the southern face, via the village of Top,catan. A plateau leads to this hig hest mountain (5137m) in Anatolia. This mountain is also legendary for its friendly pe ople. Cilo - Sat Mountains In this range in the east are numerous glaciers, lakes and streams and so it is an ideal region for mountaineering and rambling. The best season for climbing and hiking is June to September. The starting point is the high plateau of Mercan, 5 hours walk from the gendarme post of Zap (18 km from Hakkari). Access to the Gelyasin Peak (4135 m) is via the high plateau of Serpil and access to the Kisara Peak (3752 m) is via the village of Kursin and So. The track to the Samdi Peak and the surrounding gla ciers starts from the "Sat Gevaruk" Pasture. The glacier lake Bay Golu surrounded by alpine flora lies at 2700 m altitude. Kackar Mountains Stretching for 30 km parallel to the Black Sea between Rize and Hopa, these ran ges have peaks up to 3932 m in height with numerous glaciers, lakes, forests and hot springs. The mountains are divided into four massifs: Vercenik, Kackar (Kavron), Alti parmak and Hunut. Although all of these massifs have camping, climbing and hiking areas, the most popular of these treks is the Trans-Kackar route starting from the Ayder village, known for its beauty and hot springs. You may travel by car to the west to enter the foot hills of the Trans - Kackar route all the way up to Asagi Kavron, where you continue on foot from Yukari Kavron to the Bogazcayiri natural camping area. From here the summit of Kackar is about 7 to 9 hours trek at an altitude of 3932 m. When you come down on the Eastern side you can also visit the Buyuk Cay Valley going on to Yaylalar Village and from there again by car on to Barhal. This entire area is well known for its friendly people and hospitable neighbors. Erciyes Mountain This extinct volcano, the highest peak (3917 m) in central Anatolia, lies to the south of Kayseri. The Tekir Plateau is a recreation area in summer and a good skiing area in winter and it is reached via Hisarcik. The plateau is also the starting point for ascending the peak trom the north face. The climb there and back takes about 10-12 hours, and on the plateau is a 100 bed capacity chalet. Another route goes over the glacier called Sutdonduran. Ala Mountains Situated 60 km south east of Nigde running in an east direction. The Yedi Goller Plateau lies at 3100 m and is surrounded by high peaks. The ideal season for ascen ding is June to September and the mountains are accessible via Nigde, Camardi and Cukurbag. The starting point for ascending the Demirkazik (at 3756 m, there and back 9-10 hours) is Sokullupinar, about 3 hours walk from Cukurbag. Starting from Yedi Go ller Vadisi (Valley of the Seven Lakes) one can ascend up to Kizilkaya (3725 m, there and back in 10 hours), and Direktas (3470 m -10 hours). For ascending in the Kaldi group, the highest peak of which is 3734 m, the base camp should be made on the Si nekli Plateau. Suphan Mountain This is the third highest peak (4059 m) in Turkey and has a crater lake. Starting from Adilcevaz the trip to the top and back takes about three days. Bolkar Mountains They are situated in the middle of the Toros Mountains. Lying on the Ankara - Adana road the best starting points, in order to reach the peaks of Kizilyar (3654 m) and Turasan (3499 m), are Maden village near Ciftehan and Elmapinar near Camalan. Bey Mountains These mountains are situated to the west of Antalya and reach a height of 3086 meters. The best starting points are from Antalya - Kemer and Antalya-and Elmali Climbing is possible year round. The trip to the top of Klzlar Sivrisi (3086 m) and back can be made in a day by camping in Sedir forest. Mt. Tahtali (2344 m) can