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Mountaineering in Turkey

mountain turkey

Turkey’s magnificent mountains and forests are mostly undeveloped, existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. Two of Turkey’s most famous peaks are volcanoes, both inactive, Mt. Erciyes in Kayseri in Central Anatolia (3917 m) and Mt. Agri (Mt. Ararat 5137 m) in the East. Other well-known mountain ranges are the Rize Kackar (3932 m) in the Eastern Black Sea region, Nigde Aladag (3756 m) in the Central Taurus range, and the Cilo and Sat Mountains (4136 m) near Hakkari in the Eastern Taurus.

The mountainous nature of the country has influenced its cultural evolution. For centuries, nomads and semi-nomadic peoples have migrated annually to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in the summer. These alpine meadows, called yayla, still represent a firm tie to traditional culture.

For climbers and those interested in mountain geography, Turkey offers a wealth of exploration. Glaciers, volcanoes, and peculiar geological formations such as kars prove irresistible to researchers and students of geology. The challenging terrain offers great opportunities for aficionados of outdoor sports who find interesting experiences on the mountains of Eastern, Central and Southern Turkey. A list of resources to aid an expedition, at whatever level, is to be found below.

Popular Mountains Of Turkey

The Munzur Mountains,
The Bolkar Mountains,
The Bey Mountains,
The Suphan Mountain,
The Nemrut Mountain,
The Mountain Erciyes,
The Toros Mountains,
The Kackar Mountains,
The Cilo Sat Mountains,
The Great Agri Mountain

Popular Climbing Sites
Kackar Mt. Range (The Black Sea), Antalya – Beydaglar (Mediterranean), Mt. Erciyes (Central Anatolia),
Nigde Aladaglar (Central Anatolia), Mt. Ararat (Eastern Anatolia), Mt. Suphan (Eastern Anatolia), Bolkar Mountains (Mediterranean), Mercan (Munzur) Mountains (Easter Anatolia)

Useful Information and Resources on Mountain Tourism and Sport

Ministry of Tourism, Tourist Information Office
Ismet Inonu Bulv. No 5, Ankara

General Directorate of Youth and Sports (Mountaineering Federation) Ulus, Ankara

General Directorate of Youth and Sports (Skiing Federation) Ulus, Ankara

Hunting in Turkey

hunter turkey

Geographic structure of Turkey, is appropriate for development of hunt tourism in connection with its plant cover and wild life. Hunting grounds, which will be opened to hunting tourism with considering the hunting animals potential of our country, are determined and announced by Ministry of Environment and Forests (National Parks, Hunting and Wild Life General Directorate).

Foreign tourist hunters, can hunt with Hunting Tousim Permission Certificate, issued to A Class Tourism Agencies by Ministry of Forest. Also, foreign tourist hunters can only hunt species, breed and set free here within private hunting grounds approved by Ministry of Forest, National Parks and Hunt – wild Life General Directorate.

Foreign tourist hunters, who can hunt by means of Tourism Agencies, according to the related decision of MAK (Central Hunt Commission) and regulation related with the application of 6136 Numbered Law, can bring their hunting guns and accessories together with them.

In Hunting Permission Certificates; name, surname, nationality of the hunter who will participate hunting party, dates and customs offices, when and where he will enter and exit our country, hunting grounds, dates of hunt and hunting animal species and numbers that he can hunt, are mentioned.

Hunting Animals Allowed for Hunting in Turkey
Wild animals allowed for hunting in Turkey are determined each year according to their species and hunting periods. These changes are determined by the decesions of the Central Hunting Commision which has been organized each year. Bear, hook horned mountain goat (samua), wild goat (Bezoar), wild boar, lynx, wolf, jackal, fox, from big hunting animals, are served against its value to usage of national and foreign hunters under hunting tourism title. Hunting of hunting animals except these can only be possible within special hunting grounds. Foreign hunters can not hunt hunting animals except above mentioned animals outside special grounds.

Research On Hunting Species
In order to research animal species, activities of foreign researchers, who will come to Turkey and submission of applications made on this matter to related authorities under a certain procedure is also performed by Ministry of Forest, National Parks and Hunting – Wild Life General Directorate. In case of finding appropriate after investigation of application demands by required official authorities, research permission under certain conditions is given. Under research study, sampling from wild animals and getting egg, etc. production materials to outside of country is not permitted.

Thermal Resorts in Turkey

Thermal Resorts in Turkey
A visit to Turkey would not be complete without a stop at one of the country’s better known spas, whether to treat a health problem or simply to luxuriate in the soothing waters of natural mineral baths. A stop at one of the spas described in this booklet can easily be combined with a tour of Turkey’s most famous destinations. The health giving properties of Turkey’s natural hot springs have been renowned since antiquity.

The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on the site of the rich mineral waters of Pamukkale, where the steaming water has hollowed enormous circular basins in the earth as it flowed down the mountainside, coating the slopes in a smooth layer of dazzlingly-white calcareous rock. No doubt the residents of the ancient Lycian city of Caunos bathed in the mineral rich mud of nearby Koycegiz Lake.

Camping in Turkey

camping in turkey

Unspoiled nature, a cultural panorama, a historical tapestry and uncalculating friendship await campers in Turkey. The geographical diversity and sheer size of the Turkish landscape lends itself to camping adventures: from the shimmering shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean to the lush Black Sea coast, from pristine mountain lakes to the haunting beauty of ancient ruins, from the freshness of high mountain meadows to the surprise of fairy chimneys and underground cities.

Camping whether by caravan or in tents enables visitors to see a Turkey rarely seen by tourists; a country of small villages and charming provincial towns, a country wide open and unfenced, a country known for its hospitality and generosity. Camping is an inseparable part of Anatolian culture. The nomadic traditions of the Turks have left a strong impression on modern day life, influencing everything from dietary habits to styles of interior decoration Kilims, for example, were originally used by nomads and pastìrma, meat cured with spices and garlic, was an integral part of the nomadic diet.

The trek up to the high mountain meadows in summer to escape the heat of the coastal plain is another enduring nomadic tradition. Medieval caravansarais, a few of them restored, dot the eastwest Silk Route, attesting to the mobility of early commercial travellers. Indeed the history of Anatolia is marked by shifts of populations and an on-going cultural symbiosis, throughwhich the achievements of one civilization draw upon the experiences of a previous one.

Turkey is often called an ‘open air museum’ and camping is one of the best ways to see this extraordinary place. Numerous organized campsites around Turkey welcome travelers. Many of these are accessible by highway and border the sea. These provide an ideal setting for a family vacation; the campsites provide water and cooking and sanitary facilities, and local shops sell fresh food, while the beaches and sea offer endless recreational possibilities for children and adults alike.

Caravans and backpackers may consider the entire country as their campsite. Provisions can be purchased in any town and the locals are always happy to share their land with visitors. Just one reminder: responsible campers leave their campsites clean and unlittered. To enjoy the environment , we must protect it! Your local Turkish Tourism Office will be happy to offer suggestions to help plan a trip. Many tour agencies organize trekking expeditions, river rafting and horseback trips for the adventurous traveller. Fully equipped campers (caravans) can be rented in Turkey’s major cities for excursions into the countryside. Enjoy your trip!