ORNITHOLOGY and NATIONAL PARKS

ORNITHOLOGY

Turkey, situated at the crossroads 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 for birds along this route is Izmir-Cesmealti. This area was declared a natural heritage region in 1985 and this has ofdered the possibility of natural and culturalk activities.

"Kus Cenneti" birds Heaven National Park near Bandirma, is another important example where natural and cultural values coexist. This area provides different environments. Bird's Heaven is a real heaven for both bird-lovers and ornithologists. Important places where different bird types exist include: Buyuk Menderes Delta, Lake Seyfe (near Kirsehir), Sultan Marshes (near Kayseri) and Goksu Delta (near Silifke). For more information:

Natural Wildwife Protection Association -Dogal hayati Koruma Dernegi
P.K.18 Bebek - Istanbul
Tel:212-279 01 39 - 40 Fax: 212-279 55 44

NATIONAL PARKS

Forest Ministry, Wildwife and National Parks
-Orman Bakanligi Milli Parklar ve Av-Yaban Hayati Gen.Md.
Gazi Tesisleri No:11 Gazi - Ankara
Tel: 312-221 09 34 - 212 63 00 Fax:312-222 51 40

Ala Mountains: Located in the Nigde region, near Kayseri, Yahyali is about 30 km. from this area. Demirkazik summit is 3756 meters and is the highest point in the Middle Taurus mountain range. Geomorphology includes greenhouses and very rich sources of flora and fauna.

Altinbesik Cave: Situated about 12 km. southeast of Aydinkent (Ibradi) and 55 km. north of Manavgat. Lakes and intersting rock formations within the cave area as well as travertines and styreams make this area especially fascinating. The authentic village of Urunlu is only 5 km. west of the Manavgat Valley. It's one our walk from Urunlu Village to Altinbesik Cave. Inside the cave are a variety of natural pools. The air inside the cave is quite humid with a temperature of 16 - 18 oC. valuable sources of geological and geomorphological samples exist here.

Altindere (Altindere valley): This park is situated in the province of Trabzon. This is the best known park in the Black Sea area; known for its natural beauty and for the famous Sumela Monastery. Facilities include picnicking areas cafes and a post office.

Baskomutan: This park was established as a monument 9on behalf of 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 a picnic area.

Beydaglari-Olympos (Bey Mountains): This park is west of Antalya near the antique sites of Phaselis and Olympos. Facilities include holiday villages, motels, restaurants, camping, picnicking, a museum and post office.

Beysehir Golu (lake Beysehir): 60 km. from Beysehir, there are wonderful geomorphological structures, beaut5iful birds; Hittite, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman remains. Camping and picnics are possible.

Bogazkale - Alacahoyuk: About 181 km. from Ankara, in Corum Province this park with rich flora and fauna also has camping, picnic sites and even a restaurant. A museum housing archaeological artifacts of the ancient capital of the Hittites and the historical site of Alacahoyuk can be found in tjis park.

Dilek Yarimadasi (Dilek Peninsula): In the province of Aydin, where Mt. Samsundagi plunges into the sea is a park of river valleys, flora, fauna, beaches and cliffs. Hiking, picnicking and water sports are possible. Wild horses, bobcats foxes and tortoises live in the park.

Gelibolu Yarimadasi (History Park - Gelibolu Peninsula): Situated near Canakkale, the whole peninsula has been dedicated to the memory of the many soldiers who lost their lives here.There are two entrences, Kilitbahir and Kabatepe that5 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.

Goreme: Situated in the province of Nevsehir, Goreme is very interesting place gbecause of its rock cone and fairy chimney landscape.The chapels date from the Seljuk and Byzantine periods and the underground cities and churches are located in this area. Among the attractions in the park are the open-air-museums, holiday villages, campsites, restaurants and shopping centers.

Gulluk Dagi - Termessos (Mt. Gulluk): This park is near Antalya toward Korkuteli with wild scenery, flora and fauna, camping, restaurants picnicking areas and an open air museum.

