NATURE

Is it possible to go for a skiing and then sun bathing at the beach on the same day? As its culture Turkey has a very rich nature, experiencing the four seasons of the year which provides hundreds of nature wonders.

  • PLANT
    DIVERSITY

    Turkey is one of the few countries in the world in terms of plant diversity. It has about 12 thousand plant species and has a variety of plant species in the whole of the European continent. Plant species that live in a specific region of the Earth and are not found in other sites are called Native (endemic) plants. About one third (around 3700) of the plant species found in Turkey are endemic plants. Some endemic plants include;

    • The Frankincense tree around Köyceğiz
    • Datça and Datça date on Teke Peninsula
    • Kazdağlarında Kazdağı Fir
    • Pulley Oak in Lake District
    • Ispir Oak around Kastamonu and Yozgat
    • Anzer Creek in Rize
    • Saffron grass around Safranbolu
    • Ters reverse Tulip in Erzurum (Karayazı)
  • TURKEY’S 9
    BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS

    IT HAS 9 RARE BIODIVERSITY SPOTS ON EARTH !

    Kure Mountains, Yenice Forests, Istanbul’s Forests, Firtina Valley, Karcal Mountains, Amanos Mountains, Ibradi-Akseki Forests, Mount Babadag and Datca Bozburun Peninsula are among the 9 forest hotspots selected by the World Wildlife Fund.

    9 ENVIRONMENTAL HOTSPOTS

    Turkey has 9 environmental hotspots selected by the World Wildlife Fund as critical to ensure a sustainable ecological footprint. Explore each of the nine forest hotspots and their distinctive characteristics, immerse yourself in nature. Take a walk through the four seasons in Turkey’s forests.

    MEDITERRANEAN REGION

    Ibradi-Akseki Forests: Ibradi-Akseki Forests in southern coast of Turkey have a large number of endemic plant species. The area is highly valued for the maturity of its trees. It also includes the Altinbesik Cave well known with its deep lake.

    Amanos Mountains: Amanos Mountains, one of the most pristine regions of Turkey. The area has the typical flora of the Mediterranean region and is also considered one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world.

    ISTANBUL

    Istanbul’s Forests: With the Belgrade Forest through the north of the city’s European side, which offers main recreational areas for Istanbul, forests on both continents of Istanbul are the oxygen source of the city.

    AEGEAN REGION

    Mount Babadağ: Located around Fethiye, Babadag is nearly 2000 m high and has a rich flora around its famous Butterfly Valley. It also features Oludeniz, Kabak Cove and the Lycian Way.

    Datça - Bozburun Peninsula: Located in the southwestern Turkey, Datca Peninsula is a green-blue paradise where the Mediterranean and the Aegean meet. It features sandy beaches, many natural beauties, ancient cities and wild life.

    BLACK SEA REGION

    Küre Mountains: Kure Mountains are famous with their natural beauties. Deep canyons, endless caves and waterfalls are among the many natural sites of these mountains, which comprise 120 villages in their surroundings.

    Yenice Forests: Located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, Yenice Forests is an emerald green paradise with its untouched, wide and natural old forests, monumental trees, deep valleys, rivers and rich wildlife.

    Firtina Valley: Located near the Kackar Mountains, Firtina Valley is a hidden paradise in the eastern Black Sea region, well known for its natural old forests, fiery Firtina River, Avusor Glacier Lake and Palovit Waterfall.

    Karcal Mountains: Karcal, the mysterious corner of the Caucasus, located in northeastern Turkey. It is time to discover the Karcal Mountains for its endemic plant species, untouched green forests, glacier lakes and unique beauties.

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