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Rivers in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean
Region
Köprülüçay River
Emerging from the Toros (Taurus) Mountains and running
through a number of amazing canyons, Köprücay
flows into the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Serik.
Fed by underground springs in gorges that cut through steep,
impassable canyons, the Köprücay constitutes one
of Turkey's most beautiful natural recreation areas. The
numerous archaeological sites in the area, especially the
ancient city of Selge (Zerk), the fortresses on the banks
of the river, arched Roman bridges and historic roads add
to the significance of the Köprülü Canyon.
Köprücay is reached from Antalya via Serik, Tasagìl
and Beskonak. Those coming from Manavgat can reach Beskonak
via Tasagìl. The asphalt road to Beskonak follows
the Köprücay in places.
Köprülü Canyon National Park covers 36,000
hectares, including part of Köprücay and the ancient
city of Selge. As well as being Turkey's largest forest
of Mediterranean Cypress, the National Park is also rich
in red-pine, black-pine, cedar, fir, oak and wild olive
trees. The wild animals in the region include fallow deer,
wild goat, wild boar, bear, wolf, fox, rabbit and various
bird species. One can find red speckled trout in the upper
reaches and gray mullet in other parts of the Köprücay.
COURSE
Approximately 100 m before the Oluk Bridge, the water is
still and the river forms a pool. This is a good spot to
start your trip and gives unexperienced crew time to get
used to the rowing technique. The bridge is reached by paddling
against the current.
Less experienced groups usually enter the canyon from the
Oluk Bridge, while professionals may do so either from the
falls near the start or from the Oluk Bridge, turning around
further ahead to start the trip. The course continues after
passing the falls and leaving behind places with class 2-3.
The falls along the river add to the beauty of the landscape.
After each waterfall the Köprücay slows down,
giving time to enjoy the majestic setting.
A concrete bridge appears 10 km down the river. Novices
should complete their journey immediately before this bridge.
Experienced sportsmen can continue into the first canyon
after the concrete bridge, but the second canyon is strickly
off limits since the river runs under rocks in paces. After
disembarking at the end of the first canyon, which is about
3 km long, walk on the left bank to reach an asphalt road.
WHAT TO SEE
Located in the province of Antalya where Turkey's natural,
historical and archaeological reaches are the most developed,
the Köprücay basin offers a wide variety of possibilities.
Those interested in river sports can also enjoy all other
activities the region has to offer, including jeep safaris
and trekking through the Köprülü Canyon National Park during
the summer. There are unpretentious restaurants and small
inns on both banks of the river near Beskonak and Oluk Bridge.
The ancient city of Selge (Zerk) can be reached over 12
km of dirt road, crossing the impressive Roman Oluk Bridge.
Karain Magarasi (Cave), the Greco-Roman cities of Aspendos,
Perge, Phaselis and Termessos, and the Kursunlu and Düdenbasi
waterfalls are among the most interesting places to see
in this area.
The interesting morphological formations of the caves of
Papazkayasi, Geyikbayiri, Kücükdipsiz, Büyükdipsiz and Peynirdeligi
have been designated for development as tourist attractions.
Manavgat River
Manavgat River flows 90 km from the eastern slopes of the
western Toros (Taurus) mountains, passes over hard conglomerated
strata, forms the Manavgat Falls and then enters the coastal
plain to empty into the Mediterranean Sea.
In the spring, the waters of the Manavgat run full and
clear, augmented by underground springs in the canyons it
passes through, until the river's force is interrupted by
the Oymapinar Dam. The upper reaches of the Manavgat can
be reached by taking the Manavgat-Alanya highway to the
east and turning north towards Akseki 10 km after passing
the town of Manavgat. Four kms before Akseki, turn off towards
Ibradi to reach the Sahap bridge, the starting point for
river sports.
Among the many caves in the area, the most interesting
is the Altinbesik cave discovered by geologist Dr. Temucin
Aygen. Annual explorations have extended the known part
of this cave to 2,200 m. The cave contains fascinating lakes,
stalactites and stalagmites.
The area is excellent for mountain biking, trekking and
cliff parachuting in the vicinity of Irbadi and Ormana.
The area also hosts a large population of wild goat, wild
boar, rabbit, red legged partridge and many other birds.
COURSE
The selection of a starting point in Manavgat River is determined
by the level and velocity of the water. Under favorable
conditions, the start can be made near Sahap bridge in the
vicinity of Ibradi.
River sports on the Manavgat are dangerous for novices.
Groups should be accompanied by professionals and a local
guide.
