The Geopark Potential of Tortum Valley

THE GEOPARK POTENTIAL OF TORTUM VALLEY (ERZURUMTURKEY) AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Faris KARAHAN1, İbrahim KOPAR2, Tuba ORHAN3, Egemen ÇAKIR4
Abstract
Geoparks are places where natural geographical characteristics are found by side and which must
be protected since they have significant scientific value and qualities. One of the places that deserves
to be called “geopark” is the valley of Tortum stream, which form some of the important branches of
river Çoruh, found in Eastern Black Sea part of the Black Sea Region. The mentioned valley has
formed a gorge valley a depth of more than 1000 meters by cutting its way through the point where it
merges with river Çoruh. The formed gorge valley and the places surroundings it have geological,
geomorphologic and hydrological formations belonging to various geological periods. Some of such
formations as Tortum gorge valley, Tortum landslide lake and Tortum waterfall, other landslide lakes
on slide area (called Yedigöller), Uzundere cave, badlands and capped fairy chimney, unique strata in
the valley outcrops of curved and horizontal tectonic structures, floating islands, many seasonal lakes
and waterfalls, climatic and vegetative variety offer natural and perfect views for the onlookers. The
fact that most of these elements are found together or within short distances and that there is no
problem of transportation increase the significance of the area.
The valley and surrounding places, which cover so large on area as to provide local, regional and
economic development through geotourism, include scientifically important and rare places that could
be aesthetic as a geological heritage. A part from the natural formations, there are other values that
could shed light on archeological, historical and cultural past of the area.
The aim of the study is to demonstrate the richness of the area with respect to geopark and
geotourism. Development of the geopark and geotourism model in the area which is like and outdoor
museum, will enable the protection of natural and cultural heritage and provide significant advantages
in terms of regional development.
Key worsd: Tortum Valley, Geopark, Geotourism
Introduction:
Geo-parks are the areas which include natural geographic characteristics required to be
protected due to their significant scientific values and features. Sustainable regional
development, which is one of the main aims of geo-parks, is based directly on geo-tourism.
Just as some innovations, which geo-parks have brought about in nature conservation concept,
geo-tourism has caused new implications in touristic activities. Although there exist many
areas carrying geo-park characteristics in Turkey, problematic situation about this fact is that
they have not yet been officially defined as geo-parks. The only institution to act officially
1
Faris KARAHAN, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk
University, 25240, Erzurum; Tel/Fax: 0-442-231 23 56 / 24 27; e-mail: [email protected]
2
İbrahim KOPAR, Assist. Prof. Dr. Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Literature, Atatürk
University, 25240, Erzurum; Tel/Fax: 0-442-231 40 84 e-mail: [email protected]
3
Tuba ORHAN, Ph. D. Student, Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk
University, 25240, Erzurum; Tel: 05363296629 e-mail: [email protected]
4
Egemen ÇAKIR, Project Director, Eastern Anatolia Tourism Development Project (DATUR);
Tel:05326064096 e-mail: [email protected]
1
about geo – parks in Turkey is the JEMİRKO5, Turkish acronym of Jeolojik Mirası Koruma
Derneği (Society of Geological Heritage Protection ) in the body of Geology Engineering
Department of Ankara University (Gümüş 2008; 26).
Tortum Creek valley and its close proximity deserve being a geo-park with its distinctive
landscape, ecosystem and landscape characteristics. Valley’s itself is even worth seeing due to
narrow sides and deeply carved slopes. In addition, the features such as Tortum landslide
barrier lake and waterfall, sequenced landslide lakes on the landslide mass, (Yedigöller),
Uzundere Cave, badlands and fairy chimney, unique structures of bended and horizontal
tectonic layers in valley mostra, formations of floating island, seasonal lakes and waterfalls at
upper levels of valley and perceptible climate and vegetation diversity in a short distance can
offer natural and limitless experience of watching scenes for visitors.
The aim of this study is to show the richness of Tortum Valley and its close proximity in
the respect of geo-park and geo-tourism and introduce this unique diversity caused by
distinctive landscape characteristics in order to develop rural tourism and improve economic
wealth.
Introduction and development of geo-park and geo – tourism concepts in the area, which
is already a natural outdoor museum with its characteristics, and formation of a tourism
development model based on the protection of natural and cultural heritage may cause many
beneficial results as for regional economic development .
