HORSEBACK RIDING

Turkey is an ideal place for horseback riding. Love horses has always been a part of Turkish culture. Cappadocia has been known for centuries as the "land of horses". Horseback riding around Daday, Arac, Eflani, Safranbolu, Ulus and devrek (which are near Kastamonu and Bartin) can be enjoyed along the liitle parthways surrounded by valleys full of orchids in spring and leafy trees in autumn. Apart from this, it is possible to go riding in the big cities-Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir as well as Marmaris, kemer, Antalya, Side, Cesme and

MOUNTAINEERING

In order to ascend the Buyuk Agri and Cilo-Sat ranges, foreign mountaineering groups must have special permission from the proper authorities. For more information and to contact such Turkish groups, apply to the -Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ankara Tel:312-212 51 25 Fax: 312-212 89 66 - Youth and Sports General Directorate Mountaineering Federation (Genclik ve Spor Gen. Mudurlugu, Dagcilik Federasyonu Baskanligi Address: Sanayi Cad, Nuzhet Atav Is Hani No:28 / 2 Ulus - Ankara Tel: 312-310 15 78 - 309 02 92 (4 lines) int (106-107) Fax: 312-310 15 78

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.

Bey Mountains: These mountains are situated west of Antalya and reach a height of 3086 meters. Th best starting points are from Antalya-Kemer and Antalya-Elmali. Climbing is possible year round. The trip to the top of Kizlar Sivrisi (3070 m.) and back can be made in a day by camping in Sedir Forest Tahtali (2344 m.) can be reached from Kemer. Driving to Soguk Pinar and camping there, the climb is made easily. The view of the Mediterranean from the top atrracts many climbers.

Kackar Mountains: Stretching for 30 km. parallel to the back Sea between Rize and Hopa, these ranges have peaks up tp 3932 m. in height with numerous glaciers , lakes, forests and hot springs. The mountains are divided into four massifs:Vercenik, Kackar (Kavron), Altiparmak 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 foothills 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 7-9 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 known for its friendly people and hospitable neighbours.

Ala Mountains: Situated 60 km. southeast of Nigde, running in an easterly direction, the Yedi Goller Plateau lies at 3100 m. and is surrounded by high peaks. The ideal season for ascending is June-September and the mountains are accessible via Nigde, Camardi and Cukurbag. The starting poin for ascending the Demirkazik at 3756 m. (there and back 9-10 hours) is Sokullupinar, about 3 hours walk from Cukurbag. Starting from Yedi Goller Vadisi (Valley of the Seven Lakes) one can ascend up to Kizilkaya (3725 m., there and back in 10 hours), ande 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 Sinekli Plateau.

Hasan Mountain: Situated south of Aksaray at a height of 3250 m. Hasan Mountain is accessible from all directions. Thye ideal starting points are Taspinar on the Ankara - Adana road and the village of Helvadere in the Ihlara valley. Route plans and mountainering guides are available from the tourist Information Offices of the respective regions.

Erciyes Mountain: This extinct volcano, the highest peak (3917 m.) in central Anatolia, lies to the south of Kayseri. The Tekir Plateau is a recreational area in summer and a good skiing area in winter and it is reached via Hisarcik. The plateau is also yhe starting point for ascending the peak from the north face. The climb there and back takes 10-12 hours and on the plateau is a 100-bed capacity chalet. Another route goes over the glacier called Sutdonduran.

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 Koyu near Ciftehan and Elmapinar near Camalan. Buyuk Agri Mountain: This is highest mountain (5137 m.) in Turkey with its peak totally capped by a glacier. Th best seasons are July-September. Dogubeyazit is the starting point for climbing the southern face, via the village of Topcatan. A plateau leads to this highest point (5137 m) in Anatolia. The mountains is alsolegendary for its friendly people.

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.

