The Hidden Jewels of Anatolia: Unlocking its Hidden Riches
Anatolia, a peninsula situated on the Asian continent of Turkey, has a rich history of hosting countless civilizations. Its cultural wealth stems from significant events such as the birth and development of Christianity, and the influx of Turks after the Battle of Manzikert. Some of Anatolia's cultural riches have endured to this day and continue to be popular, attracting visitors from all around the world. The restoration of historical sites has made these formations accessible and popular tourist attractions throughout the year.
Anatolia's unique location on the Earth enables it to experience four distinct seasons, and its varied geological history has resulted in diverse and remarkable landscapes. Its fertile soil has enabled it to flourish, and the region is home to stunning canyons, waterfalls, castles, fairy chimneys, mosques, and other awe-inspiring formations that showcase its natural beauty and historical significance. However, despite its wealth of natural and cultural wonders, some of Anatolia's hidden gems remain undiscovered and unappreciated.
1. Yenice Forests - Karabuk
The Yenice Forests located in Karabük are the most suitable places for those who want to get away from the noise of the city. With 21 different hiking trails with a length of 210 kilometers, countless living species and plant varieties, the Yenice Forests are waiting for those who want to get lost in nature.
This place is among the few forests of the world with its biological diversity and the wildlife it hosts. The fact that it was designated as One of the 100 Hot Spots that Urgently Need to be Protected by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1999 also increases the importance of this place. Although this place is known closely by those who live around Karabük, its reputation has not yet spread throughout Turkey.
Address: 78700 Saray/Yenice/Karabuk
2. 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 to camp with its isolated atmosphere. Located on the borders of Gebze district, the canyon provides an opportunity for those who want to get away from the crowds of the city and listen to the head with its quiet and peaceful environment.
There are also streams, ponds and waterfalls here. Therefore, Ballıkayalar Canyon is an ideal area to see many geographical formations in one place. Moreover, you can also do outdoor sports here easily.
Address: Tavşanlı, Barış Cd., 41400 Gebze/Kocaeli
3. Karapınar Dunes - Konya
The Karapınar Dunes, located in the Karapınar district of Konya, are spread over an area of 4000 hectares. These dunes, along with the wind for a period of time, also threatened the city center. Previously, it was considered to move the city, but then measures began to be taken for the dunes. Although there is no desert in Anatolia due to its climate, this place shows almost a desert feature.
This is 100 kilometers from the center of Konya. You can reach the Karapınar Dunes by going towards Sakyatan from the center of Konya.
4. Güver Cliff and Canyon - Antalya
Güver Cliff and Canyon, located in Antalya Döşemealti, are definitely the places you should visit if you are on your way to Antalya. This area, located on the borders of the Düzler Çami National Park in the Döşemealtı District on the Korkuteli Highway in Antalya, was formed over 1 million years by surface water eroding the karst land.
The stream in the canyon, which is 115 meters high and about 2 km long, dries up in summer. Since this place is close to Antalya city center, it is visited frequently with its interesting natural structure and beauty.
Address: Bahçeyaka, Atatürk Blv. No:489, 07190 Döşemealtı/Antalya
5. Karaleylek Canyon - Elazig
Our next stop is from Elazığ. Although the Karaleylek Canyon in Elazig has been visited a lot in recent years, it has not yet become one of the most well-known and well-known places in Anatolia. The canyon is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, within the borders of Kumlutarla village, Baskil district of Elazig. The natural wonder caves and rocky areas in the canyon are home to some of the “Black Stork” migratory birds, whose numbers are estimated to be 10-15 thousand pairs in the world, during the summer months.
The canyon stretches along the Euphrates River for about 3 km and can rise from time to time depending on tectonic movements. The mouth parts of the caves in Karaleylek Canyon are usually facing the Euphrates River, and the most important of these caves is Tepesidelik Cave. It is possible to reach the canyon by boats via the Euphrates River.
Address: 23802, Kumlutarla/Baskil/Elazig
6. Santa's Ruins - Gümüşhane
Santa Valley, 90 kilometers from Gümüşhane city center, is one of the stops on the Black Sea for those who like highland tourism and want to spend time in nature. The region was conquered together with the entire decadence of Trabzon and the Eastern Black Sea region during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror - between 1461 and 1476. In the period between the 16th and 18th centuries, the region has Decently developed and achieved economic prosperity. The mines in the region also have an important contribution to this.
Santa Ruins, which was one of the places evacuated due to population exchange in 1923, has been declared as an ‘Archaeological and Natural Site’ today. It is estimated that the region consisted of 9 separate neighborhoods at first. Today, there are 7 neighborhoods and more than 300 houses here.