Method and Materials
In order to determine the potential of Tortum Valley for geo-tourism and being a geopark, almost all documented materials related to the area were reviewed. The area was
surveyed several times on different dates, features which can play a basic role for the area to
be a geo-park were photographed and all the data from the area was processed and recorded in
order to draw a map. In addition, thematic maps are currently being drawn for this aim. An
additional aim is to expand the study area by involving whole area of Tortum Creek
watershed
The area was assessed for geo-tourism potentials taking the studies by Gürlek (2002) and
Önder and Polat (2004) into consideration and using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats) analysing method.
Natural Geographic Characteristics of Tortum Creek Watershed
Tortum Creek Watershed, lying between Mescit Mountains in North Anatolia Orogenic
Zone and Kargapazarı Mountains an important mass of Erzurum – Kars Plateau, is governed
from the cities of Erzurum and Artvin in part.
Watershed exhibits a highly broken relief due to the events having occurred in the
morpho – tectonic evolution of Anatolia from Paleozoic up to date. As the consequence of the
collision of two continents, sediments accumulated in Tetis geosynclinals moved upward by
twisting and orogenic zones have been formed. Afterwards, crust deformations in following
faulting caused creeks among mountains extending roughly from east to west. A deep
sediment cluster was formed in these watersheds, which were occupied by seas and lakes
5
JEMİRKO: Society of the conservation of geological Heritage. Main aim of the Society established in 2000 is
to make National Geo-site and Geo- heritage Inventory of Turkey, in addition to the geo – park feasibility
surveys carried out by independent researchers in different areas (Kula-Manisa).
2
from time to time, with the precipitation of flysch and limestone. The old base was covered
partially by basalt and andesite formed in Miocene and Pliocene by volcanism.
Compressional tectonic was effective in north-eastern part of Anatolia, where the study
area is located. With this effect, the region heightened and curled up, broke and was exposed
to subsidence and rising movements. Upon these processes, surface waters carved deeply the
area and opened valleys causing plateaus. Tortum Valley proposed to be a geo-park area is the
work of Tortum creek which eroded its bank deeply according to tectonic theory.
Tortum creek, which is included in East Black Sea part of Black Sea Region and one of
the most important branches of Çoruh River, rises from the east sides of Dumlu Mountains
(3169 m) in the south of Mescit Mountains (3239 m). This stream, which is fed by runoffs
from thawing snow and springs, is among the streams with simple water regimen. In spite of
seasonal variability, mean flow rate6 is between 2.6 and 12.7 m³/sn. The period when the
creek flows fastest is between April and June when snow melting and heavy rainfall are seen.
The creek flows into Oltu Creek at a point called Su Kavuşumu nearly 60 km northeast
flowing into Çoruh River afterwards.
Tortum Creek has caused a narrow strait valley carved about 1000 m along its
watercourse with a canyon appearance. Fluvial effects and processes have also played
important roles on the valley to be carved so deeply as well as tectonic events.
Lithology of the valley and its proximity are composed of old Mesozoic and Tertiary
rocks. Ophiolitic rocks take place in the base. Ophiolits, which can be seen in long distance
along Tortum Valley, were formed by expanding of basic and ultra-basic magma at the
bottom of sea in geosynclinals zones beginning from Mezozoic onwards. fylschs, which have
a large expanding area on ophiolites, include Jura-Cretaceous old volcanic blocks, Akçadağlar
Formation7, (Atalay et al. 1984: 33: Duman 2009; 68). Mount Dumlu, where Tortum Creek
rises is composed of basalt and andesite mostras can be encountered along the valley. The
area, where Tortum Creek flows into Çoruh River, consists of Sub – Mesozoic old peridotite,
serpentine, gabbro and basalt (ophiolites).
Study area has climatic features of passage areas, which shows the characteristics of
humid Black Sea and continental East Anatolia climate types. Mean annual rainfall is between
300 and 1200 mm. Significant amount of rainfall falls in spring. Mean annual temperature is
13 to 14 °C. However, climatic elements show considerable differences between Tortum
Valley and high mountainous areas. In the lower parts of the valley (between Tortum Dam
and Su Kavuşumu area), modified Mediterranean type climate can be seen. Temperature
ranges from 12 to 15°C in summer in mountainous areas, it is above 30°C in the valley, which
affects vegetation characteristics.