Hatilla Valley: Located on the eastern Black Sea 10 km. nortwest of Artvin on the Coruh river. Also 25 km. from here is a very beautiful valley sloping to 90% in some place4s. Rare types of plants, geology, geomorphology and rich sources of the most valuable flora and fauna are found in this region.

Honaz Dagi (Mt. Honaz): Located in the Aegean region near Denizli. This is one of the most beautiful and highest points in the Aegean region at an altitude of 2.528 m. Geology , Geomorphology and rare types of flora and fauna can be found here. This area is famous because early Christians settled on the northern slope; the name of this ancient site is Colossae and remains of this settlement can still be seen.

Ilgaz Dagi (Mt. Ilgaz): South of Kastamonu (45 km.) is a park in a beautiful landscape, with attractive flora and fauna, also 0providing picnic facilities.

Kackar Mountains: Located on the eastern Black Sea region near Rize. There is a pine grove 16 km. from here; the highest point is 3.932 m. Boasting a very rich geology with a wide variety of valuable flora and fauna from the Mediterranean region and the Black Sea area.

Karagol - Sahara: Located near the Artvin city limits near Savsat in the northeastren area. Karagol is covered with beautiful forest with the most rare and magnificent views. Sahara National Park can be found here with its wonderfull alpine lakes and the Sahara Plateau which is 1700-1800 m. high.Wildlife is plentiful including bears. Karagol has recreational and picnic facilities.

Karatepe - Aslantas: This park is situated in the Ceyhan River Valley in Adana province. There are Hittite and Roman remains, hills, valleys, flora as well as camping and picnicking possibilities.

Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida): Mt.Kaz National Park, situated near Edremit Bay, is reckoned to be one of the most beautiful national parks in Turkey. Mt. Kaz is 1774 meters and the park features lovely springs and beautiful trees. Throughout history Ida was known as a holy mountain. This mountain also has mythological significance, according to mythology, the first beauty contest was held on this mountain. The Trojan King's son Paris, who was renowned for the importance he gave to beauty, was the head of the jury, so in the contest, that was held between Aphrodite, Hera and Athena, Aphrodite was chosen first. Every year to mark this occasion, a beauty contest is held in Mt.Kaz National Park.

Kizil Dagi (Mt. 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 with camping and picnicking facilities.

Kovada Gol (Kovada Lake): This park is near Isparta toward Konya with typical forest scenery, lake flora and fauna. Excellent for water sports, climbing, camping, fidhing and picnics.

Koprulu Kanyon (Koprulu Canyon): The Kopru River has carved a 14 km. long canyon 92 km. norteast 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.

Kus Cenneti (Bird Paradise): In the povince of Balikesir 18 km. south of Bandirma is a bird preserve with over 200 species; it is an important stopover and rest area for many European species. There is a museum and tours to observe the birds. Bird Paradise has received an "A" certificate from the European Union.

Munzur Vadisi (Munzur Valley): In the povince of Tunceli, yhis park has streams full of trout, springs, flora and fauna. Camping, picnicking and fishing are possible.

Nemrut Dagi (Mt. Nemrut): This famous mountain is lovated 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.

Soguksu: This park is situated at Kizilcahamam, in Ankara with thermal springs and a forested plateau with small valleys. Facilities include a hotel, restaurants, camping, climbing and picnicking places.

Spil Dagi (Mt. Spil): Situated in Manisa province this park has interesting flora, fauna and thermal springs. Camping climbing and picnicking are possible. Inside the park is Niobe Rock, the mythical weeping rock, a relief of Cybele, old caves and canyons and wild Manisa tulips.

Uludag (Mt. Ulu): The ancient Mt.Olympus of Mysia near Bursa (35 km.) at a height of 1800-1900 m. with forests and lakes, is good for walks, picnics and winter sports. There are hotels, chalets, restaurants, post office, skiing and camping.

