Exploring the Riches of Anatolia: Unearthing the Treasures of Turkey

İrem Uğur
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Anatolia has been home to countless civilizations throughout history. This peninsula is the part of Turkey that is currently in Asia. Being the land where Christianity was first born and developed, many events in history, such as the influx of Turks after the Battle of Malazgirt, have made Anatolia very rich in cultural terms. Some of these riches have survived to the present day and are very popular. With the restoration works, these formations are visited every month and period of the year. In addition to the events in history, Anatolia is a place where four seasons can be seen at the same time due to its location on Earth. Different places were formed here in each geological time. The fertility of its soil is also one of the factors that enrich it. Canyons, waterfalls, castles, fairy chimneys, mosques and many other formations reveal the historical and natural beauties of Anatolia. Some places are hidden in Anatolia and have not yet received the value they deserve.

Yenice Forests - Karabük

Yenice Forests in Karabük are one of the most suitable places for those who want to get away from the city noise. Yenice Forests, with 21 different hiking trails with a length of 210 kilometers, countless species and plant varieties, are waiting for those who want to get lost in nature.

It is one of the few forests in the world with its biodiversity and wildlife. In 1999, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) designated it as one of the 100 Hotspots in Need of Urgent Protection, which increases its importance. Although this place is well known by those living around Karabük, its fame has not yet spread throughout Turkey.

Adress: 78700 Saray/Yenice/Karabük

Ballıkayalar Canyon - Kocaeli

The next hidden beauty is from Kocaeli. Ballıkayalar Canyon in Kocaeli is waiting for everyone who wants to spend time in nature, especially those who like camping with its isolated atmosphere. Located within the borders of Gebze district, the canyon offers an opportunity for those who want to get away from the crowds of the city and relax with its quiet and calm environment.

There are also streams, ponds and waterfalls. Therefore, Ballıkayalar Canyon is an ideal area to see many geographical formations in one place. Moreover, you can easily do nature sports here.

Adress: Tavşanlı, Barış Cd., 41400 Gebze/Kocaeli

Karapınar Dunes - Konya

Located in Karapınar district of Konya, Karapınar Sand Dunes are spread over an area of 4000 hectares. These dunes threatened the city center along with the wind for a while. At first, the city was considered to be moved, but then measures were taken for the dunes. Although there is no desert in Anatolia due to its climate, this area is almost a desert.

This is 100 kilometers from the center of Konya. You can reach Karapınar Sand Dunes by heading towards Sakyatan from the center of Konya.

Güver Cliff and Canyon - Antalya

Güver Cliff and Canyon in Antalya Döşemealtı is one of the places you should definitely visit if you are on your way to Antalya. Located within the borders of Düzler Pine National Park in Döşemealtı District on the Antalya Korkuteli Highway, this area was formed in 1 million years by surface water eroding the karstic terrain. 

115 meters high and about 2 km long, the stream inside the canyon dries up in summer. Since this place is close to Antalya city center, it is frequently visited for its interesting natural structure and beauty.

Adress: Bahçeyaka, Atatürk Blv. No:489, 07190 Döşemealtı/Antalya

Karaleylek Canyon - Elazığ

Our next stop is Elazığ. Although the Karaleylek Canyon in Elazığ has been visited a lot in recent years, it is not yet one of the well-known places in Anatolia. The canyon is located on the banks of the Euphrates River within the borders of Kumlutarla village in Baskil district of Elazığ. The natural wonder caves and rocky areas in the canyon host some of the 'Black Stork' migratory birds, which are estimated to number 10-15 thousand pairs in the world, in the summer months.

The canyon stretches for about 3 km along the Euphrates River and can rise from time to time due to tectonic movements. The mouths of the caves in Karaleylek Canyon usually face the Euphrates River and the most important of these caves is Tepesidelik Cave. It is possible to reach the canyon by boat over the Euphrates River.

Adress: 23802, Kumlutarla/Baskil/Elazığ

Santa Ruins - Gümüşhane

The Santa Valley, 90 kilometers from Gümüşhane city center, is one of the stops in the Black Sea for those who enjoy highland tourism and want to spend time in touch with nature. The region was conquered during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror - between 1461-1476 - together with the whole Trabzon and Eastern Black Sea region. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the region developed significantly and reached economic prosperity. The mines in the region also played an important role in this.