be reached from Kemer. Driving to Soguk Plnar and camping there, the climb is easily made. The view of the Mediterranean, from the top, attracts many climbers. Mercan (Munzur) Mountains Ranging from 3462 m to 3500 m this range lies between Tunceli and Erzincan. The highest peaks are north of Ovacik. Hasan Mountain Situated south of Aksaray at a height of 3250 m Hasan Mountain is accessible from all directions. The ideal starting points are Ta,splnar on the Ankara - Adana road and the village of Helvadere in the Ihlara Valley. Route plans and mountaineering guides are available from the Tourist Information Offices of the respective regions. YACHTING For entrance formalities, see the section "Frontier Formalities". The coastline of Turkey, often green, rocky and indented with bays, coves, inlets, and a number of an cient sites near to safe mooring spots, is perfect for yachting. Sailing in Turkish waters Some recommendations:
When to sail along the Turkish coast In summer, the winds normally blow from the northwest to the southeast on the central and southern Aegean. This wind is commonly called the "meltem", although in some areas such as at Cesme, izmir and Kusadasi, it is called the "imbat." In the early and late summer, the "meltem" blows less strongly and there are days of little or no wind at all. Generally, the meltem will die at night and then resume the next day around midday. It can also blow day and night for days on end in the gulfs. The wind follows the coast from the west and becomes weaker towards the heads of the gulfs. Gusts are particularly violent off the north coast of the Gulf of Gokova and the Gulf of Hisaronu. The meltem also comes in a westerly direction along the Mediterranean coast as far as the Gulf of Finike. Around the Gulf of Antalya, there are both land and sea breezes with the latter pre dominating generally from between the south and southwest. In the morning there will often be a land breeze blowing from the north. Winds in the spring and autumn are al most equally divided between north and south, but in winter, winds and gales are pre dominantly from the south. There is a meteorological bulletin on VHF 16, and 67, in English and Turkish, for the Mediterranean and Aegean region (Bodrum, Kusadasl, Marmaris, Antalya, Finike, Alanya, Anamur, and Mersin). It is broadcast everyday at 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 21:00 hrs. Each broadcast is repeated twice at five minute intervals. For further in formation contact: Ankara - Cevre Bakanligi, Devlet Meteoroloji Gn. Md., 06120-Kalaba. Tel: (0-312) 359-7545, Fax: 3593430. Marinas and resorts All ports of entry in Turkey (listed in the section "Frontier Formalities") are in a po sition to receive sailboats all year round. Supplies (food and motor fuel) are also avai lable. Marinas provide mooring, maintenance, reparation and dry dock facilities, and tou rist, social and cultural services for yachtsmen. The marinas of istanbul Atakoy, istanbul Kalamis, Izmir, Levent Marina, Cesme Altin Yunus, Kusadasi, Marmaris Netsel, Marmaris Albatros, Marmaris Bay Marina, Kemer Turban, Fethiye Club Marina and Antalya Setur Marina. Antalya Setur Marina, which is managed by the Tourism Bank of Turkey, as is the holiday village of Altin Yunus at Cesme, are open all year round and are fully equipped.
Marina capacities
Sea Land
Istanbul Atakoy 700 100
Istanbul Kalamis 540 200
Istanbul Fenerbahce 1250 200
Izmir Levent 70 60
Cesme Altinyunus 125 70
Kusadasi Turban 450 175
Bodrum Turban 275 -
Marmaris Bay Marina 50 70
Marmaris Netsel 720 150
Marmaris Albatros 150 350
Gocek Club Marina 160 -
Kemer Turban 180 120
Antalya Setur 200 300
Antalya Kaleici Turban 65 -
Facilities include connections for water and electricity.