The best place for rafting and canoeing on the Manavgat
is the 19 km stretch between Sahap bridge and the village
of Sevinc, where the river cuts steep, sometimes impenetrable
gorges through the canyons.
1st Canyon
The river flows swiftly through the first canyon situated
between Sahap bridge and Altinbesik cave, augmented by an
underground spring 500 m before the canyon. Padelling here
is a memorable adventure. Those who do not wish to enter
the second canyon may disembark near Altinbesik cave. From
there, a path leads to the village of Ürünlü in the west
and to Mentesbey in the east.
2nd Canyon
The second canyon is accessible from Altinbesik Cave. Banked
by impregnable cliffs, this canyon stretches to the village
of Sinanhoca. At the end of the canyon, the riverbed widens,
providing a rest area and disembarkation point.
The falls prior to Sinanhoca, located towards the end of
the second canyon, are very dangerous. The waters flow underneath
and on both sides of a huge boulder. This part must be portaged.
3rd Canyon
The third canyon begins after Sinanhoca, the river passes
through several falls before it exists the canyon near Sevinc,
completing your trip down the Manavgat.
This course runs through three canyons and involves passing
through smaller and bigger class 3-4-5 waterfalls. As soon
as the sound of the falls is heard, the group must stop
ashore to determine the best passage. When passage is impossible,
canoes should be carried on shore or guided by rope, resuming
the course after skipping the dangerous part.
The river slows down between the falls, providing an opportunity
to admire the natural grandeur of the area. When traveling
through the canyons, there are moments when it is impossible
to see the sun even at noon. During breaks, the beauty of
the untouched environment and the gurgle of bubbling underground
springs are unforgettable.
If the water level is too low for canoeing in the vicinity
of Sahap bridge, gear can be carried to the area around
Altinbesik cave via Ürünlü, and the course
resumed from there.
WHAT TO SEE
In addition to river sports, the environs of the Manavgat
river provide ample opportunities for other sports such
as mountain biking, cliff parachuting, and trekking.
The old-style houses of Ibradi attract the attention of
tourists who come to the area by jeep to eat speckled trout.
Renowned for white and black grapes, the cool air of Ibradi
refreshes those exhausted from the heat of the coastal plain.
Altinbesik Cave, located in the vicinity of Ürünlü
in the Toros (Taurus) mountains, 9 km from Ibradi, is frequently
visited by speleologists.
Another popular tourist attraction is Manavgat Falls on
the road to Oymapinar Dam, 5 km from the town of Manavgat,
one of Turkey's most famous waterfalls.
Alarahan, a well-preserved 13th century Seljuk caravanserai
built by Alaaddin Kaykubad on the bank of Alara creek, is
situated to the east of Manavgat. A little further on, the
ruins of the Alara fortress crown the peak.
The classical city of Side, one of the oldest and largest
of the Greco-Roman cities in the region, includes an amphitheater,
arched galleries and baths as well as temples dedicated
to Athena and Apollon.
The ruins of Seleucia, north of Manavgat, contains baths,
a two-story agora on the slope of the acropolis, a market,
small temple and necropolis.
Anamur (Dragon) River
Anamur (Dragon) River originates as an underground river
from the Catalyatak, Yellice and Kizcagiz hills on the slopes
of the Toros (Taurus) mountains. The underground spring
erupts in several geysers close to the village of Sugözü,
spraying water hundreds of meters high. The water level
of the river is highest in spring, falling in summer. North
of its source, enclosed basins and chasms can be seen.
The 35 km long Anamur river is joined by the Kas, Masat
and Gökce streams before flowing into the Mediterranean
Sea through a deep river bed.
The surrounding mountains of Anamur are covered with red-pine,
black-pine, cedar, fir,juniper and oak trees. Wild goat,
wild boar, wild sheep, wolf, jackal, wild duck, wild goose,
partridge, eagle, falcon, peregrine falcons and hawks live
in the higher altitudes, and speckled trout populate the
waters running through the forest.
COURSE
Anamur Cayi is suitable for canoeing and rafting. The best
place to start an expedition is at the junction of Kilic
creek, finishing at the historic Alaköprü bridge 10 km to
the south.
The start of the course is accessible by a stabilized road
that runs 15 km to Caltibükü from the junction
at of the Anamur-Ermenek highway. When setting out from
here, one should watch for stones and tree roots in the
water. Generally class 1-2 water has some class 3 rapids
when the water is high.
WHAT TO SEE
Anamur is a beautiful town, attractive for its natural setting
and wealth of historical ruins. Ancient Anamur (Anemuriiium)
is located at the end of a 2 km road leading towards the
sea off the Anamur-Gazipasa highway. The city, which is
surrounded by a wall, encompasses churches, baths, cemeteries,
ancient theater, Odeon and colorful mosaics.
