Turkey's unique geography — surrounded by four seas and spanning two continents — creates an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. From the alpine peaks of Uludağ to the Mediterranean coastline, from the steppes of Central Anatolia to the wetlands of Kuş Cenneti, the country is home to 48 national parks, numerous nature parks, and 19 internationally recognized wetlands. This guide covers the most important protected areas, wildlife species, and practical information for nature travelers.
This natural park, in Interior Anatolia, is one of the group of forest islands which are located in anthropogenic steppe formed by human influence. From the widespread and untouched forests of ancient times, only this pinewood managed to survive to the present day. The natural park, which is found in Yozgat city center, has areas for daily use.
The park's main asset is archaeology. Karatepe, which was the border fort of the Late Hittite kingdom, and Domuztepe, which is situated on the opposite side of the Ceyhan River, were the most strategic forts and important centers of the Late Hittite Kingdom. The national park has an area for daily use.
This park is found in the transition zone from the Central Anatolian steppes to the thick and green regions of North Anatolia. Black and Scots pines, oaks, and poplar trees that protect their natural appearance are found on the geomorphological structure formed by numerous side streams and valley plains. Two main valleys, together with an enriched sub-flora, constitute a thick forest tissue.
The park shelters 239 various kinds of bird species. Among these species are pelicans, geese, swans, ducks, nightingales, black storks, and herons. Some birds visit the park only during migration and incubation periods.
Location: Near Bandırma, south of the Sea of Marmara.
Uludağ, the highest point of the Marmara region, rises to 2,543 meters above the Bursa Plain. Its steep slopes, rocky zones, deep valleys, high plains, mountain lakes, Aras Falls, and glacial marks at the peaks make the geomorphological structure of the national park particularly interesting. Uludağ is also Turkey's premier ski resort in winter.
Best for: Hiking (summer), skiing (winter), scenic drives.
The most beautiful mixed natural forests of Turkey and the seven landslide lakes which gave the park their name are the main assets of this natural park. It is an excellent place for long walks and fishing. The park has areas for daily use. Staying in bungalows is possible.
Location: Bolu province, between Istanbul and Ankara.
In the park, particularly bay and chestnut plant groups, together with all kinds of Mediterranean shrub flora, exist as healthy and lively species. The region gains scientific value from a botanical perspective, as chestnut and linden are unique in the forests of Northern Anatolia.
Location: Near Kuşadası, facing the Greek island of Samos.
The national park forms steep rocky regions on the slopes of Spil Mountain, which rises dramatically from the plain below. Formations such as canyons, dens, caves, and dolines are the result of the geological structure and karstic morphology of the region. The park has areas for daily use and bungalow accommodations. The variety of plants, wildlife, and mythology — including the famous "Weeping Virgin Mary" rock formation — are other values of the park.
In Kızıldağ and its surroundings, which are covered with scrub association, the suitability of edaphic and exposure conditions gives the cedar forest a rich climax at the farthest northern point of the country. The oxygen produced by the cedar forests and the recreation potential of the green landscape are the main values. The park has areas for daily use and overnight bungalow stays.
Güllük Mountain rises just after the travertine steps that form large plains north of Antalya. Inside the park are rich plant associations and wildlife. Termessos Ancient City is the most important cultural richness. The park has areas for daily use. The mountaintop ruins of Termessos are among the most spectacular in Turkey.
Kovada Lake, the continuation of Lake Eğirdir to the south, was formed by the damming of a narrow valley over a long period. The lake's fauna, various kinds of plants, and untouched natural beauty are the park's assets. The park has opportunities for daily use.
The park's natural environment, wildlife, interesting geomorphological structure, and landscape beauty are its main assets. Areas for daily use are present. Located in eastern Turkey (Tunceli province), this is one of the country's most biodiverse and remote parks.
The park stretches from near Antalya and includes the Beydağları chain down to the shore. Cultural richness such as the ancient cities of Phaselis and Olympos are as important as the natural resources. The park has a camping site and areas for daily use. The Chimaera (Yanartaş) — natural gas vents that have burned for thousands of years — is a highlight.