Different grassy plants, steppes with anthropogenic trees, and forests can be seen in the
area depending on the elevation and climatic features. Alpine and subalpine rangeland can be
seen in Mescit Mountains surrounding the north of watershed and Kargapazarı Mountains in
the north of the area. Partial Scotch pine forests are present together with anthropogenic
steppes (Atalay et al. 1984; 81). Juniper and shrubby species are seen along the valley base.
Azonal and intrazonal soil types are prevalent in the area. Limy, sandy and pebbly
intrazonal soils are seen on flysch and limestone. This soil without good horizon (A - C) is
6
Turkish State Aquatic Service flow measurement tables. Data from Dikyar station.
See for details of the natural geographic characteristics of Tortum Creek Watershed: Atalay, İ., Tetik, M., and
Yılmaz, Ö., 1985, Ecosystems of Northeast Anatolia, Forestry Research Institution Publications, Technical
Bulletin Series No: 141, Ankara.
7
3
exposed to erosion and shallow. Main rock mass can be seen in many region. In high
mountainous areas, intrazonal high mountain – rangeland soil can be seen. In the volcanic
areas, composed of basalt and andesite, lithosols are seen on the surface. Alluvial and
kolluvial from azonal soil group can be seen in the areas subjected to floods.
Figure 1. Location of the study area (Erzurum-Turkey)
Elements of Visual Values in the Area
There are geologic, geomorphologic and hydrologic formations in the area. Among these
elements having visual quality value and directly related to valley are; Tortum Valley, Tortum
landslide barrier lake, Tortum waterfall and small lakes in landslide zone (Yedigöller).
elements related to the sides of the valley are surfaces of badlands and fairy chimney, micro
and macro formations with folding tectonic structures, colourful organogenesis clusters and
pillow lava mostras. In addition, the cave in Uzundere, floating island formations in the
southeast of Tortum district centre, seasonal lakes and waterfalls in high areas, climatic and
vegetative alterations in a short distance can be counted among the elements which can
contribute to the geotourism potentials of the area. Brief summary of these values are as
follows.
The Tortum Gorge: Tortum Creek formed a strait valley by crossing anticlines and
synclinals. That is why; the valley has an epigenetic (Suremposed) character (Photo 1. A-B).
The valley begins from the south east of Tortum district centre and extends Su Kavuşumu
point where Tortum Creek flows into Oltu Creek running roughly in north east direction
(Fugure 2). Valley is nearly 60 km in length. Valley shows strait valley features beginning
4
from the southwest of Uzundere (Derekapı Village). Wideness of the Valley ranges from 100
to 1200 m depending on formation characteristics and slope. The Valley is carved on
Mesozoic and Tertiary old schist and its most deeply carved parts are on fylschs including
Jura-Cretaceous old volcanic blocks (Akçadağlar Formation). The Creek flows forming
meanders inharmoniously in the area. This condition has caused the valley to have a bending
and buried appearance. In the part of valley to Uzundere, it is in a form of cutting valley.
After a wide profile part, valley comes to Tortum Lake. The lake was formed by a mass cut
off from Kemerli Mount and obscured Tortum Valley. After passing the barrier the creek
flows into Hatka (Tevs) stream through a narrow strait (Figure 1). The part between Ulubağ
village located on landslide mass and the Dam was cut by a landslide. In this part, narrow and
deep valley parts attract attention. Perhaps the most attracting part of Tortum Valley is
between Ulubağ Village and Su Kavuşumu area. Narrow and deep view in this part of the
Valley has values with high scenic value. Valley profile in the shape of “V” turned to be “U”
and this characteristic continues until Oltu Creek.
Various small folding beams can be seen on valley sides which can be evaluated to be
tectonic traces. Such structures are seen in compressed folding areas which show
anticlinorium and synclinorium characters.
Folding Structure and Design of Folding Types: Considerably thick flysch, layers of
sand – clay, limestone having settled in Jura-Cretaceous periods are present on discordantly
on the Cretaceous ofiyolits in the base of the valley. Sediments collected in maritime facials
have gradual structures forming Jura type folding (Atalay 1982: 17). These clusters extending
from north to south under the effect of compression tectonic and rising up to the sea surface
by bending and folding caused anticlinal and synclinal. This folding and bending structure
was carved nearly 1000 m and eroded along sheds. Therefore, height of anticlinal became
lower than synclinal on valley sides. In other words, anticlinals and synclinals gained a
contrast appearance, which is called Inversion of Relief in geology. It is possible to see the
effect of erosion process on the formation area considering erosion process in Neotectonic
period (Miocene-Quaternary). Inversion of Relief can be seen more clearly in the south
southeast part of the valley (Mt. Akdağ).