Cilo - Sat Mountains: This range, located in the east has numerous glaciers, lakes and streams, so it is an ideal region for mountaineering and rambling. The best season for climbing and hiking is June-September. The starting point is the high plateau of Mercan, 5 hours walk from the Gndarme 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 glaciers starts from the "Sat Gevaruk" Pasture. The glacier lake Bay Golu surrounded by alpine flora lies at 2700 m.

Mercan (Munzur) Mountains: Ranging from 3462 m. to 3500 m. this range lies between Tunceli and Erzincan. The highest peaks are north of Ovacik

WINTER SPORTS

Winter sports resort in Turkey are generally located is forested mountains of average height. For detailed information contact:

- Youth and Sport General Directorate
(Genclik ve Spor Genel Mudurlugu Kayak Federasyonu Baskanligi Kayak Federation Management)
Address: Ulus Is Hani 4. Kat Ulus - Ankara
Tel:312- 311 07 64 - 310 39 60/306-307-308 Fax: 312-311 07 64

The following ski and winter sport centers are easily accessible by road or by Turkish Airlines domestic flights.

Bursa - Uludag: This ski center, 36km south of Bursa is accessible along a good asphalt road or by cablecar. The ski area lies between 1900-2500 m. and the best season is from December to February. A wide range of accommodation is available in hotels, family chalets and apres-ski facilities. At the resort there are chairlifts, 11 ski-lifts, slalom and giant slalom courses, beginners slopes and a small hospital. Skis, equipment and instructors are available for hire. Total bed capacity is 2300

Bolu - Kartalkaya: This resort situated on the Istanbul - Ankara highway 50 km. from Bolu is surrounded by pine forest, the ski area lies between 1850 - 2200 m. Kartal Hotels 1 and 2 with a total 958 bed capacity, have a indoor heated swimming pool, ski lift, beginners slopes and equipment for hire. Ski instructors are available.

Kastamonu - Ilgaz Mountain: Situated between Kastamonu and Cankiri 40 km. from Kastamonu at the junction of the Istanbul - Kastamonu, Ankara - Kastamonu roads. In the Ilgaz Natioanl Park amids beautiful woodlands, the slopes lie at 1850 - 2000 m.. There are picnic facilities, an hotel, chalets, two ski-lifts, a baby lift and a chair lift; there is also good hunting in the area.

Antalya - Saklikent: Situated norteast of Bakirli mountain in the Beydag mountain range, 50 k. north-weast of Antalya, at a height of 1850m. Accommodation is available in guest-houses or chalets. There are two ski lifts, restaurants, shops and a market. The best season is from January to April. During March and April, ski in the mornings then drive down the coast and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean in the afternoons.

Kayseri - Erciyes: The ski center lies at 2150 m. on the eastren face of Erciyes Mountain, Tekir yaylasi (plateau), 25 km, from Kayseri. The rseason is from December to March; there is a 140 bed capacity ski lodge, good courses, a ski lift and chair lift. Ski instructors and equipment are available.

Erzurum - Palandoken: This center is 6 km. from Erzurum along a good road,lyingat an altitude of 220 t0 3100m. withy some of the longest courses and best snow conditions in Turkey, making it an ideal location for international ski competitions. Accommodation is available at a 140 bed ski lodge, an hotel with restaurant and a charlift. Ski instructors and equipment are available for hire. Also, these are a number of hotels in Erzurum. December to April is the most suitable season.

Kars - Sarikamis: Situated 60 km. from Kars at 2250 m. this ski center too has good courses and ideal snow conditions; the area is also noted for its hunting. Accommodations are available in town or at the 80 bed capacity, centrally heated ski lodge, where ski lifts and ski instructors are available. The best season is from November to April.

Ankara - Elmadag: About 23 km, form Ankara, between 1500 and 1800 m. this a lovely olace to relax, get fresh air and do dine far away from the clamor and air pollution in the city. There is 10 room (33 bed) hotel, chalets (130 beds), two ski-lifts, a pleasantly decorated a la carte restaurant, a snack bar, disco and parking. The ski season runs from December to March.

