Property in Turkey | National Parks in Turkey

Turkey has 33 national parks, all of which the tourism ministry deems to be of "great interest to visitors".

In addition to these 33, there are 16 areas recognised as nature reserves or natural parks, which are treasured for their "aesthetic, botanical and scientific value", as well as their cultural and natural qualities.

"These natural areas can provide a welcome break from the busy atmosphere of Turkey's cities and resorts," adds the ministry.

The first of Turkey's national parks was established in 1958 and soon expanded to the current number, many of which contain interesting flora and fauna in addition to archaeological remains in others.

National parks in Turkey are spread around the country, with six on the Mediterranean, five in central Anatolia, three located in Marmara, a further three on the Black Sea, two on the Aegean and two in eastern Anatolia. They vary in size and while most are based in forested areas, others such as the Munzur Valley and Baskomutan are in the Turkish steppes.

One of the most famous national parks in Turkey is Kuscenneti, which is regarded as having a significant ecological structure with its wetlands in the south to the Marmara region. It also has a European Diploma, first given in 1965, which is given to protected areas with "outstanding scientific, cultural or aesthetic qualities" that are also subject to conservation schemes. The park of Lake Kus fulfils these criteria and only 60 European areas have won this prestigious award.

Yet the other national parks in Turkey are still well worth a visit and maintained to a high standard. Yozgat, around 130 miles from Ankara, has Camlik, an islet of forests near the ancient city and attracted many people to go there to view the total solar eclipse of March 29^th 2006.

Meanwhile, the city of Isparta is fortunate in having two parks, Kovada and Kizildag, made of bays and beaches as well as cedar forests.

Turkey is keen to preserve its natural heritage, which draws in scores of tourists from around the world each year. In the four years between 1987 and 1991, 23 areas became designated as nature preserves, which are smaller than national parks but still of interest due to their natural characteristics.

In addition, 1990 legislation meant that 12 regions are now special areas of environmental protection which will ensure that construction will not encroach on them. This includes Mugla-Koycegiz-Dalyan where Caretta caretta lay their eggs, while Pamukkale is protected owing to its calcareous sediment. By contrast, Ihlara Valley is protected not because of a natural feature but because of it being a site of early Christian dwelling and container of churches and temples filled with frescoes.

Other areas are protected to ensure that animals have safeguards, with 40 such designations to make certain that endangered animals do not become extinct. This means that fallow deer, the northern bald ibis, wild goats and other creatures are protected for future generations to see.

Those looking to buy property in Turkey can experience these stunning natural parks in Turkey and be assured that the natural beauty of the area they’re buying in will be preserved.