Folding types seen mostly with the effect of compressed tectonic in anticlinorium and
synclinorium structures of maritime originated layers are symmetrical, asymmetrical,
isoclinals, horizontal, conic, zigzagged (an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in
alternating directions) and irregular (Photo 1. C-D).
Plates taking place in the sides of valley shows different thickness. Plate series from 1 cm
up to 1 m exhibits horizontal clusters. Plates have textures with the same sizes and are regular
and homogenous. Up and lower plains of plates developed parallel to the sedimentation
surface. Such regular and close stratigraphic structure is very interesting.
A rough surface design is seen on sides eroded differently. Relief is just like a relief map.
Vertical layers are seen as pyramidal hills. Layer heads on western part of anticlinal deepened
by stream formed shapes like questa and hogbacks, which are seen in monoclinal tectonic
structures. These extensions can sometimes cause human silhouettes when the angle of sun is
suitable.
Tortum Landslide Barrier Lake: The lake was formed by a mass of 180 to 223 million
m³ coming from Kemerli Mount (2770 m) and closing Tortum Valley (Lahn 1939; 4: Atalay
1979-1980; 58: Atalay 1988: 22: Duman 2009; 68). The lake is the largest barrier lake of
Turkey (Photo 1. E). Its drainage area is 1820 km² (Duman 2009: 66). Surface area of the lake
5
is 5.5 km² and it expands 500 to 1000 m² after snow melt. Depth of the lake varies from 90 to
95 m (Atalay 1979–1980) and elevation of water surface is 1010 m (Atalay 1979–1980: 58).
A power plant is run using lake water.
The most important problem of Lake Tortum is siltation. Creek carries about 2.5 million
m³ alluvia to the lake (Atalay 1979-1980: 58). A large siltation delta has been formed at the
beginning point of the lake. Thin materials carried cause dam reservoirs to get narrower and
complete their economic life (Güresinli 1978; 51). Siltation delta which is clear in summer
can be seen as an example showing the extents of erosion in a natural area. a green area was
formed by rooted plants carried away by flood.
There are some small – large lakes on the landslide material near Ulubağ village. The area
called Seven Lakes is in Ulubağ village. These lakes add recreational potentials to the area.
Tortum Waterfalls: It is in Çağlayanlı village, Uzundere and among the highest
waterfalls of Turkey (Photo 1. F). Water is collected behind barrier and flows over it and form
waterfall. Water flows through slope break 2 km north east of landslide barrier and falls 48.5
m from surface (1.5 m) into a shallow pit (1.5 m) and runs into Hatka stream after that it
reaches its old valley to Çoruh.
Drowned Bay and Sides: Water collected behind landslide barrier drowned bays and
sides where soil is composed of flysch, sand and clay. Plates seem to rise above water (Photo
1. G).
Sharp Ridges, Badlands Surfaces and Fairy Chimneys: Sub – branches and floods
caused erosion in unresisting soil composed of marl, flish and limestone and formed gully
type crevice on sides. Considerably sharp ridges between crevices, which form watersheds,
are attracting attention. Collections of shapes unique to badlands are seen on clay limestone.
The most important of them is fairy chimney without cap (Photo 1. H). Some of them are 15
to 20 m.
Plates with Pyramidal Heads: water infiltrating into the gaps between flysch and plates
composed of sandy – clay limestone increases the separation speed and plates are eroded.
There are plates with pyramidal heads and oxidized yellow and reddish plate surfaces in the
picture (Photo 2. A-B). Reflection of sunlight in red from stones is very charming.
Colourful Organogenic Clusters and Pillow Lava: Series with ophiolites were formed
by expanding of basic and ultra-basic magma at the bottom of sea in geosynclinals zones
beginning from Mesozoic onwards. Silicon content of magma was solved in sea water and
skeletons of living things in the sea caused green – red and bluish radiolarian sediments
(Photo 2. C-D). These sediments were removed by the embarkation, being pushedembarkation type movements during Alp orogenic movements together with other sediments
and ophiolitic schist under sea (Atalay 1982; 18-19). Typical colourful mostras in the north
and northeast parts of the valley are good examples.