In 1923, Santa Ruins, one of the places evacuated due to the population exchange, was declared as an 'Archaeological and Natural Site'. It is estimated that the region used to consist of 9 different neighborhoods. Today, there are 7 neighborhoods and more than 300 houses here.

Adress: 29100 Dumanlı/Gümüşhane Merkez/Gümüşhane

İspir Yedigöller - Erzurum

One of the must-see hidden paradises in Turkey is İspir Yedigöller. The southern slopes of Mount Ovit are a must-discover area with its volcanic lakes. This virgin geography draws attention with its turquoise colored volcanic lakes between small and large hills.

It is quite difficult to reach Yedigöller, which consists of 11 lakes of different sizes, by car. This area, which can be reached with a suitable off-road vehicle, is a favorite place for mountaineers. The best time to visit Yedigöller is after the fifteenth of June and late August.

Gölalan Waterfall - Samsun

Samsun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Black Sea region. There are many hidden natural formations and historical buildings here. One of them is Gölalan Waterfall, which has been receiving a lot of tourists especially recently. Although this place is known around Samsun, there are still countless people who have not even heard the name of the waterfall.

Gölalan Waterfall is within the borders of Samsun's Canik district. Gölalan Village in Samsun is home to these waterfalls with its cherry trees, nature and centuries-old cypress tree in the center. You need to descend on foot to the nearby valley and walk along the stream.

Although there are many large and small waterfalls along the stream bed, there are two large waterfalls worth seeing. The first one is very close to the village. This waterfall flows about 5 meters. The second of these waterfalls flows from about 10 meters into a small lake.

Adress: Gaziosmanpaşa,  129. Sk. No:9, 55080 Canik/Samsun

Muradiye Waterfall - Van

The next waterfall is from Van. This waterfall takes on a different beauty in every season. This 50-meter-long waterfall, where wildflowers bloom in spring, where camping is made in summer and freezes in winter, is named after the Ottoman Sultan Murat IV who went on the Baghdad expedition.

The waterfall on the Bend-i Mahi Stream fed by Mount Tendürek is 50 meters high. Muradiye Waterfall, which offers an extremely magnificent view, freezes in winter. In spring, it gets a colorful appearance with flowers.

Adress: Görecek, 65500 Muradiye/Van

Vanadokya Fairy Chimneys - Van

An example of the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, which is one of the few examples in the world and frequently visited, is also in Van. Vanadokya Fairy Chimneys are located in Yavuzlar Village of Başkale district of Van.

In Yavuzlar Village, 33 kilometers from the district center, the rocks sprayed by the volcanic Yiğit Mountain, rainwater and wind erosion have formed these natural wonders. This place, called 'Vanadokya' by the local people, has been hosting local and foreign tourists especially in the summer season. It has not yet achieved the value it deserves.

Adress: Yavuzlar, 65600 Başkale/Van

Girlevik Waterfall - Erzincan

Waterfalls are one of the most popular geographical formations and another example of these is Girlevik Waterfall in Erzincan. Located in Girlevik Village, Çağlayan Subdistrict, approximately 35 kilometers from Erzincan city center, the waterfall is frequently visited around Erzincan with its natural beauties, vegetation, trees, cool air and resting places.

Girlevik Waterfall, which is about 30 meters high and flows from many branches with three floors, becomes even more remarkable with the leafy and flowering nature, especially in spring.

Adress: 24002 Merkez/Erzincan Merkez/Erzincan

Harput Castle - Elazığ

Elazığ has been one of the most important points of Anatolia throughout history. This has led to a large number of historical monuments. Harput Castle from the Urartians is one of them, but it has not yet seen the value it deserves. 

According to historical sources, Harput Castle was founded by the Urartu Kingdom in the 8th century BC and came under the rule of the Persians in the 6th century BC. Harput Castle, which was then under the rule of many civilizations, consists of two parts: the inner castle and the outer walls. The repairs during the Artuqid Period had a great impact on the preservation of Harput Castle as an original structure until today.