The fortress of Mamure, built by the Romans and repaired
in Seljuk and Ottoman periods, boasts 36 towers, a moat,
three courtyards and an old mosque. The fortress is located
on Anamur-Icel highway.
Continuing past the Mamure fortress, the forest meets the
sea and one enters the Pullu Mesire Yeri, used by the Forestry
Department as a camping site and day recreational area.
This is one of the few beaches where sea turtles (caretta
caretta) come to lay their eggs.
Kösekbükü Cave, located in the vicinity
of Ovabasi near Anamur is interesting for its stalactites
and stalagmites. The cave is lit and open to public. The
Cukurpinar Cave, in the vicinity of Sugözü, approximately
70 km north of Anamur, is being explored by speleologists.
In 1992, members of the Cave Exploration Club of Bosphorus
University went down to 1,149 m here.
The area after the Seljuk Alaköprü bridge up to Sugözü
is excellent for trekking. The region provides opportunities
for mountain biking, cliff parachuting, delta-wing sports
and jeep safaris.
Göksu River
The Göksu is the most important river in the province
of Icel, originating in two branches from the Central Toros
(Taurus) mountain range. The southern branch starts at Geyik
Mountains, and the other branch at Haydar Mountains. These
two branches unite to the south of Mut to form the Göksu
river. The 260 km long river forms a delta between Tasucu
and Silifke as it flows into the Mediterranean. The river
forms lagoons at Akgöl and Paradeniz on the coast between
Silifke and Tasucu.
The Göksu Delta is regarded by the International Council
for Bird Protection (ICBP) as a major bird refuge in Europe
and the Middle East. More than 300 bird species inhabit
the Göksu Delta. It is the primary reproduction area
in Turkey for reed rooster, summer duck, flamingo, heron,
pelican, ruddy shelduck, francolin, spurred pewit, long
legged marsh swallow, Izmir kingfisher, bee eater, mustached
reed nightingale and the white throat warbler.
The Göksu Delta has also a special significance for
being one of the few remaining areas in the world where
sea turtles (caretta caretta, chelonias mydas) and the blue
crabs (callinectes sapidus) lay their eggs.
The Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry
of Environment has declared the Göksu delta as a Special
Environmental Protection Zone to protect the environment
against pollution and exploitation, and to ensure that natural
resources and cultural assets are transferred to future
generations without being spoilt. Furthermore, as one of
the best preserved
wetlands in the world, the Göksu Delta is expected
to be included in the list of the Ramsar Convention for
Wetlands of International Importance signed by 45 countries,
including Turkey. Wild goat, wild boar, partridge and rabbit
inhabit the mountains in the Göksu basin.
There lower slopes are covered with laurel bushes, oleanders
and brushwood.Sandalwoods, mastic trees, Margosa trees,
furze and holly oak trees start at 500 m and red-pine forests
above 1,000 m.
COURSE
The wide river bed of the Göksu is suitable for all types
of river sports, with class 1-2. Its calm waters are recommended
for beginners.
The 90 km section between Derincay and Degirmendere is
the best place for river sports in the Göksu River.
Derincay is reached by the road heading west 3 km north
of Mut on the Karaman-Silifke highway. The 14 km section
between the bridges near to the villages of Kislaköy
and Kargicak features short canyons and an interesting landscape.
After passing this section, the course may be completed
near Degirmendere.
WHAT TO SEE
Adorned with orange, lemon and banana plantations, the history
of Icel province dates way back to the Neolithic period.
Yümüktepe Höyügü (Tumulus) in the Soguksu valley is the
most vivid evidence of this history.
The most interesting places to visit are Kanlidivane (Kanytelis),
Korykos, Kiz Kalesi (Maiden's Fortress) in Erdemli; Cennet-Cehennem
Obrugu (Hell-and-Paradise Steep), Silifke and Tokmar Fortress
in Silifke; Mamure Fortress in Anamur; Mut Fortress and
Alahan in Mut; Cleopatra Gate, St.Paul Church, St.Paul Well
which is believed to contain therapeutic waters and Yediuyurlar
Cave, and Viransehir (Pompeiopolis) near Mersin.
The Göksu basin offers year-round tourism due to its
topographic structure, flora and fauna and mild climate.
Worldwide famous rafting sportsmen, as well as members
of the national and international press, will gather to
promote the region during the "Rafting Coruh"
event. The popularity of rafting will enhance the potential
of tourism in Turkey, and the sportsmen will enjoy this
most exciting sport in one of the most spectacuullar natural
settings of the world.
Activities
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