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

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 center

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. 

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