Gumushane - Zigana: This center is 30 km. from Gumushane and lies at an altitude of 1870 m. above a pine-clad valley. There are ski lifts, a chair lify, ski lodge, cafeteria and restaurant. The season is from December to the end of April.

Agri - Bubi: At a distance of 40 km. from the city center, this ski center is situated in a lovely landscape where alpine streams intermingle with flora in the surrounding view. The ski season runs from December to March. There is a cablecar and a cafateria.

Erzincan - Bolkar: About 40 km. from Erzincan, there is boathouse and a chair lifts. The ski season runs from December to April.

Bitlis - Sapgor: Located in an austere landscape, with scarce plant covering. Th ski season runs from February o March. There are ski lifts and 40 ski berths.

Bingol: This ski center is 28 km. from the city center, in flora-covered heathland. The skiing season runs from February through March. There are 50 berths and ski lifts are available.

Organized International Ski Tournaments in Turkey:
International Youth Cup (Alpine Discipline), Uludag - Bursa: March
International Endurance Cup (Arctic Discipline), Uludag - Bursa: March
Palandoken Ski Cup, Palandoken -Erzurum: April
Europen Cup Meadow Skiing

FISHING and HUNTING

FISHING

Tourists may fish for sporting purposes in non-prohibited regions without obtaining licenses. Amateur equipment and noncommercial, multi-hooked lines should be usede and nets should not weigh more than 5kg. Commerciak fishing by foreigners carries heavy penalties.

Details concerning fishing zons, minimum fish size and the number of fish that may be caught person can be obtained from;

-Orman Bakanligi, Koruma ve Kontrol Gen. Mudurlugu,
(Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs)
Address: Akay Cad. No:3 Bakanliklar,Ankara
Tel: 312-417 41 76 - Fax:312-418 80 05

HUNTING

Foreigners can only hunt in parties organized by Turkish agencies which have been authorized the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning seasons, authorized zones, permits, weapons and ammunition. A list of agencies can be obtained from the Union of Travel Agencies (TURSAB), see useful Address. For more information:

-Forest Ministry, National Parks and Wildlife Generalk Directorate
(Orman Bakanligi ve Milli Parklar Av-Yaban Hayati Genel Mudurlugu)
Address: Gazi Tesisleri No:11 Gazi - Ankara
Tel:312-212 63 00/2260 Fax:312- 222 51 40

-Youth and Sport General Directorate, Hunting and Marksman Federation
(Genclik ve Spor Genel Mudurlugu Aticilik, Avcilik Federasyonu Bsk.)
Address: Emek Is Hani A-Blok 4.Kat Ulus-Ankara
Tel: 312-310 61 60 - 310 39 60/304-305 Fax: 312-310 61 60

CAVING

With numerous caves in variougus regions, Turkey is an ideal place for cavers,
also known as spelunkers.

Caving (spelunking), highlights many different aspects of Turkey. The most beautiful and interesting caves are located in the Toros regions, southeast, northwest Anatolia and Thrace. For details informations, write to: -Maden Tetkik Arama (MTA) Genel Mudurlugu Jeoloji (Mineral Examination and Exploration, General Directorate of Geology) Address:Etudler Dairesi 06520 - Ankara Tel:312-287 34 30 Fax:312- 285 42 71

AIR SPORTS

There are several locations in Turkey that provide perfect conditions for all types of wind and air sports. These sports include:plane gliding, parachuting and single engine flights. There are services that provide instruction courses in these sports for groups of 10 people or more, providing they speak the same language. For more information, you may contact:

-Turkish Air Defense General Directorate
(Turk Hava Kurumu Genel Baskanligi Havacilik Mudurlugu,
Address: Ataturk Bulvari No:33 Opera-Ankara
Tel:312-310 48 40 Fax:312-310 04 13

PLATEAU HIKING

The plains of Turkey are a unique experience in thyemselves. The high plains are meadow with large grasslands, plenty of water resources and natural beauty.

On the Taurus Mountains, Tekir and Burucek meadows will present you with scenes from a secret heaven. Th4e Black sea region's plateaus have natural beauty and people there still observe the original meadow life 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.