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, restaurants, chalet accommodations, camping, fishing and picnicking.

Yozgat Camligi (Yozgat Pine Grove): Situated 5 km. from Yozgat one finds this park of forests, green hills and valleys, flora and fauna. Camping and picnicking are possible.

THERMAL RESORT

THERMAL RESORT

In Turkey, there are about 1000 thermal springs scattered throughout western Anatolia. Additional information: see Tourist Information Office. Thermal spas with facilities for therapeutic treatments are as follows:

Bursa - Cekirge: Most of the thermal springs, in both modern and historical settings, are in the district of Cekirge. The waters contain bicarbonete, sulphur, sodium, calcium and magnesium (47-78^oC) and are suitable for both drinking and bathing cures. Benefical for rheumatic, gynecologic and dermatologic, diseases and for the metabolism. A wide range of accommodations in 1st to 4th class hotels is available, as is medical supervision.

Denizli - Pamukkale and Karahayit: North of Denizli (20 km.) with accommodations of 500 total bed capacity. Thermal waters contain hydrocarbonate, sulphur, calcium carbondioxide and iron (33-56^oC, radioactive) and are suitable for drinking and bathing, benefitting heart and circulatory complaints as well as digestive, gall bladder. rheumatic and kidney diseases.

Izmir - Balcova : It is 10 km. west of Izmir with a 400 bed capacity and hasthe largest indoor thermal pool in Turkey. Ege Univetsity recognizes the value of these hot springs and has built a treatment center nearby. The water (62^oC) is suitable for drinking and bathing benefitting sciatica, gynecologic, nervous disorders plus intestinal and urinary problems.

Izmir - Cesme : The Bay of Ilica and Sifne (7 km.east of Cesme) have accommodation available in every category and class with a total capacity of 2000 beds. Waters contain chloride, sodium, magnesium, fluoride (42-55^oC) and are suitable for drinking and bathing benefitting sciatica, gynecologic, nervous disordes plus intestinal and urinaru complaints as well as the metabolism.

Yalova : These thermal springs are situated 11 km. southwest of yalova with a bed capacity of 600-800 in hotels and guest houses. The thermal waters contain sulphur, sodium ans calcium (55-60^oC) and are suitable for drinking and bathing cures. beneficial for rheumatic, gynecologic, urinary and nervous complaints and nervous complaints and controls cholesterol and lipid levels.

Afyon - Orucoglu : Orucoglu Thermal Center is 14 km. from Afyon. The temperature of the spring water is 49^oC. The water is rich in carbon dioxide, sodium, bicarbonete, dsodium chloride, bromide and fluoride. It has beneficial effects on arthritis, sciatica, disc hernia, neuritis, neuralgia, lumbago, osteoathrosis ans after orthopedic surgery and various other surgical treatments such as post-operative theraphy. It can also be used in the rehabilitation of spastic children and polio patients with mental retardation. Patients with skin ailments like psoriasis, feeding problems, stomach intestine, gall bladder, kidney, urinary tract and gynecologicdisordes and muscle and nerve fatigue also benefit from it. It is good for balancing the iron ratio and has rehabilitation value in the treatment of hemiplegia. There is a modern complex in the area.

Afyon - Hudayi : Southwest of Sandikli (10 km.) in Afyon province, there is a small treatrement center with a 100 bed capaqcity. Waters contain sulphur, hydrocarbonate, sodium, calcium, carbon-dioxide, bromide and fluoride (60-70^oC, radioactive)and are good for drinking and bathing benefiting,rheumatic, skin, gynecologic and digestive complaints.

Balikesi - Gonen : Situated to north of Balikesir, it has a treatment center with a 381 bed capacity. Thermal waters contain su;phur, chloride, sodium, hydrocarbonate and carbondioxside (52^oC). Suitable for both drinking and bathing cures, the waters are benifical for dermatologic, liver, rheumatic, urinary and nervous complaints

Bolu : It is on the Ankara-Istanbul highway- 4 km.south of Bolu with a 250 bed capacity. Waters (44^oC) contain calcium. magnesium, sulphu, bicarbonete and benefit the cures of rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica and gyncologic, liver and kidney diseases.