Adress: Harput, 23350 Elâzığ Merkez/Elazığ

İbrahim Pasha Mosque - Erzurum

Another stop for those who enjoy historical tourism is the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque in Erzurum. The fact that this mosque in the center of Erzurum is very easy to reach makes it a frequent visitor.

The inscriptions inside and the meanings of these inscriptions make the mosque more special. Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, one of the most important products of history, is a must-visit for those who visit Erzurum.

Adress: İbrahim Paşa Mh., 25200 Yakutiye/Erzurum

Günpınar Waterfall - Malatya

Günpınar Waterfall, which is a waterfall on the Şuhul Stream, a tributary of the Tohma Stream, on the borders of the Darende district of Malatya province, developed on the slope fracture due to the fault line. Since Şuhul Stream is fed by karstic springs, its waters are clear. For this reason, its flow rate does not change much throughout the year. It can only increase in the spring due to snowmelt.

Adress: Günpınar, 44700 Darende/Malatya

Nemrut Crater Lake - Bitlis

Nemrut Crater Lake, the second largest crater lake in the world and the largest crater lake in Turkey, fascinates those who see it. The lake, which is 2400 meters above sea level, has no outflow. So it has a closed basin feature. The water is fresh.

The crater formed as a result of explosions in Nemrut has a mouth width of 48 km2 and a base width of 36 km². The fact that plants belonging to different regions continue to live together here, the lake levels remain almost constant, and the balance of precipitation and evaporation is established shows the existence of a microclimate climate type.

Munzur Valley National Park - Tunceli

Munzur Valley National Park in Tunceli has an area of 42,000 hectares. It was declared a national park in 1971. 'Munzur Valley National Park', one of the largest national parks in Turkey, starts 8 kilometers from Tunceli city center.

Rich natural data, including river sources and reservoirs, endemic plant species and animal species specific to the region are among the most important factors in the declaration of the Munzur Valley as a national park.

Adress: Tunceli Ovacık Yolu, 62000 Tunceli Merkez/Tunceli

Golan Hot Springs - Elazığ

Another hidden beauty in Elazığ is the Golan Hot Spring. Although thousands of tourists visit the Golan Hot Springs located next to the Peri Stream in Yoğunağaç Village of Karakoçan district every year, it has not yet reached the value it deserves.

According to the report dated 27.01.1973 and numbered 108/7 b of Refik Saydam Central Sanitary Institute, these hot springs are good for the treatment of rheumatism, neuritis, poly-neuritis, fracture-dislocation, gynecological diseases and skin diseases.

Adress: Çukurca, Golan Kaplıcası, 23600 Yoğunağaç/Karakoçan/Elazığ

Lavender Scented Village - Isparta

Lavender cultivation is economically practiced only in Isparta Keçiborlu region, especially in Kuyucak, Kuşcular and Çukurören villages. Lavender Scented Village is waiting for those who want to see the lavender gardens up close and take a stroll accompanied by fragrant scents.

This is actually Kuyucak Village, but it was named Lavender Scented Village because of the lavender gardens. Here you can stay in the pensions of the village if you wish.

Adress: 32700 Kuyucak/Keçiborlu/Isparta

Valla Canyon - Kastamonu

Valla Canyon in Kastamonu is the second deepest canyon in the world, but not many people know about it. This area, which has an exquisite view opened by the Devrekani Stream in the Küre Mountains, has high rocky cliffs and it is possible to see birds of prey such as eagles, hawks and vultures on these cliffs.

The inside of the canyon cannot be crossed by professional groups and without appropriate equipment. Guided tours are available at the entrance and exit.

Adress: 37772 Muratbaşı/Pınarbaşı/Kastamonu

Nadire Canyon - Karaman

Nadire Canyon, defined as the hidden paradise in Karaman, is a place formed by the Taurus Mountains on both sides in Ermenek district of Karaman. Because of its color, this canyon is also called Turquoise Lake. It is possible to take a boat ride in the waters flowing through the canyon and into the Ermenek Dam.

The length of the canyon is about 10 km after you enter the Ambar Bosphorus. The cave inside the canyon is also interesting.

Adress: 70400 Ardıçkaya/Ermenek/Karaman