GOLFING

GOLFING Turkey's historical and natural beauties include well maintained and secluded golf courses. Golfers will be delighted with the 18 hole golf grounds, which are maintained within international standarts. In addition, there are open tournaments. For general information, contact: -Classis Country and Golf Club, Silivri - Istanbul Tel:212-727 40 49 - 50- 275 09 60 Fax: 212-266 94 50

-Kemer Country and Golf Club , Gokturk Koyu Kemerburgaz - Istanbul
Tel:212-239 79 13 - 239 81 55 - 56 Fax:212-239 70 76

-Ankara Golf Club, Erkeksu Ciftligi, Sincan - Ankara
Tel:312-490 78 92 Fax: 312 490 54 90

-National Golf Club Belek - Antalya
Tel: 242-725 46 20 - 21 Fax: 242 725 46 24

TREKKING

One of the best ways to get away from the bustle of big cities and the stress of working life is to escape. into the wilderness. This desire has caused the rapid development of a new kind of tourism, known as nature tourism. The general name given ti walks which are done in conditions with pre-determined difficulties and which have special aspects, limited only by time for different age groups is trekking requires a certain amount of effort and fitness, but is very economical when compared with other tourist and sports activities.

Trekking is a very important cativity in which virgin areas, mountains plateaus, villages cities and ancient ruins in Turkey can be explored. Since trekking does not harm the enviorment and is inexpensive, it's th perfect solution for a different type of vacation. For more information contact:

Nature Seyehat Acentasi, Address:Aydede Cad. No:13/8 Taksim/Istanbul
Tel: 212-254 72 75 - 254 66 75 Fax: 212-254 45 26

WINDSURFING

Turkish seas are a haven for windsurfers. The bays around the cesme, Bodrum and Datca peninsulas are blessed with ideal winds for this sport (Antalya is also suitable).
Enthusiasts will be pleased with the very reasonable cost, international standarts, ideal climate, secluded bays and available services. For information about the surfing school contact: New Neptune Holiday Village, see Underwater Diving.

RAFTING

Another of nature's gifts to Turkey are its rivers. They provide perfect condition for canoeing, skiing and rafting. These rivers are: Coruh, Barhal, Brtav, Firtina, Colakli, Koprucay, Manavgat, Dragon. Goks -(silifke), Zamanti, Goksu-(eke), Kizilirmak and dalaman Cayi.

This is a special opportunity for those who want to discover wild nature. For more information contact the agencies below: -Nature seyehat Acentasi, Aydede Cad. No:13/8 Taksim-Istanbul Tel: 212-254 72 75 - 254 66 75 Fax: 212-254 45 26

-Alternatif Turizm, Bagdat Caddesi, Samnu Is Merkezi No:36/8 81030 Kiziltoprak/Istanbul Tel:216-345 66 50 0 349 84 19 Fax: 216-348 10 53

UNDERWATER DIVING

Underwater diving in Turkish waters with amateur equipment is permitted in certain areas foe leisure purposes, under the guidance of local authorities. detailde information can be obtained from your nearest Turkish Tourist Information Office abroad. For compehensive prepatory information contact:

- Genclik ve Spor Mudurlugu, Sualti Sporlari, Can Kurtarma ve Su Kayagi ve Paletli Yuzme Federasyonu Baskanligi (Youth and Sport General Directorate, Underwater Sports, Sea Safety, Waterskiing and Scuba Diving Federal Directorate)
Address: Ulus Is Hani A Blok Kat:3 No:303 - 304 Ulus Ankara
Tel: 312- 310 41 36 - 310 39 60/266 - 267 Fax: 312-310 82 88 - 311 25 54

There is a limited-capacity diving school at the New Neptune Holiday Village. For information, contact:

-New Neptune Holiday Village
Address: Buyuk Akkum Mevkii No:5 sigacik - Seferihisar / Izmir
Tel: 232 - 745 74 55 Fax: 23 2- 745 70 38