Acarlar Floodplain: Discovering Turkey's First Degree Natural Protected Area

İrem Uğur
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Acarlar Floodplain is located between Karasu and Kaynarca districts in the north of Sakarya. This is Turkey's largest floodplain, i.e. floodplain forest in one piece. This area, with a width of 250-1250 m and a length of 7.5 km, is a coastal set lake in terms of its formation. Acarlar Floodplain is a blessing for people who are bored of the four walls and buildings. Acarlar Floodplain is a perfect place for those who want to spend their weekends in a lush green environment. 

In this content, you can find the information you wonder about Acarlar Floodplain in Sakarya.

Information About Acarlar Floodplain

Floodplain forests, contrary to popular belief, are not a tree species. This is the name given to an ecosystem in itself. In fact, although their formation is very common, they faced the danger of extinction due to human intervention in the ecosystem.

The formation of floodplain forests depends on many factors. The alluvium in the river accumulates where the water flows into the sea over time and forms a dike. This prevents the water from meeting the sea. When the river cannot overcome the embankment, the area left behind is flooded. Over time, marshes, lakes, dunes and floodplain forests are formed here. This ecosystem is called a floodplain forest. The main condition for the continuity of the existence of floodplain forests is the continuous availability of plenty of water.

Acarlar Floodplain is one of the best examples of floodplain forests in Turkey. Although it is a very large area, some measures have been taken to protect it. For example, the walking path is limited to 750 metres and not every part of the forest can be visited. In the past, it was possible to rent boats and sea bikes in Acarlar Floodplain. Currently, such activities are prohibited for the protection of the forest.

Features of Acarlar Floodplain

Acarlar Floodplain is 250-1250 m wide and 7.5 kilometres long. It is bounded by sand dunes with a height of 20-25 m between it and the Black Sea and low hills with an average height of 100 m in the south. Located 6 kilometres west of the Sakarya River, the excess water of Acarlar Floodplain flows into the Sakarya River via the Okçu stream.

Acarlar Floodplain is approximately 26 kilometres away from Karasu in terms of transportation. The distance to Sakarya is about 50 kilometres. Acarlar Floodplain, with its rare floodplain forest ecosystem in Turkey, was declared a 1st degree Natural Protected Area with the decision taken by the Bursa Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Board in 1998 and was taken under protection.

Importance of Acarlar Floodplain

Acarlar Floodplain is not a place that can accommodate every tree species due to its formation characteristics. Oak, alder, ash, which are good with water, grow widely here.

Located on one of the two migration routes of birds passing through Turkey, Acarlar Floodplain is home to nearly 200 bird species. Foxes, rabbits and many other animals also live here.

There is a plant species in Acarlar Floodplain, which attracts attention for hosting many rare species, including water-loving species and aquatic ecosystem creatures, that grows only here in Turkey. This plant, known as water violet, does not exist anywhere in Turkey except Acarlar Floodplain and a few wetlands around it. Lake onion and marsh fern are also rare aquatic plants and have the chance to grow here.

Where Is Acarlar Floodplain and How To Get There?

Acarlar Floodplain, a wetland conservation area with wooded areas, a large lagoon and plenty of plants and animals, is located in Karasu district of Sakarya. 

You can come to Acarlar Floodplain from Karasu by private public bus number 108.

If you plan to come by private car, you may need the following address:

Adress: Denizköy, 54500 Karasu/Sakarya

When to visit Acarlar Floodplain?

Acarlar Floodplain is beautiful in every season. If you want to come here in the most beautiful periods, most of the year is suitable for this. You can come to Acarlar Floodplain from May to the end of November.

Especially those who like colour change can prefer October and November. The leaves that start to dry create a unique colour riot. At the same time, pink water lilies add colour to nature.

Spring and summer are the greenest and most vibrant times of the floodplain. If you want to see the white lotus flowers, you should try to visit this place between 9 and 15. Otherwise the flowers are closed.