Bursa - Oylat : Appoximately 27 km. south in Inegol county, the water is very warm; the steam bath is heated to 40^oC and the spring waters are 10oC. The waters contain sulphur, bicarbonete, calcium, hyrdrogen ions and iron. With diuretic properties, the drinking and bath cures have a relaxing and sedative effect. There are two hotels and four motels.

Sivas - Balikli (Yilanli) Cermik : This interesting spa is situated 12 km. norteast of kangal in the province of Sivas. Thye waters (35^oC) contain bicarbonete, 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, skindiseases, arterial sclerosis and gynecologic complaints. There are motels, restaurants and camping facilities as well as shops for provisions.

Canakkale - Kestanbol : Located 15 km. into Ezine county 2 km. from the Sea of Marmara. The waters of the various springs range between 21^oC and 67^oC, containing chloride, sodium, iron carbon-dioxide and calcium. At the Thermal springs beneficial bath cures, mud-bath cures, steam and geyser-cures are available.

Ankara - Kizilcahamam : It is 86 km. from Ankara. 975 m. above sea level. The waters (37-47^oC) contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and chlorine. Good for drinking and bathing benefitting the cures of rheumatism neuralgia, gynecologic and digestive disorders.

Mugla - Sultaniye : A sunken area Koycegiz county, with warm waters between 25^oC and 43^oC, containing chloride, sodium, hydrogen, sulfide and bromide. Both the drinking ant the bathing waters have a relaxing and beneficial effect on suffers of rheumatism, skin and blood disorders, heart ailments, bronchitis, nervous, complaints, kidney and urinary complaints metabolic disorders and for elderly patients and convalescents.

Kutahya - Harlek (Ilicakoy) : 27 km. from the city. The waters are warm between 25^oC and 43^oC, containing bicarbonate, sulphur, calcium and magnesium. The drinking and bathing waters can be beneficial for sufferers of rheumatism, hepatitis bladder, skin and metabolic disorders.

Konya - Ilgin : Situated northwest of Konya with basic accommodation available but having an excellent treatment center. Waters contain hydrocarbonate, calcium, sodium and carbon-dioxide (42^oC, radioactive) and are beneficial for rheumatic, dermatologicl, gynecologic, urinary, circulatory and heart diseases, and also for glandular and digestive complaints.

Eskisehir - Sakar : It is 33 km. north of Eskisehir near the town of Saricakaya. The waters (35^oC) contain sodium, magnesium and bicarbonate, benefitting the skin, complaints of sciatica, rheumatism and kidney stones.

NIGHTLIFE

There are boundless choices where nightlife in Turkey is concemed. In Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Mersin the State Symphoney Orchestra and State Opera and ballet offer the works of Turkish and foreign composers under the direction of world famous Turkish and guest foreign directors. Alongside the Turkish theatre, there are foreign theatrical groups which come to Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir from time to time. For a different view of nightlife in Turkey, there are nightsclubs and colorful shows. Whereever you are, you will be able to go into a nightclub and taste some Turkish food while enjoying yourself until morning. The discos in resort areas and large cities have the latest facilities.

SHOPPING

Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich variety of Turkish crafts make it impossible to resist buying something. Alongside the most modern objects, traditional handicrafts from villages and provinces can be found. Practical things for the home and kitchen can be found, but alongside these are many decorative items, often in the traditional Turkish style. Most visitors to Turkey cannot resist buying at least one or two things. The most popular objects for the holidaymaker are, of course carpets; but the various leather and suede goods, copper and bronze wares, silver, ceramics, handicrafts, embroidery; and the famous Turkish meerschaum and onyx are on many people's lists.