Pillow type lava, which was caused by basic and ultra-basic lava expanding at the bottom
of sea in Upper Cretaceous in Kaledibi Village and Yusufeli crossroad, showed mostra after
Tortum Creek carved the terrain (Photo 2. E). This condition is especially important for
millions – year old submarine volcanic activity to be seen.
Other natural formations worth seeing are agglomeratic formation and floating islands in
Zök Lake (Bulut et al. 2008: 226).
Bride Rock and Dayks: A large area in East Anatolia Region was exposed to volcanic
activity between Miocene and Quaternary (Yılmaz 1985: 79). Prevalent schist of surface
6
volcanism in the upper part of the watershed is basalt with greyish black colour, tinny grain
and gaseous holes. Hot liquid basic lava coming through fissures covered and hid broken
topography and placed on Oligocene-Miocene sediments with discordance. Cornices are seen
along the Valley like a wall. Other prevalent volcanic products in the area are agglomerate
and tufa (Acar 1975; 34). Some parts of agglomerates have taken interesting shapes due to
erosion. Local people call these structures bride rock in a legendary manner. There is such a
formation in the east of Tortum district centre. Inner eruptive magmas following fissures were
cooled before reaching surface and formed plutonic structures such as sill and dayks. After
the erosion of soil surrounding them, they remained in their places and since they are stiffer.
Such kinds of plutonic shapes show the forms of fissures they filled and exhibit different
colour and structure from the surface. These interesting structures can be seen in especially
the road constructions.
Figure 2. Physical map of Tortum Lake and Tortum valley its surrounding.
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Zökün Lake and Floating Islands: There are six floating islands in the lake of Zökün,
formed on an old landslide unit between ısohypse of 1890 - 1900 m in the east of Tortum
(Photo 2. F). This landslide lake is a small lake with a length of 71 m and a wide of 38 m.
Floating islands have been formed by root cages of deep rooted plants such as grass and canes
near swamps and lakes filled with sand, clay, silt and organic elements. Since the blocks are
composed of organic materials in the rate of 60 – 70 %, they can float in the water. Leaves of
canes can serve as sail; these blocks can move even with a slight wind (Bulut et al 2008; 226229). The area where the lake and the islands are present can not be reached easily and people
who want to see there have to walk 500 to 600 m.
In addition to the points mentioned above, activities directly and indirectly based on water
(sailing, water ski, fishing and rafting and picnicking and camping) and recreational activities
are very common (Orhan, 2008; 66-72).
SWOT Analysis
Characteristics of the area have been evaluated in order to introduce its potentials for
being a geo-park and geo-tourism by reviewing previous studies (Orhan 2008: 134-137).
Characteristics of the area are presented as follows dividing them according to the method.
Strengths
1. Location of Tortum Valley on Erzurum – Artvin state highway passing through a
corridor, which solves transportation problems of the area,
2. Existence of significant areas such as the Mountains of Mescit, Kaçkar, Karçal and
Yalnızçam in the area for alpinism enthusiasts to visit due to closeness of the area to
the fourth glaciers on high mountains,
3. Large surface area of untouched natural areas,
4. The fact that the area exhibits outdoor laboratory characteristics with its geologic,
geomorphologic and hydrographical structures,
5. Existence of Tortum Waterfall, which is among the highest waterfalls in Turkey and
the world,
6. The fact that the area includes the points where distinctive scenes can be experienced,
7. The fact that the area harbours unique examples for excursions with educational and
scientific purposes,
8. Existence of unique vegetation layers which can be seen clearly; plant diversity
(species from Phyto – geographic regions of Euro – Siberian, Irano – Turanian and
Mediterranean); and endemic plant species,
9. Existence of suitable trekking, horse riding and camping areas,
10. Closeness to Çoruh River, one of the most important rafting centres,
11. Closeness to Atatürk University, which is a regional university, which can provide
data base and consultancy,
12. Closeness to Palandoken Winter Tourism Centre equipped with a strong infrastructure
due to UNIVERSIADE (World University Games or World Student Games),
13. Lying on three important bird migration routes in Turkey
14. Closeness to Çayırtepe – Kösemehmet (Erzurum) wetland, which is an important
wetland where 375 bird species inhabit.