For further information contact the local Tourist Information Offices or Turban Tu rism A.S,. (head office: Ankara/Kizilay, Karanfil Sokak, No: 32. Tel: (0-312) 4174192, Tlx: 944648 tourism tr, Fax: (0-312) 4185469 offices in the above areas. The coastline, especially between izmir and Antalya, is much indented and compri ses numerous coves and bays which provide perfect mooring spots for sailing boats. The depths are generally from 10 to 12 m and marine charts indicate the positions of dangerous reefs. Forbidden zones for mooring Certain zones are forbidden for security reasons. For more information contact the local authorities through the Tourist information Offices. UNDERWATER DIVING Underwater diving in Turkish waters, with amateur equipment, is permitted in cer tain areas for leisure purposes under the guidance of local authorities. Detailed infor mation can be obtained from your nearest Turkish Tourist Information Office abroad. RAFTING Another of nature's gifts to Turkey are her rivers. They provide perfect conditions for canoeing, skiing and rafting. These rivers are: Coruh, Barhal, Berta, Firtina, Cola kli, Koprucay, Manavgat, Dragon, Goksu - (Silifke), Zamanti, Goksu-(Feke), Kizlilrmak, and Dalaman cayi. This is a special opportunity for those who want to discover wild nature. WIND SURFING Turkish seas are a heaven for wind surf lovers. The bays around the Cesme, Bo drum and Datca peninsulas are very convenient places due to the ideal winds in those areas. Those who are interested in this sport can enjoy themselves by renting surfs from surf clubs. Antalya is also suitable for this sport. FISHING Tourists may fish for sporting purposes in non-prohibited regions without obtaining licenses. Amateur equipment and noncommercial, multi-hooked lines should be used, and nets should not weigh more than 5 kg. Commercial fishing by foreigners carries heavy penalties. Details concerning fishing zones, the minimum sizes of fish that can be caught, and the numbers of fish that can be caught per person, can be obtained from the De partment of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. (Tarim Bakanligi, Su Urunleri Daire Baskanligi, Tel: (312) 4183278, Ankara.) AIR SPORTS There are several locations in Turkey that provide perfect conditions for all types of wind and air sports. Included in these sports are: plane gliding, hang gliding, para chuting, and single engine flights. There are services that provide instruction courses in these sports for groups of ten people or more providing they speak the same lan guage. For more information you may contact: Turk Hava Kurumu Genel Baskanligi Havacilik Mudurlugu: Ataturk Bulvari. No: 33, Opera-Ankara. Tel: (0-312) 310 48 40, Fax: (0-312) 310 0413, Tlx: (0607) 44270 THKb TR. CAVING As there are numerous caves in various Region, Turkey is an ideal place for those who are interested in caving. Caving, which is a scientific activity under the name of Speleology, brings out many different aspects of Turkey. The most beautiful and interesting caves are located in the Toros regions, southe ast, northwest Anatolia and the Thrace. HUNTING Foreigners can only hunt in parties organized by Turkish travel agencies which have been authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning seasons, authorized zones, formalities for permits, weapons, and ammunition. A list of such agencies can be obtained from The Union of Travel Agencies (TURSAB), see Useful Addresses. TREKKING One of the oldest and best ways to get away from the complexity of big cities and the stress of working life is to open up to nature. This longing has caused the rapid development of a tourism type known as nature tourism. The general name given to walks which are done in conditions with pre determined difficulties, and which have special aspects and are limited by time for dif ferent age groups is trekking. Trekking, which requires a certain amount of effort and fitness, is a very cheap activity when compared to other tourist and sport activities. Trekking is a very important activity with which virgin areas, mountains, plateaus, villages, cities and old civilizations of heavenly Turkey can be explored. Also trekking is one of the tourism activities which can be realized without any pollution or harm to nature. HORSEBACK RIDING Turkey is an ideal place for horseback riding. Love for horses has always been a part of Turkish culture. In the country's history, places like Cappadocia were named the Country of Horses. Horseback riding around Daday, Arac, Eflani, Safranbolu, Ulus and Devrek (which are near Kastamonu and Bartm) can be enjoyed along the little pathways surrounded by valleys full of orchids in spring, and large-leafed trees in au tumn. Apart from this it is possible to go horseback riding in the clubs in the big cities such as Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. Marmaris, Kemer, Cesme and Karacabey are also suitable for this purpose. PLATEAU HIKING The plains of Turkey are a unique experience in themselves. The high plains are meadows with large grasslands, plenty of water resources and natural beauty. On the Taurus Mountains, Tekir and Burucek meadows will present you with sce nes from a secret heaven. The Black Sea region's plateaus have natural beauty and people there still observe the original meadow life of old. Artvin-Kafkasor, Rize-Ayder, Trabzon-Kadirga, Karadag, Erikbeli, Hidirnebi and Giresun-Kumbet, Sinop-Guzfindik ve Bozarmut-Ordu-Keyfalan- Cambasi are some of the most spectacular views in that region. ORNITHOLOGY Turkey, which is situated at the meeting point of three continents, forms a bridge between the reproductive areas of birds in the north and their winter nests in the south. One of the most important stops of the birds along this route is Izmir- Cesmealti. This area was declared a natural heritage region in 1985, and this has offe red the possibility of natural and cultural activities. "Kus Cenneti", Bird Paradise National Park, near Bandirma, is another important example where natural and cultural values coexist. This area provides different envi ronments. Bird's Heaven is a real heaven for both bird lovers and ornithologists. Im portant places where different bird types exist include: Buyuk Menderes Delta, Lake Seyfe (near Kirsehir), Sultan Marshes (near Kayseri) and Goksu Delta (near Silifke). After discovering all those interesting activities, please have a glass of turkish wine... WINE TASTING Anatolia is one of the first wine drinking countries in the world. Wine was drunk as a ritual blessing in around 2000 B.C. Hittite Emperors used to offer wine to the gods in order to thank them for the things they gave. Reliefs concerning these offerings can be seen at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The main wine production centers are: Ankara, Goreme and Yozgat in mid Anatolia; Tekirdag, Murefte, Sarkoy, Marmara Is land and Avsa Island in the Marmara Region; Izmir, Sirince, Denizli, Guney and Sal in the Aegean Region. In Anatolia, which is the land of wine, wine is cheap and delicious. THERMAL RESORTS In Turkey there are about 1000 thermal springs scattered throughout western Ana tolia. Thermal spas with facilities for therapeutic treatments are as follows: Bursa Most of the thermal springs, in both modern and historical settings, are in the dis trict of Cekirge. The waters contain bicarbonate, sulphur, sodium, calcium and magne sium, (47-78C), and are suitable for both drinking and bathing cures. Benefical for rheumatical, gynaecological and dermatological diseases and for the metabolism. A wide range of accommodation in 1st to 4th class hotels, is available, as is medical supervision. Yalova Thermal springs situated 11 km southwest of Yalova with a bed capacity of 600 - 800 in hotels and guest houses. The thermal waters contain sulphur, sodium and cal cium (55 - 60C) and are suitable for drinking and bathing cures. Benefits rheumati cal, gynaecological, urinary and nervous complaints and controls cholesterol and lipid levels. Gonen Situated to the north of Balikesir, it has a treatment centre with 381 bed capacity. Thermal waters contain sulphur, chloride, sodium, hydrocarbonate and carbondioxide (78 - 82C). Suitable for both drinking and bathing cures, the waters are beneficial for dermatological, liver, rheumatic, urinary and nervous complaints. Cesme Bay of Ilica and Sifne (7 km east of Cesme) have accommodation in every cate gory and class with a total capacity of 2000 beds. Waters contain chloride, sodium, magnesium, fluoride (42 - 55C), and are suitable for drinking and bathing cures, be nefitting dermatological, gynaecological and urinary complaints as well as the metabo lism. Pamukkale and Karahayit North of Denizli (20 km) with accommodation of 500 total bed capacity. Thermal waters contain hydrocarbonate, sulphur, calcium, carbondioxide and iron (33 - 56 C, radioactive) and are suitable for drinking and bathing, benefitting heart and circulatory complaints as well as digestive, gall bladder, rheumatic and kidney diseases. Hudayi Southwest of Sandlkli (10 km) in Afyon province, there is a small treatment centre with 100 bed capacity. Waters contain sulphur, hydrocarbonate, sodium, calcium, car bondioxide, bromide and fluoride (60-70C, radioactive) and are good for drinking and bathing and benefit rheumatic, skin, gynaecological, and digestive complaints. Ilgin Situated to the northwest of Konya with basic accommodation available but having an excellent treatment centre. Waters contain hydrocarbonate, calcium, sodium and carbondioxide (42C, radioactive), and are beneficial for