In Turkey, suede and leather are particularly important, along with all kinds of clothes and other goods such as handsbags, belts. shoes, etc... at prices which suprise and please the visitor. In the large stores in main cities; dresses, trousers and coats made of extremely fine leather and suede, can be found. If you are looking for something a little more unusual, there is the (nargile) hubble-bubble pipe; or buy a backgammon set and learn the national Turkish game. Your only difficulty shopping in Turkey will be deciding what to choose from the many hundreds of tempting bargains.

TURKISH CUISINE, EATING OUT

Would someone come to Turkey just to eat out? Yes, they would. Turkish food is famous throughout the world. The painstaking preparation of simple, but fresh ingredients brings out the richness of their flavors in a way that never fails to delight. The range is enormous, from a number of soups to an astonising variety of meze (hors d'oeuvre), followed by meat and fish dishes. Then pause awhile to contemplate the famous Turkish sweets and pastries before finishing with a Turkish coffee. All Turkish food is orepared from fresh ingredients.
The country produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and being surrounded on three sides by sea, the range of fish to be found is also considerable.

Among alcoholic drinks are the light Turkish beer, excellent wines and the national drink "raki" (an anisette), which clouds when water is added, giving it the popular name of "lion's milk" . The drinking of raki is a rite in itself and it is traditionally accompanied by a variety of "meze" (hors d'ouvre). Along with world famous Turkish coffee. Whereever you go, coffee or tea will be offered to you. Bottled drinking water and mineral water are easily found everywhere. Tap water is drinkable but the taste is not good because it is chlorinated.

Especially in large cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, you can also find restaurants which feature Chineze, Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, Swiss, german and Italian cuisine.

POPULAR CUSTOMS

Hospitaly :
Hospitally is one of the cornerstones of the Turkish way of life. Following Koranic tenets and naturally friendly intincts, the Turk is a most gracious and generous host. Even the poorest peasant feels bound to honor his guest (misafir) in the best possible manner. Hospitally is taken to such lengths that a foreigner often feels he is suffering from an overdose of it after being piled with food and drinks for hours and being unable to refuse anything, lest he hurt his host's feelings. In addition to ensuring a guest's material well-being, the Turk makes every effort to converse, no matter what linguistic barriers might exist. While most middle-class urban-dwelling Turks speak at least one European language, even the uneducated bravely struggle to make themselves understood, with remarkable success.

Turkish coffee houses:
Even the smallest Turkish village has its coffee-house or "kahvehane" where men can talk, sip coffee and play the national game of backgammon (tavla). In Istanbul especially, men can still be seen smoking their hubble bubble pipes (nargile) in these coffee houses.

Turkish baths :
Oving to teh emphasis placed on cleanliness in Turkish society, there have been public bath-houses (hamam) in Turkey since medieval times. There are separate baths for men and women or when there is only one bath house in the town, different days or times of day are allocated for men and women. After entering the "hamam" and leaving one's clothes in a cubicle, one proceeds wrapped in a towel (pestemal) to the "gobek tasi", a large heated stone where one perspires and is rubbed doen by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, one can retire to a cooler room for a while. This method of bathing is most refreshing and many of the old marble baths are very interesting, architecturally.

TRADITIONAL SPORTS

a) "Yagli Gures"
- "Grease Wrestling" is the Turkish national sport and ever year, in July, wrestling championships are held in Kirkpinar, outside Edirne. The contest is made more difficult by the fact that the wrestlers smear themselves with oil.

b) "Cirit Oyunu"
- The "javelin game" of daredevil horsemanship is a sport where wooden javelins are thrown at horseman of opposing teams to gain points. The game is played mainly is Eastern Turkey. Also in Selcuk, in Aegean Region you can watch camel flights (in January), but it for for some reason weat her does not permit, dont despair, camel flights are held in many small towns throughout the springtime. At Artvin Kafkasor, a different type of bullflights is held (in June).