The Dardanelles and the Gallipoli Peninsula are very important for world war history. The park has areas for daily use and camping sites. In addition, the statues, martyrs' memorials, and the introductory center museum can be seen inside the park.
Köprü River, interesting geomorphological structures, plant associations, a 400-hectare Mediterranean cypress forest, scrubs, wildlife, and historical and archaeological resources form a unique harmony inside the park. The canyon is famous for whitewater rafting.
Ilgaz Dağı rises on the transition zone from Central Anatolia to Northern Anatolia. The rich plant association and wildlife constitute the main source values of the park. The park has areas for daily use and a center for accommodation and skiing.
Great leader Atatürk and the brave Turkish soldiers created a legend of bravery and resulted in the War of Independence with a great victory. The region where the war took place has a very important place in history. The historical value of the region and the historic facts of the War of Independence form the basic values of the park.
Unique geomorphological formations, the visual value of the aesthetic landscape, and historical and ethnographic structures form the main riches of the national park. Long walks are a good opportunity for anyone who wants to stay fit. Areas inside the park can be used daily or for camping. Visiting the open-air museums is an opportunity you would not want to miss. Göreme is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The monastery of Sumela, the rich plant association, and the unique geomorphological formation of the Virgin Mary Valley are the assets of the national park. It is possible to take long nature walks, stay in bungalows, and use the areas daily.
The natural park includes the archaeological remnants of Boğazköy (Hattusa). Boğazköy was the capital city of the Hittite Empire, one of the most important civilizations of its time in Anatolia. The national park has areas for daily use and a museum.
Nemrut Mountain and the holy areas that once belonged to Commagene King Antiochus I are the most important features of the national park. The mountain is famous for its massive statues of gods and eagles. Camp sites, accommodation opportunities, and areas for daily use are open to all visitors.
The park's beautiful landscape is one of its most important values. Moreover, the park is a good shelter for birds and offers opportunities for water sports. Another important value of the park is the cultural resources from the Seljuk Era. The park has camp sites and areas for daily use.
Kazdağı, formerly called Mount Ida, is the largest mass of the Biga Peninsula and separates the Aegean and Marmara regions from each other. The deep valleys and canyons situated on Kazdağı continue in a north-south direction. The rich potential of flora and fauna, especially the plant associations and biological variety, form the park's source assets. Mount Ida is also famous in Greek mythology as the site where the gods watched the Trojan War.
Due to its geographical location, Turkey has various ecosystems and climate zones within its boundaries. As a result, there is a rich variety of species with respect to fauna. The results of scientific research to date have identified 120 mammal, 439 bird, 130 reptile, and 345 fish species in the country.
The commission, which meets annually, makes decisions about hunting regulations. These regulations include application procedures for hunting, fixing suitable times for hunting, daily limits, zones that would be closed to hunting, and the determination of species that will be taken under protection. 320 bird and 28 mammal species are currently under protection as a result of the commission's decisions and international agreements.
Turkey, excluding the Confederation of Independent States, is the richest country in wetlands among the countries in Europe and the Middle East. Because Turkey is located on the migration path between Europe, Asia, and Africa, these wetlands have great importance, especially for water birds.
A wetland that shelters more than 25,000 water birds is categorized as A-level according to IUCN criteria. Turkey has 19 wetlands that are categorized as A-level. In eleven of these lands, special precautions are applied for the protection of birds. These wetlands are:
Five additional wetlands which are also categorized as A-level are designated as 'Water Birds Protection Sites'.
National parks, natural parks, and forest recreation sites serve more than fifteen million local and foreign tourists annually. At these sites, campgrounds with a capacity of 5,000 tents offer a unique opportunity for affordable holidays for more than one million people. The General Directorate of National Parks and Hunt-Wildlife is a pioneer in organizing tourism facilities concerning nature and wildlife.