Address: 29100 Dumanli/Gümüşhane Merkez/Gümüşhane
7. Ispir Yedigöller - Erzurum
One of the hidden paradises that must be seen in Turkey Ispir Yedigöller. The southern slopes of Ovit Mountain are an area that must be explored with its volcanic lakes. This virgin geography attracts attention with its turquoise 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 all-terrain vehicle, is a favorite place for climbers. The best time to come to Yedigöller is between June and August.
8. Gölalan Waterfall - Samsun
Samsun is one of the cities of the Black Sea that receives the most tourists. There are also many natural formations and historical structures hidden in secret here. One of them is Gölalan Waterfall, which has received 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 located within the borders of Canik district of Samsun. Gölalan Village in Samsun hosts these waterfalls with its cherry trees, nature and a century-old cypress tree in the center. You need to go down to the nearby valley on foot 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 of the waterfalls is very close to the village. This waterfall flows about 5 meters. The second of these waterfalls flows into a small lake about 10 meters.
Address: Gaziosmanpasa, 129. Sk. No:9, 55080 Canik /Samsun
9. Muradiye Waterfall - Van
The next waterfall is from Van. This waterfall takes on a different beauty every season. This waterfall, which blooms with wild flowers in spring, camps in summer and freezes in winter, is 50 m long and descends many times, took its name from the Ottoman Sultan Murat IV, who went on a Baghdad expedition.
The height of the waterfall on the Bend-i Mahi Stream fed from Tendurek Mountain is 50 meters. Muradiye Waterfall, which offers an extremely magnificent view, freezes during the winter months. In spring, it gets a colorful appearance with flowers.
Address: Gorgor, 65500 Muradiye/Van
10. Vanadokya Fairy Chimneys - Van
There is also an example of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, of which there are a few examples in the world and which are frequently visited, in Van. Vanadokya Fairy Chimneys are located in Yavuzlar Village, connected to Başkale district of Van.
In the village of Yavuzlar, 33 kilometers from the district center, rocks, rainwater and wind abrasions sprayed by the volcanic Yigit Mountain have created these natural wonders.This place, called 'Vanadokya' by the local people, welcomes local and foreign tourists especially in the summer season recently. And the value it deserves has not yet been achieved.
Address: Yavuzlar, 65600 Başkale/Van
11. Girlevik Waterfall - Erzincan
Waterfalls are one of the most interesting geographical formations, and another example of them is the Girlevik Waterfall in Erzincan. Located in Girlevik Village, Çağlayan Bucağı, about 35 kilometers from Erzincan city center, the waterfall is visited very often around Erzincan with its natural beauties, vegetation, trees, cool air and resting places.
Girlevik Waterfall, which has a height of about 30 meters and flows through many tributaries with three floors, becomes even more remarkable with the nature that leaves and blooms, especially in spring.
Address: 24002 Merkez/Erzincan Merkez/Erzincan
12. Harput Castle - Elazig
Elazığ has been one of the most important points of Anatolia throughout history. This situation has ensured that there are a large number of historical monuments. The castle of Harput, dating from the Urartians, is one of them, but it does not yet see the value it deserves.
According to historical sources, Harput Castle was founded by the Kingdom of Urartu in the eighth century BC and came under the domination of the Persians in the sixth century BC. Harput Castle, which later remained under the rule of many civilizations, consists of two parts: the inner castle and the outer walls. The repairs in the Artukluk Period have a great impact on the preservation of Harput Castle as an original structure to this day.
Address: Harput, 23350 Elazig Center/Elazig
13. Ibrahim Pasha Mosque - Erzurum
Another stop for those who like historical tourism is the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque in Erzurum. The fact that access to this mosque in the center of Erzurum is extremely easy allows it to be visited frequently.
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 one of the places that those who fall on the way to Erzurum should visit.
Address: Ibrahim Pasha Mh., 25200 Yakutiye/Erzurum
14. Günpınar Waterfall - Malatya
Günpınar Waterfall, which is a waterfall on the Şuhul Stream, a tributary of Tohma Stream, on the borders of Darende district of Malatya province, has developed on the slope failure due to the fault line. Since the Şuhul Stream is fed by karst springs, its waters are clear. Again, for this reason, the flow rate does not change much during the year. An increase can be seen only in spring due to snowmelt.
Address: Günpınar, 44700 Darende/Malatya
15. Nemrut Crater Lake - Bitlis
Nemrut Crater Lake, the second largest crater lake in the world and the largest in Turkey, amazes those who see it. The lake, which has an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level, has no outflow. In other words, it has a closed basin feature. And the water is sweet.
The mouth width of the crater formed as a result of explosions in Nemrut is 48 km2, the floor width is 36 km2. Reasons such as the fact that plants belonging to different regions continue to live together here, lake levels remain almost constant, and the balance of precipitation and Decontamination has been established indicate the existence of a microclimate climate type.
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