rheumatic, dermatological, gynaecological, urinary, circulatory and heart diseases, and also for glandular and di gestive complaints. Balcova It is 10 km west of izmir with a 400 bed capacity and has the largest indoor ther mal pool in Turkey. Ege University recognizes the value of these hot springs and has built a treatment centre nearby. The water (62C) is suitable for drinking and bathing benefitting sciatica, gynaecological and nervous disorders plus intestinal and urinary problems. Sakar It is 33 km. north of Eskisehir near the town of Sarlcakaya. The waters (35C) con tain sodium, magnesium and bicarbonate, benefitting the skin, and complaints of scia tica and rheumatism and kidney stones. Bolu It is on the Ankara - Istanbul highway 4 km south of Bolu with a 250 bed capacity. Waters (44C) contain calcium, magnesium, sulphur and bicarbonate and benefit the cures of rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica and gynaecological, liver and kidney disea ses. Kizilcahamam It is 86 km from Ankara at 975 m above sea level. The waters (37 - 47C) contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and chlorine. Good for drinking and bathing benefitting the cures of rheumatism, neuralgia and gynaecological and digestive di sorders. Balikli (Yilanli) Cermik This interesting spa is situated 12 km northeast of Kangal in the province of Sivas. The waters (35C) contain bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium. In the baths are many small fish (2-10 cms) and these play an important part in the cure of psoriasis. The waters are also beneficial for rheumatism, skin diseases, arterial sclerosis and gynaecological complaints. There are motels, restaurants and camping facilities as well as shops for provisions. Orucoglu, Thermal Center Orucoglu Thermal Center is 14 kilometers from Afyon. The temperature of the spring water is 49C. The water is rich in CO2, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, bromide and fluoride. It has beneficial effects on arthritis, sciatica, disc hernia, neuritis, neuralgia, lumba go, osteoathrosis and is also beneficial after orthopaedic surgery, and various other surgical treatments as post operative therapy. It can also be used in the rehabilitation of spastic children and polio patients with mental retardation. Patients with skin ail ments like psoriasis, feeding problems, stomach, intestine and gall bladder, kidney, urinary tract and gynecological disorders, and muscle and nerve fatigue also benefit from it. It is good for balancing the iron ratio, and has rehabilitation value in the treat ment of hemiplegia. There is a modern complex in the area. NATIONAL PARKS Uludag The ancient Mount Olympus of Mysia near Bursa (35 km) at a height of 1800 - 1900 m with forests and lakes, is good for walks and picnics from June to September, and winter sports from December to April. There are hotels, chalets, restaurants, PTT, skiing, and camping. Kus Cenneti (Bird Paradise) In the province of Balikesir 18 km south of Bandirma is a bird reserve with over 200 species. The most interesting time is March to October. There is a museum and tours to observe the birds. Mount Sipil Situated in Manisa Province this park has interesting flora, fauna and thermal springs. The best times are April to November when camping, climbing and picnicking are possible. Dilek Yarimadasi In the province of Aydin, where Mt. Samsundagi plunges into the sea is a park of river valleys, flora, fauna, beaches and cliffs. The season for hiking, picnicking and water sports is from April to December. Kovada Golu This park is near Isparta toward Konya with typical forest scenery, lake flora and fauna. The best season is May to September, which is excellent for water sports, clim bing, camping, fishing and picnics. Gulluk Dagi - Termessos This park is near Antalya toward Korkuteli with wild scenery, flora and fauna, and camping, restaurants, picnicking and an open - air museum. The season is from April to October. Beydaglari - Olympos This park is west of Antalya near the antique sites of Phaselis and Olympos. Facili ties include holiday villages, motels, restaurants, camping, picnicking, a museum and PTT. Koprulu Kanyon The Kopru River has carved a 14 km long canyon 92 km northeast of Antalya. There is the Roman Oluk Bridge, the city of Selge in the higher part of the park, an open - air museum, flora, camping, fishing and picnicking plus restaurants. The best season is April to October. Karatepe - Aslantas This park is situated in the Ceyhan River Valley in Adana province. There are Hitti te and Roman remains, hills, valleys, flora, as well as camping and picnicking possibili ties. The best season is from April to November. Mount Kizil A beautiful park of cedar trees situated between Isparta and Konya, west of the town of Sarkikaraagac and on the