15. Rich potentials for religion and culture tourism (Öşvank Church, Ağcakale and other
values)
16. Potentials for recreational activities based on water
8
17. Areas with the potentials of photo - and jeep safari,
18. Sparse population density
19. Diversity in local food, dishes and crafts
20. Friendly and tolerant native people.
Opportunities
1. High potentials of alternative tourism types and different ecotourism activities
2. 2011 Winter Universiade to be held in Erzurum,
3. Willingness of native people for taking part in ecotourism activities
4. Cultural and natural tissue of the area which can be made suitable with conservation
and restoration,
5. Plantation and Rehabilitation of Çoruh Valley Project being conducted by Ministry of
Environment and Forestry granted by Japanese Government costing 25 Billion Euros
6. Continuing Tourism Development in East Anatolia Project, DATUR,
7. Panel called Sultansekisi (to be) held by ER-VAK and Uzundere Municipality on 4
July 2010 with the participation of Ertuğrul Günay, Minister of Tourism at Tortum
Waterfall,
8. Financial supports granted by Northeast Anatolia Development Agency and Rural
Development Agency for tourism
9. Nearly finished partial works on Erzurum – Uzundere highway,
10. Studies, surveys and excursion activities conducted by Atatürk University on
ecotourism.
Weakness
1. The fact that the area has not yet been defined as geo-park and does not have a
conservation statue,
2. Irregular regime of water flowing from Tortum waterfall
3. Property rights of Tortum waterfall belongs to a person,
4. The area’s lacking of advertisement and marketing for ecotourism
5. Underdeveloped touristic service sector.
Threats
1. Harms from soil erosion to natural environment, floods, landslides and sedimentation
in Tortum lake,
2. Long winters,
3. Presence of some parts on Erzurum – Artvin state highway, where there is the
possibility of rock falling in the direction of Tortum Dam and Ulubağ village,
4. Landslide risk,
5. Erosion liability of the lithology,
6. Environmental pollution (lake sedimentation, sewage discharge, waste disposal to
Tortum creek and other streams)
7. Risk of the deterioration in nature due to unplanned and excessive ecotourism
activities
9
Photo 1. Characteristics offering visual values in Tortum valley proposed to be geo-park; A-B.
Tortum Creek and Gorge Valley, C – D. Folding structure and designs of folding types. E. Tortum
landslide barrier lake, F. Tortum Waterfall, G. Suffocated bay and hillsides, H. Badland surfaces and
fairy chimney.
10
Photo 2. Characteristics offering visual values in Tortum valley proposed to be geo-park; A – B.
Pyramidal hill and peaks, C – D. Colourful organogenesis (Radiolarian) clusters, E. Pillow lavas, F.
Zökün Lake and Floating islands.
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Conclusion
Tortum Creek Watershed is an area candidate for being a geo-park. This area exhibits rich
geologic, geomorphologic and hydrologic characteristics having natural visual value.
This study was carried out to draw a different perspective in order to use the concept of
geo-park for the diversification of tourism types in the region by combining the geologic,
geomorphologic and hydrographical structures with the synergy for economic development.
The concepts of “geo-park” and “geologic heritage” have been introduced to public agenda in
order to provide possible supports from regional development agency, Northeast Anatolia
Development Agency (Turkish acronym KUDAKA); Atatürk University; Rural Development
Agency; a continuing project, DATUR; and Ministry Tourism for the advertisement of the
area for alternative tourism purposes. A project called Development of Tourism in East
Anatolia (DATUR) has already been trying for three years to determine ecotourism
characteristics of Tortum Creek Watershed with the coordination of UNDP and Turkish State
Ministry of Tourism and efforts are currently being spent on the detection of trekking routes,
bird watching points, suitable areas for botanic tourism, butterfly watching, wild fruits and
recreational potentials based on water to offer these values for the use of tourism.
These kinds of studies are important to improve economic condition based on rural
tourism and create an effective strategic tourism model.
Acknowledgement
Special thanks to Cüneyt Oğuztüzün, photographer of Atlas Magazine, for providing
visual materials (Photo 1. A, B, C, D, E, F and Photo 2. A, B, C, D).
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