northern edge of Lake Beysehir. Camping and pic nicking are possible from May to October. Munzur Vadisi In the province of Tunceli this park has streams full of trout, springs, flora and fauna. Camping, picnicking and fishing are possible. The best season is from May to September. Gelibolu Yarlmadasi (History Park) Situated near Canakkale, the whole peninsula has been dedicated to the memory of the many soldiers who lost their lives here. There are two entrances, Kilitbahir and Kabatepe that provide information on how to tour the area, and where the British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Turkish war memorials can be found. There are beaches, hotels, restaurants and attractive flora and fauna. Yozgat Camligi Situated 5 km from Yozgat one finds this park of forests, green hills and valleys, flora and fauna. Camping and picnicking are possible from April to October. Soguksu This park is situated on the Kizlicahamam, in Ankara province, with thermal springs, and a forested plateau with small valleys. Facilities include a hotel, restau rants, camping, climbing, and picnicking places. The season is from April to October. llgaz Dagi South of Kastamonu (45 km) is a park in a beautiful landscape, with attractive flora and fauna. The best season is May to September. Picnic facilities. Yedigoller "Seven Lakes", north of Bolu, with its lakes full of fish, is surrounded by beautiful forests. There is a museum, and an exhibition of wildlife, and restaurants, chalet ac commodation, camping, fishing, and picnicking from April to October. Altindere This park is situated in the province of Trabzon. This is the best known park of the Black Sea for its natural beauty and the Monastery of Sumela. Facilities include picnic king places, cafes and PTT. Goreme Situated in the province of Nevsehir, Goreme is a very interesting place for its landscape of rock cones and fairy chimneys. The chapels are from the Seljuk and Byzantine periods. The underground cities and the churches are located in this area. Among the attractions in the park are the open - air museums, holiday villages, cam ping, restaurants, and shopping centres. Season: all year round. Baskomutan This park was established as a monument on behalf of the war veterans who lost their lives in the Independence War. The rich green park is located on the border of the Afyon province. Among the attractions in the park are the Open Air Museum and Memorial and several cafes with music and entertainment. There is also an area for picnics. Season: May - October. Mount Kaz (Mount Ida) Mount Kaz National Park, which is in Edremit Bay, is one of the most beautiful na tional parks in Turkey. Mount Kaz reaches 1774 metres. Around this park there are such natural beauties as springs and beautiful trees. In history Ida is known as a holy mountain. This mountain also has a mythological significance. According to mythology the first beauty contest was held on this moun tain. The Trojan king's son Paris, who was renowned for the importance he gave to beauty, was the head of the jury and in the contest, which was held between Aphrodi te, Hera and Athena, Aphrodite came first. Every year to mark this occasion a beauty contest is held in Mount Kaz National Park. In the park there are places for resting. Nemrut Mountain This famous mountain is located in Southeast Anatolia between the Adiyaman (100 km) and Kahta (65 km) regions. This park houses a memorial to King Antiochos and the Eski Kale, Yeni Kale, Karakus Tepesi and Cendere Koprusu are the symbols that make this park a most interesting visit. Season: April - September. Bogazkale - Alacahoyuk One hundred and eighty- one kilometers from Ankara in the Corum Province, this park with a rich flora and fauna, has also camping and picnic sites and even a restau rant. A museum housing the archaeological artifacts of the ancient capital of the Hitti tes and the historical site of Alacahoyuk are also found in this park. RECREATION AREAS The recreation areas licensed by the Ministry of Forestry with camping possibilities on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are: Camlik- 2 km. from Ayvalik. Tavsanburnu - between Milet and Didyma, beach. Gokova - 30 km from Mugla, on the road to Marmaris- beach. Cubucak - 20 km from Marmaris beach. Oludeniz- 17 km from Fethiye, on the lagoon of Oludeniz, beach. Kidirak -18 km from Fethiye, beach. Duzlercami -19 km from Antalya on the Korkuteli highway. Kepezbasi - 0 km from Antalya, on the road to Burdur. Incekum -19 km before Alanya, on the Antalya - Alanya highway, beach. Erdemli Sahil Camligi - 2 km from Erdemli, on the Silifke - Mersin road, beach. Karatas Kumlugu - 2 km from Karatas (near Adana), beach. Katranci -18 km from Fethiye, on the Marmaris - Datca Road. |
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